What makes Start! by The Jam notable?

Start! reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying The Jam's status in the British music landscape. The title track became an anthem for a generation, reflecting themes of social change and youthful frustration, which resonated widely with fans and critics alike. Released on August 15, 1980, Start! is The Jam's fifth studio album and marked their commercial peak following the success of their previous album, Setting Sons. At this point in their career, they had established themselves as a leading band in the UK punk and new wave scene, characterized by their blend of punk rock energy and mod sensibilities.

How many songs are on Start!?

Start! has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Start!

The Jam · 1980

5 min · 2 tracks · new wave

Energetic mod revival anthems pulse with sharp guitar riffs and incisive lyrics reflecting youthful discontent.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Start! — The title track encapsulates the album's energetic spirit and sets the tone with its infectious rhythm and urgent lyrics about seizing opportunities.
→
Liza Radley — This track showcases Paul Weller's poignant storytelling, weaving a narrative that blends nostalgia with a sense of loss, highlighting his lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, though its brevity affects overall cohesion.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving beat and prominent guitar hooks, establishing an energetic tone right from the start.
The second track, 'Liza Radley', shifts to a more reflective mood with softer instrumentation and introspective lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified The Jam's status in the British music landscape with commercial success.
Themes: nostalgic storytelling· mod revival energy
Career context: Released on August 15, 1980, Start! is The Jam's fifth studio album and marked their commercial peak following the success of their previous album, Setting Sons. At this point in their career, they had established themselves as a leading band in the UK punk and new wave scene, characterized by their blend of punk rock energy and mod sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors: The Clash· The Specials· Buzzcocks

New to The Jam? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Start!

The call to action is delivered through an upbeat chorus that urges listeners to embrace change.

This direct appeal to take initiative contrasts with the more reflective tone of surrounding tracks, creating a compelling dynamic within the album.