The albums that define
art punk.
Our picks for where to start with art punk — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top art punk artists
Start with one of these.
The art punk essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Wire
Kidney Bingos
A dissonant exploration of art punk, combining experimental sounds with sharp lyrical commentary.
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Wire
Manscape
A surreal blend of art punk's abrasive edges with introspective lyrics and experimental soundscapes.
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Butthole Surfers
Piouhgd
A chaotic blend of noise rock and psychedelic experimentation that challenges conventional song structures.
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The Boomtown Rats
Citizens of Boomtown
A vibrant blend of art punk and power pop, mixing clever lyrics with catchy hooks and an infectious energy.
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The Boomtown Rats
In the Long Grass
A vibrant fusion of new wave and art punk, laced with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics.
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Butthole Surfers
Widowermaker
A chaotic blend of noise rock and punk energy that challenges conventional song structures.
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Tropical Fuck Storm
Satanic Slumber Party
A chaotic blend of art punk and experimental noise that challenges conventional song structures.
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Tropical Fuck Storm
A Laughing Death in Meatspace
A chaotic blend of noise rock and art punk, punctuated by sardonic lyrics and experimental instrumentation.
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The Blood Brothers
Rumors Laid Waste
Frantic rhythms and jagged guitar riffs collide with visceral lyrics, creating an intense and chaotic sonic landscape.
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The Blood Brothers
March on Electric Children
Frantic rhythms and jagged guitars collide with explosive, theatrical vocals in a chaotic sonic landscape.
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Mark Mothersbaugh
22 Jump Street – Original Motion Picture Score
A vibrant mix of playful synths and dynamic orchestration that enhances comedic moments in film.
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Viagra Boys
Street Worms
A raucous blend of punk energy and sardonic wit, capturing the absurdity of modern life.
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Viagra Boys
Welfare Jazz
A frenetic blend of art punk and dance-punk brimming with sardonic wit and chaotic energy.
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TsuShiMaMiRe
With Tsushimamire and Rock and Beer
A vibrant blend of ska rhythms and punk energy wrapped in playful, whimsical narratives.
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Tom Verlaine
Tom Verlaine
A sonic exploration where intricate guitar work intertwines with introspective lyrics and experimental arrangements.
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Tom Verlaine
Cover
A tapestry of intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics that blend art punk with new wave sensibilities.
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TsuShiMaMiRe
Pregnant Fantasy
A kaleidoscopic blend of punk energy and ska rhythms, infused with playful yet pointed lyrics.
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Richard Hell and the Voidoids
Blank Generation
A raw, urgent blend of punk energy and avant-garde lyricism that challenges the status quo.
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Richard Hell and the Voidoids
Destiny Street
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Rock Kills Kid
Are You Nervous?
A raw blend of art punk energy and introspective lyrics, creating an urgent and restless sonic landscape.
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Kommunizm
Khronika pikiruyushchego bombardirovshchika
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Kommunizm
Leniniana
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