The albums that define
post-punk.
Our picks for where to start with post-punk — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top post-punk artists
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The post-punk essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Simple Minds
Themes – Volume 4: February 89–May 90
An expansive blend of anthemic rock and socially conscious lyrics, echoing the band's art rock roots with a political edge.
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Simple Minds
Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87
A sweeping collection of anthemic rock and vibrant synth melodies that captures the essence of mid-80s pop culture.
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Echo & the Bunnymen
The Sound of Echo
A lush blend of atmospheric melodies and driving rhythms that encapsulate the essence of post-punk innovation.
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Echo & the Bunnymen
Reverberation
A swirling blend of atmospheric guitars and haunting vocals that captures the essence of early '90s post-punk.
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The Damned
Not the Captain's Birthday Party?
A frenetic blend of punk energy and gothic undertones that captures the chaos and charm of The Damned's irreverent spirit.
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The Damned
Molten Lager
A dynamic blend of punk energy and new wave melodies, layered with gothic undertones and sharp lyrical wit.
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U2
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
Anthemic rock anthems blend with introspective ballads, showcasing U2's ability to balance grandeur with vulnerability.
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U2
Wide Awake in Europe
A vibrant blend of rock energy and danceable grooves, capturing U2's evolution as a live act in a digital age.
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Patti Smith
The Patti Smith Masters
A raw blend of poetry and rock, merging punk energy with haunting melodies that capture the spirit of rebellion.
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Patti Smith
Peace and Noise
A raw, introspective exploration of loss and resilience, blending rock with haunting poeticism and atmospheric instrumentation.
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The Cure
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me features a mix of styles that capture the essence of The Cure’s sound. It introduces listeners to both their more energetic tracks and reflective moments, ensuring a well-rounded first listen.
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The Cure
The Top
A kaleidoscopic blend of jarring post-punk rhythms and ethereal melodies, creating a dreamlike yet disorienting soundscape.
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Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus
Dark, haunting melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and existential reflection.
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Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Skeleton Tree
A haunting exploration of grief, where sparse instrumentation meets evocative, introspective lyrics.
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The Clash
Sandinista!
A sprawling sonic collage that fuses punk energy with reggae grooves and experimental soundscapes, capturing the chaos of the era.
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The Clash
The Cost of Living E.P.
A vibrant mix of punk energy and reggae rhythms that encapsulates the urgency of late 1970s Britain.
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Julian Cope
Interpreter
A kaleidoscopic blend of post-punk energy and introspective lyrics, overflowing with eclectic sounds and sharp wit.
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Julian Cope
Trampolene
An eclectic blend of post-punk energy and introspective melodies, underscored by Cope's unique lyrical vision.
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By decade
Where post-punk landed in each era.