What is the best The Damned album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Machine Gun Etiquette" (1977). It's the most representative of what makes The Damned worth hearing.

What are the best The Damned albums?

The essential The Damned albums include "Not the Captain's Birthday Party?", "Live Shepperton 1980", "Ballroom Blitz – Live at the Lyceum", "Live at the 100 Club" and "Final Damnation".

How many albums does The Damned have?

The Damned has 59 releases in their discography, including 14 albums and 5 EPs.

Photo: Amber · CC BY 2.0

The Damned

Q: Who is The Damned for?

If you're into new wave and post-punk, The Damned is worth your time. A driving pulse underpins layered textures, weaving together moments of tension and release through sharp rhythms and haunting melodies.

A driving pulse underpins layered textures, weaving together moments of tension and release through sharp rhythms and haunting melodies.

gothic rock · new wave · post-punk · psychedelic pop

United Kingdom Est. 1976

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Start here

The album

Machine Gun Etiquette album by The Damned

Machine Gun Etiquette (1977)

Showcases the band's evolution from punk to a more diverse sound, blending gothic rock and new wave elements in a cohesive collection.

The song

“New Rose”

An energetic track that captures the essence of their punk roots, making it an engaging introduction to The Damned's style.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"New Rose" — from Smash It Up: The Anthology 1976–1987 (2002)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"You Take My Money" — from Not the Captain's Birthday Party?

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Testify (UK Subs mix)" — from Testify

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Testify" — from Molten Lager (1999)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"A Nation Fit for Heroes" — from So, Who's Paranoid? (2008)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Love Song" — from Live Shepperton 1980

establishes the sonic palette early

About The Damned

The Damned stand as a pivotal force in the evolution of punk music, catalyzing the scene with their audacious energy and theatrical flair.

They helped to redefine the boundaries of punk rock by incorporating elements of gothic romance and new wave, effectively opening doors for a richer tapestry of sound and style that would influence countless artists across genres. Their impact can be felt in a distinct shift toward a more expansive approach to punk, encouraging an exploration of themes that straddle both darkness and exuberance. Their creative process often blends raw spontaneity with meticulous arrangement, yielding a sound that feels both chaotic and carefully constructed. The band's willingness to experiment with structure and instrumentation has led to captivating live performances that keep audiences engaged and energized, drawing them into a world where musical risks are embraced rather than shunned. This innovative spirit not only solidified their place in the punk pantheon but also set a precedent for future generations of musicians willing to challenge the norm. Lyrically, The Damned frequently delve into themes of love, loss, and existential angst, often delivering their narratives with a sardonic edge. Their writing embodies an interplay between sincerity and irony, crafting songs that resonate on both emotional and intellectual levels. This duality allows listeners to engage deeply with their work while inviting personal interpretation.

14 studio albums· 59 total releases· 5 decades· United Kingdom