Songs of Praise
The Adicts · 1981
47 min · 16 tracks · hardcore punk
A frenetic blend of punk energy and theatrical flair, punctuated by sharp lyrics and infectious melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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England — This opening track sets a rebellious tone with its commentary on national identity, showcasing the band's characteristic blend of humor and critique.
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Viva la Revolution — An anthem for change, this song encapsulates the band's spirited call for social upheaval while maintaining an infectious melodic hook.
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Mary Whitehouse — Named after the infamous British media campaigner, this track cleverly critiques censorship and societal norms through witty lyrics and catchy rhythms.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic punk with theatrical elements and incisive lyrics, establishing its distinct voice within the genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
- Many songs feature a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the theatrical aspect of the performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- frenetic bursts of youthful energy
- short tracks for quick listening
- infectious melodies that invite participation
- theatrical flair with sharp lyrics
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want subdued, calm soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1981, Songs of Praise marked The Adicts' debut studio album following their emergence from the UK punk scene. At this point, the band was gaining momentum after several successful singles, solidifying their unique blend of punk rock with a playful aesthetic that set them apart from their contemporaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Damned· Dead Kennedys· The Exploited
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 England 2:50
- 2 Hurt 3:37
- 3 Just Like You 1:51
- 4 Tango 2:52
- 5 Telepathic People 2:31
- 6 Mary Whitehouse 2:45
- 7 Distortion 3:31
- 8 Get Adicted 2:00
- 9 Viva la Revolution 3:53
- 10 Calling Calling 4:43
- 11 In the Background 3:44
- 12 Dynasty 2:49
- 13 Peculiar Music 2:10
- 14 Numbers 2:23
- 15 Sensitive 2:45
- 16 Songs of Praise 2:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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