The Black Album
The Damned · 1980
58 min · 12 tracks · new wave
A kaleidoscopic blend of punk energy and gothic atmospheres, with melodic hooks and experimental sounds that defy genre boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Wait for the Blackout Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
-
→
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde — This track captures the duality of human nature through contrasting musical styles, blending dark lyrics with an upbeat tempo that exemplifies the album's complexity.
-
→
History of the World, Part I — With its sardonic take on historical events set to a driving rhythm, this track highlights The Damned's knack for blending humor and social commentary.
-
→
Therapy — An expansive exploration of psychological themes, this song showcases the band's willingness to delve into deeper lyrical content while maintaining their characteristic energy.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with resolution
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- cathartic release in chaos
- late-night introspection and energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The Black Album features bold experimentation that departs from earlier punk sounds.
- Themes
- Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde· punk social commentary· gothic chaos
- Career context
- The Black Album was The Damned's fourth studio album, released in January 1980 following the commercial disappointment of their previous album, Machine Gun Etiquette. This record marked a significant departure from their earlier punk roots, showcasing their evolution into more complex musical territory as they navigated the new wave and post-punk scenes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Cure· Bauhaus
Tracklist
- 1 Wait for the Blackout Start here 3:58
- 2 Lively Arts 3:00
- 3 Silly Kids Games 2:35
- 4 Drinking About My Baby 3:04
- 5 Twisted Nerve 4:39
- 6 Hit or Miss 2:37
- 7 Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde 4:36
- 8 Sick of This and That 1:50
- 9 History of the World, Part I 3:45
- 10 13th Floor Vendetta 5:06
- 11 Therapy 6:12
- 12 Curtain Call 17:13
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Kaleidoscope
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Shares a gothic atmosphere with punk energy, blending experimental sounds and lyrical darkness.
In the Flat Field
Bauhaus
Captures the same chaotic blend of gothic aesthetics and punk intensity in its raw production.
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Explores dark themes with an atmospheric sound palette, merging post-punk with gothic elements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.