Top tracks — play these first
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If the Kids Are United — This track embodies the ethos of community and solidarity that defined the punk movement, becoming an anthem for youth empowerment and resistance.
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Hurry Up Harry — A quintessential sing-along punk anthem, it captures the carefree spirit of youth while addressing themes of disillusionment.
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Borstal Breakout — Highlighting societal issues surrounding youth incarceration, this track's aggressive energy reflects both personal and collective struggles faced by young people.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation captures Sham 69's energetic punk sound but lacks the cohesive flow of a studio album.
What we noticed
- The album features a high-energy opening with 'Borstal Breakout' and maintains a fast tempo through the first half, before slowing slightly in the latter tracks.
- Many tracks utilize a straightforward verse-chorus structure, allowing for anthemic sing-alongs that resonate with the punk ethos.
- The lyrics across several songs address social issues and youth culture, often delivered with a raw vocal style that emphasizes urgency.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
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
- raw energy for group sing-alongs
- steady pace for carefree afternoons
- rebellious spirit during road trips
- short bursts of energetic anthems
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, reflective sessions
- seek intricate musical compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1980, The First, the Best and the Last serves as Sham 69's first compilation album, following their significant impact on the punk scene with hits from their earlier records. By this time, the band had established themselves as a voice for working-class youth, having gained notoriety for their raw sound and politically charged lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Clash· Buzzcocks· Stiff Little Fingers
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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If the Kids Are United
The chorus emphasizes unity among youth as it repeatedly invites listeners to come together against societal pressures.
The repetition of calls for unity transforms the song into an empowering chant, making it a pivotal moment that elevates its message beyond mere lyrics.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Borstal Breakout 2:11
- 2 Hey Little Rich Boy 1:42
- 3 Angels With Dirty Faces 2:35
- 4 The Cockney Kids Are Innocent 1:55
- 5 If the Kids Are United 3:46
- 6 Sunday Morning Nightmare 2:59
- 7 Voices 2:54
- 8 Money 3:10
- 9 Hurry Up Harry 3:05
- 10 Questions and Answers 3:19
- 11 Give a Dog a Bone 3:02
- 12 Hersham Boys 3:26
- 13 Tell the Children 3:36
- 14 Unite and Win 3:39
- 15 Who Gives a Damn 3:30
- 16 That's Life 2:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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