Top tracks — play these first
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White Riot Start here — accessible entry with immediate punk energy
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London Calling — This track encapsulates the band's blend of punk rock with reggae influences, showcasing their lyrical depth and musical innovation during a time of political upheaval.
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Should I Stay or Should I Go — A quintessential Clash anthem, this song juxtaposes personal conflict with broader social issues, demonstrating their knack for storytelling through catchy hooks.
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(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais — This song reflects the band's engagement with multiculturalism and social commentary, highlighting their ability to blend diverse musical styles while addressing complex themes.
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Rock the Casbah — With its infectious rhythm and political undertones, this track exemplifies The Clash's global perspective and willingness to challenge norms in both music and society.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures The Clash's evolution but lacks the cohesive flow of a traditional album.
What we noticed
- Tracks are arranged chronologically, starting from their debut single 'White Riot' and progressing through to later works.
- Several tracks include interviews that provide context and insight into the band's philosophy and creative process.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Defined its genre or moment. 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
- short bursts of energetic rebellion
- dynamic collection for varied moods
- for sing-along moments
- vibrant anthems with social commentary
- ideal for lively gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, cohesive experiences
- seek slow, introspective listening
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A compilation that introduces new listeners to The Clash's evolution and key tracks.
- Themes
- London's political unrest· multicultural clash· personal vs. social conflict
- Career context
- Released in 2006, The Singles compilation chronicles The Clash's evolution from their 1977 debut to their later explorations, highlighting pivotal moments in their career. By this time, the band had long disbanded, but their influence on the punk and rock scenes continued to resonate as they remained icons of rebellion and social commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Jam· Buzzcocks· Joe Strummer
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 White Riot Start here 1:59
- 2 1977 1:40
Disc 2
- 1 Listen (edit) 0:27
- 2 Interview With the Clash on the Circle Line, Part 1 8:51
- 3 Interview With the Clash on the Circle Line, Part 2 3:10
- 4 Capital Radio One 2:07
Disc 3
- 1 Remote Control 3:02
- 2 London’s Burning (live) 2:12
- 3 London’s Burning 2:10
Disc 4
- 1 Complete Control 3:15
- 2 City of the Dead 2:22
Disc 5
- 1 Clash City Rockers 3:50
- 2 Jail Guitar Doors 3:03
Disc 6
- 1 (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais 4:01
- 2 The Prisoner 2:59
Disc 7
- 1 Tommy Gun 3:18
- 2 1‐2 Crush on You 2:59
Disc 8
- 1 English Civil War (Johnny Comes Marching Home) 2:38
- 2 Pressure Drop 3:25
Disc 9
- 1 I Fought the Law 2:42
- 2 Groovy Times 3:31
- 3 Gates of the West 3:27
- 4 Capital Radio Two 3:19
Disc 10
- 1 London Calling 3:21
- 2 Armagideon Time 3:51
- 3 Justice Tonight 4:08
- 4 Kick It Over 4:47
- 5 Clampdown 3:51
- 6 The Card Cheat 3:51
- 7 Lost in the Supermarket 3:46
Disc 11
- 1 Bankrobber 4:36
- 2 Rockers Galore… UK Tour 4:42
- 3 Rudie Can’t Fail 3:29
- 4 Train in Vain 3:09
Disc 12
- 1 The Call Up 5:26
- 2 Stop the World 2:32
Disc 13
- 1 Hitsville U.K. 4:23
- 2 Radio One 6:20
- 3 Police on My Back 3:19
- 4 Somebody Got Murdered 3:33
Disc 14
- 1 The Magnificent Seven (edit) 3:39
- 2 The Magnificent Dance (edit) 3:37
- 3 Lightning Strikes (Not Once but Twice) 4:52
- 4 One More Time 3:31
- 5 One More Dub 3:36
- 6 The Cool Out 3:55
- 7 The Magnificent Seven (12″ version) 4:29
- 8 The Magnificent Dance (12″ version) 5:36
Disc 15
- 1 This Is Radio Clash 4:12
- 2 Radio Clash 4:12
- 3 Outside Broadcast 7:23
- 4 Radio 5 3:38
Disc 16
- 1 Know Your Rights 3:42
- 2 First Night Back in London 2:59
Disc 17
- 1 Rock the Casbah 3:43
- 2 Long Time Jerk 5:10
- 3 Mustapha Dance 4:28
- 4 Red Angel Dragnet 3:47
- 5 Overpowered by Funk 4:53
Disc 18
- 1 Should I Stay or Should I Go 3:09
- 2 Straight to Hell (edited version) 3:53
- 3 Inoculated City 2:43
- 4 Cool Confusion 3:14
Disc 19
- 1 This Is England 3:37
- 2 Do It Now 3:07
- 3 Sex Mad Roar 2:59
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
If I Should Fall from Grace with God
The Pogues
Shares a raw energy and multicultural blend, mixing punk with Irish folk influences and social commentary.
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
Explores post-punk experimentation with a focus on political themes and innovative rhythms, echoing The Clash's spirit.
Ghost Town
The Specials
Captures the same urgency and social unrest through ska-infused punk, reflecting urban struggles and cultural clashes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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