Is Solid Gold a good place to start with Gang of Four?

Yes, Solid Gold is recommended as a starting point for new Gang of Four listeners. A jagged blend of punk energy and sharp political commentary, pulsating with rhythmic urgency. Released on March 1, 1981, 'Solid Gold' was Gang of Four's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed sophomore effort 'Entertainment!' (1979). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as pioneers of post-punk, combining danceable rhythms with incisive lyrics that critiqued capitalist society.

Who is Solid Gold for?

Solid Gold works well if you're into short, punchy tracks, dynamic emotional journeys and rhythmic urgency and intensity.

How many songs are on Solid Gold?

Solid Gold has 15 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Solid Gold

Gang of Four · 1981

59 min · 15 tracks · punk

A jagged blend of punk energy and sharp political commentary, pulsating with rhythmic urgency.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, punchy tracks
dynamic emotional journeys
rhythmic urgency and intensity
engaging live performance energy

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Gang of Four's reputation in post-punk with critical acclaim and chart success.
Themes: economic inequality· militarism critique
Career context: Released on March 1, 1981, 'Solid Gold' was Gang of Four's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed sophomore effort 'Entertainment!' (1979). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as pioneers of post-punk, combining danceable rhythms with incisive lyrics that critiqued capitalist society.
Stylistic neighbors: Wire· The Fall· Joy Division
If this clicks, go next to: Songs of the Free — Continues the sharp political themes with a more expansive sound.
Sounds like this from elsewhere: London Calling by The Clash — Shares political urgency and punk energy, blending rock with reggae and ska influences.

154 by Wire — Captures a similar angularity and rhythmic complexity while exploring themes of alienation.

Metal Box by Public Image Ltd. — Combines post-punk's rhythmic intensity with sharp social critique and experimental soundscapes.

New to Gang of Four? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Paralysed".

1 Paralysed Start here 3:23
2 What We All Want 4:59
3 Why Theory? 2:33
4 If I Could Keep It for Myself 4:09
5 Outside the Trains Don't Run on Time 3:19
6 Cheeseburger 4:05
7 The Republic 3:21
8 In the Ditch 4:22
9 A Hole in the Wallet 4:05
10 He'd Send In the Army 4:28
11 To Hell With Poverty 4:59
12 Capital (It Fails Us Now) 4:04
13 History's Bunk! 3:01
14 Cheeseburger (live) 3:40
15 What We All Want (live) 5:24

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in Gang of Four's catalog. Established Gang of Four's reputation in post-punk with critical acclaim and chart success.

Listen next

Songs of the Free

1982

Continues the sharp political themes with a more expansive sound.

Go back to

Entertainment!

1979

Sets the stage with similar energy and punk roots.

Full Gang of Four discography Where to start with Gang of Four Artists like Gang of Four

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