Smash It Up: The Anthology 1976–1987 cover

Smash It Up: The Anthology 1976–1987

The Damned · 2002

134 min · 35 tracks · new wave · punk · gothic rock

A frenetic blend of punk energy, gothic undertones, and melodic hooks that defined a generation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • dynamic progression through tracks
  • cathartic energy release moments
  • for nostalgic sing-alongs
  • late-night party ignition vibes

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer slow, reflective music
  • seek long, immersive compositions

Where this album fits

Themes
punk rebellion· gothic undertones· political commentary
Career context
By the time 'Smash It Up: The Anthology 1976–1987' was released in 2002, The Damned had already cemented their legacy as pioneers of punk rock. This compilation arrives after a series of lineup changes and stylistic evolutions, encompassing their influential early works and showcasing their ability to fuse punk with gothic and new wave elements.
Stylistic neighbors
Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Cure· Bauhaus
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Juju by Siouxsie and the Banshees — Combines punk's raw energy with gothic textures and dark, introspective themes.
Faith by The Cure — Shares a moody atmosphere and lyrical depth, blending post-punk with haunting melodies.
In the Flat Field by Bauhaus — Explores darker themes with a punk sensibility, merging gothic aesthetics and driving rhythms.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 New Rose 2:45
  • 2 Help 1:44
  • 3 Neat Neat Neat 2:44
  • 4 See Her Tonite 2:31
  • 5 Fan Club 2:58
  • 6 I Fall 2:08
  • 7 I Feel Alright 4:29
  • 8 Feel the Pain 3:39
  • 9 Stretcher Case 2:16
  • 10 Problem Child 2:15
  • 11 Don’t Cry Wolf 3:15
  • 12 Your Eyes 2:53
  • 13 Creep (You Can’t Fool Me) 2:17
  • 14 Idiot Box 4:55
  • 15 Love Song 2:05
  • 16 Smash It Up, Part 1 1:59
  • 17 Smash It Up, Part 2 2:56
  • 18 Machine Gun Etiquette 1:51
  • 19 Melody Lee 2:08
  • 20 Plan9, Channel7 5:13
  • 21 I Just Can’t Be Happy Today 3:37

Disc 2

  • 1 The History of the World, Part 1 4:00
  • 2 Wait for the Blackout 4:00
  • 3 Drinking About My Baby 3:05
  • 4 Silly Kids Games 2:39
  • 5 Curtain Call 17:17
  • 6 Lovely Money 5:26
  • 7 Dozen Girls 4:22
  • 8 Life Goes On 4:10
  • 9 Under the Floor Again 5:24
  • 10 Generals 3:27
  • 11 Grimly Fiendish 5:12
  • 12 Eloise 5:11
  • 13 Anything 4:44
  • 14 In Dulce Decorum 4:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata