Essential post-punk revival listening

The albums that define post-punk revival.

Our picks for where to start with post-punk revival — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The post-punk revival essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Suck It and See

Arctic Monkeys

Suck It and See

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that evoke youthful angst and romance.

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White Blood Cells

The White Stripes

White Blood Cells

Raw, visceral guitar riffs intertwine with stark, confessional lyrics in a lo-fi garage rock explosion.

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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Arctic Monkeys

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

A raw and energetic blend of witty lyrics and infectious guitar riffs that captures youthful exuberance.

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Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

Arctic Monkeys

Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

A surreal blend of lounge pop and garage rock, reflecting on modernity with a detached gaze.

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Favourite Worst Nightmare

Arctic Monkeys

Favourite Worst Nightmare

A frenetic blend of sharp guitar riffs and witty lyrics that capture youthful disillusionment.

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The New Abnormal

The Strokes

The New Abnormal

A vibrant blend of indie rock and nostalgia that reflects both personal and collective anxieties in a post-pandemic world.

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Get Behind Me Satan

The White Stripes

Get Behind Me Satan

A raw, eclectic mix of garage rock and blues infused with unconventional instrumentation and introspective lyrics.

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Humbug

Arctic Monkeys

Humbug

A darkly atmospheric blend of psychedelic rock and haunting melodies that showcases a more introspective Arctic Monkeys.

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The Car

Arctic Monkeys

The Car

A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements intertwined with introspective lyrics and a mellow, cinematic soundscape.

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AM

Arctic Monkeys

AM

A swaggering mix of moody grooves and catchy hooks that redefine modern rock aesthetics.

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Elephant

The White Stripes

Elephant

Raw, gritty guitar riffs meet minimalist percussion, enveloping listeners in a world of blues-infused rock chaos.

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Live at the Royal Albert Hall

Arctic Monkeys

Live at the Royal Albert Hall

An electrifying live performance that encapsulates the Arctic Monkeys' dynamic sound and charismatic stage presence.

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Icky Thump

The White Stripes

Icky Thump

A wild fusion of punk blues and garage rock that captures raw energy and lyrical depth.

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Big TV

White Lies

Big TV

A shimmering blend of dark synths and soaring melodies that captures the essence of modern post-punk.

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A Certain Trigger

Maxïmo Park

A Certain Trigger

Energetic guitar riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a vibrant tapestry of post-punk revival sound.

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To Lose My Life...

White Lies

To Lose My Life...

An atmospheric blend of dark synths and driving rhythms, echoing post-punk's brooding intensity.

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Angles

The Strokes

Angles

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and polished production, merging indie rock with unexpected sonic experimentation.

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First Impressions of Earth

The Strokes

First Impressions of Earth

A raw and restless exploration of uncertainty wrapped in punchy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics.

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Future Present Past

The Strokes

Future Present Past

A gritty blend of garage rock and new wave that captures both urgency and nostalgia.

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Our Love to Admire

Interpol

Our Love to Admire

A brooding tapestry of post-punk rhythms and atmospheric melodies envelops introspective lyrics throughout the album.

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Is This It

The Strokes

Is This It

Raw guitar riffs intertwine with catchy melodies, embodying the spirit of early 2000s indie rock.

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Room on Fire

The Strokes

Room on Fire

A pulsating blend of jangly guitars and sharp lyrics that evoke urban alienation and youthful exuberance.

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Interpol

Interpol

Interpol

A blend of moody atmospherics and driving rhythms, capturing the essence of modern post-punk rock.

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Antics

Interpol

Antics

A tightly wound blend of atmospheric guitars and introspective lyrics, echoing the post-punk revival's complexities.

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