V2 cover

V2

The Vibrators · 1978

42 min · 15 tracks · punk rock

Energetic punk anthems collide with raw, edgy melodies and provocative lyrics reflecting the chaotic spirit of late '70s Britain.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Public Enemy No. 1 — This track embodies the band's rebellious spirit with its relentless energy and biting critique of authority, making it a staple of their live performances.
  • →
    Nazi Baby — A provocative title paired with a driving rhythm highlights the band’s willingness to tackle controversial subjects head-on, showcasing their punk ethos.
  • →
    Troops of Tomorrow — With its anthemic chorus and urgent message, this track serves as a rallying cry for youth disillusionment and resistance against societal norms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album captures the raw energy of punk with catchy hooks and political themes, though it lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first four tracks maintain a fast tempo with aggressive guitar riffs, while the fifth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the anthemic quality of the songs.
  • The album includes abrupt transitions between songs, contributing to a sense of urgency and chaos that reflects its punk ethos.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 raw energy
  • party-friendly anthems for crowds
  • chaotic vibes for rebellious spirits
  • quick-paced tracks for adrenaline
  • provocative themes for bold listeners

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive compositions
  • dislike energetic and chaotic sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
V2 is The Vibrators' second studio album, released in January 1978, following their self-titled debut in 1976. By this time, they had firmly established themselves within the punk rock scene, building on the momentum gained from their live performances and previous recordings.
Stylistic neighbors
The Damned· Buzzcocks· Sex Pistols

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Public Enemy No. 1

    The song directly confronts societal structures through aggressive imagery and defiance.

    This direct challenge to authority deviates from typical punk themes by integrating sharp socio-political commentary within its energetic delivery.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pure Mania 3:00
  • 2 Automatic Lover 3:04
  • 3 Flying Duck Theory 2:58
  • 4 Public Enemy No. 1 2:07
  • 5 Destroy 2:16
  • 6 Nazi Baby 4:19
  • 7 Wake Up 1:57
  • 8 Sulphate 1:43
  • 9 24 Hour People 1:52
  • 10 Fall in Love 4:10
  • 11 Feel Allright 1:51
  • 12 War Zone 2:16
  • 13 Troops of Tomorrow 5:39
  • 14 Judy Says (Knock You in the Head) 2:14
  • 15 Pushing Too Hard 3:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata