Back in Time Today
Explore the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the 1970s punk music scene with these 22 anthem tracks that continue to resonate today. Each one of these songs broke new ground with their gritty sound and defiant messages.
From the first British punk single to the politically charged anthems that challenged the status quo, these tracks are a testament to the punk movement’s enduring influence and power.
22. “Org*sm Addict” – Buzzcocks (1977)
Unapologetically cheeky and bursting with energy, “Org*sm Addict” by Buzzcocks encapsulates the spirit of punk rebellion. With its fast-paced rhythm and provocative lyrics, this track was a bold statement in 1977. It challenged societal norms and brought the edgy, playful side of punk to the forefront. The song’s catchy melody and fearless attitude continue to captivate listeners. It’s a prime example of how punk used humor and honesty to critique modern life.
21. “New Rose” – The Damned (1976)
As the first British punk single, “New Rose” by The Damned set a precedent with its raw energy and driving guitar riffs. Released in 1976, it captured the exhilaration and chaos of early punk. The song’s infectious chorus and relentless pace made it an instant classic. The Damned’s performance style, with its dark and chaotic undertones, defined a new era of music rebellion. This track still resonates with its unabashed enthusiasm and grit.
20. “Sick of You” – The Users (1977)
A brief, bratty classic, “Sick of You” by The Users stands out as an obscure gem in the punk genre. Released in 1977, this track is marked by its raw vocal delivery and punchy instrumentation. It captures the frustration and defiance that punk embodied, resonating with those disenchanted by mainstream music. Its short, sharp structure reflects the DIY spirit of punk, making it a beloved, albeit lesser-known, anthem that still hits hard.
19. “Cherry Bomb” – The Runaways (1976)
Teen girl rebellion takes center stage with “Cherry Bomb” by The Runaways. Released in 1976 with Joan Jett at her snarling best, this song epitomizes youthful defiance and energy. Its catchy hooks and bold lyrics made it an anthem for young women fighting for their place in rock. With its unapologetic attitude, “Cherry Bomb” challenged gender norms in the music industry and remains a powerful symbol of rock rebellion.
18. “Search and Destroy” – Iggy and the Stooges (1973)
“Search and Destroy” by Iggy and the Stooges is proto-punk fury at its finest. Released in 1973, this piece laid the groundwork for punk’s explosive entrance into the music scene. With Iggy Pop’s raw vocals and the band’s aggressive instrumentation, the song seethes with intensity and rebellion. It captured the disillusionment and chaos of the era, becoming a rallying cry for those seeking to tear down traditional structures and embrace chaos.
17. “Roadrunner” – The Modern Lovers (1972)
“Roadrunner” by The Modern Lovers is a hypnotic and minimalist anthem that predated punk’s official emergence. Released in 1972, its repetitive structure and driving beat create a sense of journey and exploration. Jonathan Richman’s unique vocal style adds an earnest charm to the track, making it a standout in the proto-punk era. The song’s simplicity and raw energy influenced countless punk artists, making it an enduring staple in music history.
16. “Chinese Rocks” – Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers (1977)
“Chinese Rocks” is a junk-fueled anthem by Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers, encapsulating the gritty allure of 1977 NYC street life. With its raw lyrics and hard-hitting sound, the song paints a vivid picture of addiction and chaos. It’s a testament to the darker side of punk, embracing the raw vulnerability that often fueled the genre. The track’s relentless energy and unfiltered honesty make it a lasting icon of punk’s raw edge.
15. “We Are the One” – The Avengers (1977)
West Coast punk bursts forth with “We Are the One” by The Avengers. Released in 1977, this song combines power, politics, and passion, capturing the rebellious spirit of the time. With dynamic guitar riffs and penetrating lyrics, it became an anthem for those demanding change. The Avengers’ fierce performance style and commitment to their message made them a standout in the punk scene, and this track continues to inspire with its bold voice.
14. “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” – The Adverts (1977)
With macabre brilliance, “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” by The Adverts delivers a haunting melody that won’t quit. Released in 1977, the song tells a chilling story inspired by true events, blending punk’s raw energy with a narrative twist. Its catchy chorus and dark subject matter set it apart, making it a memorable entry in punk history. The Adverts’ provocative style and bold storytelling continue to resonate, showcasing punk’s ability to confront and captivate.
13. “California Über Alles” – Dead Kennedys (1979)
Politically charged and sarcastic, “California Über Alles” by Dead Kennedys stands as a pinnacle of West Coast punk. Released in 1979, this track combines scathing lyrics with a relentless beat, critiquing political figures with sharp wit. The song’s dark humor and aggressive style created a new standard for punk protest music. Its incisive commentary and infectious energy continue to resonate, proving the enduring power of punk’s rebellious spirit.
12. “Final Solution” – Pere Ubu (1976)
Weird, menacing, and ahead of its time, “Final Solution” by Pere Ubu challenges conventional music norms. Released in 1976, this track blends punk’s raw energy with experimental soundscapes, creating a unique and unsettling experience. The song’s dark themes and innovative approach set it apart, influencing the post-punk movement. Its avant-garde style and intense delivery capture the spirit of musical exploration, making it a haunting and unforgettable piece.
11. “Another Girl, Another Planet” – The Only Ones (1978)
Melodic and dangerous, “Another Girl, Another Planet” by The Only Ones is a punk love song that defies expectations. Released in 1978, the track’s catchy melody and poetic lyrics create a sense of longing and adventure. The song’s unique blend of punk edge and romantic undertones make it a standout, capturing the complexity of human emotion. Its enduring appeal and innovative sound continue to resonate, securing its place as a punk classic.
10. “One Chord Wonders” – The Adverts (1977)
Self-aware and sharp, “One Chord Wonders” by The Adverts embraces punk’s simplicity with a meta twist. Released in 1977, the song critiques the music industry’s expectations with wit and defiance. Its straightforward structure and catchy chorus highlight punk’s DIY ethos, celebrating imperfection and authenticity. This track’s clever commentary and infectious energy make it a beloved anthem, reflecting punk’s playful yet rebellious nature and its impact on music culture.
9. “Neat Neat Neat” – The Damned (1977)
Driving basslines and Dave Vanian’s gothic snarl make “Neat Neat Neat” by The Damned an unforgettable classic. Released in 1977, this track showcases the band’s unique blend of punk energy and dark aesthetics. The song’s relentless pace and catchy hooks create a sense of urgency and rebellion. Its theatrical style and raw power captured the essence of punk, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and inspiring countless artists with its daring approach.
8. “White Riot” – The Clash (1977)
Raw, fast, and politically explosive, “White Riot” by The Clash encapsulates punk protest at its core. Released in 1977, the song addresses themes of social unrest and inequality with urgency and conviction. Its driving rhythm and impassioned vocals make it a rallying cry for change, reflecting the turbulent times. The Clash’s bold message and dynamic performance style set a new standard for punk activism, leaving a powerful legacy that continues to inspire.
7. “Personality Crisis” – New York Dolls (1973)
Sleaze, swagger, and proto-punk energy define “Personality Crisis” by New York Dolls. Released in 1973, this track blends glam rock theatrics with punk’s raw edge, creating a unique and explosive sound. The song’s chaotic structure and charismatic delivery capture the essence of the Dolls’ rebellious spirit. Its influence on punk and glam rock is undeniable, paving the way for future generations of boundary-pushing artists with its bold style and attitude.
6. “Love Comes in Spurts” – Richard Hell & The Voidoids (1977)
Cynical, poetic, and essential, “Love Comes in Spurts” by Richard Hell & The Voidoids captures the raw emotion of NYC punk. Released in 1977, the song’s biting lyrics and jagged guitar riffs reflect the turbulent nature of love and life. Its innovative structure and intense delivery set it apart, making it a standout in the punk genre. The track’s unfiltered honesty and creative brilliance continue to resonate, highlighting punk’s enduring impact on music.
5. “I Wanna Be Your Dog” – The Stooges (1969)
Feral, hypnotic, and endlessly influential, “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by The Stooges remains a cornerstone of punk. Though released in 1969, its impact carried into the ’70s, with gritty instrumentation and raw intensity. Iggy Pop’s primal vocals and the band’s relentless sound create a sense of chaos and desire that captivates listeners. Its groundbreaking approach and rebellious spirit laid the foundation for punk’s explosive rise, making it a timeless anthem.
4. “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker” – Ramones (1977)
Bubblegum meets rebellion in “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker” by Ramones. Released in 1977, this track combines catchy melodies with punk’s raw edge, creating a dynamic and infectious sound. Its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics celebrate individuality and freedom, capturing the spirit of the punk movement. The song’s enduring appeal and influential sound continue to inspire new generations, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in punk history.
3. “God Save the Queen” – S*x Pistols (1977)
Banned but unforgettable, “God Save the Queen” by S*x Pistols is punk’s biggest middle finger to the establishment. Released in 1977, its scathing lyrics and aggressive sound challenged the status quo with unyielding force. The song’s controversial nature and defiant spirit made it a rallying cry for disenchanted youth, capturing the anger and frustration of the era. Its impact on music and culture is profound, marking it as a defining moment in punk history.
2. “Blank Generation” – Richard Hell & The Voidoids (1977)
“Blank Generation” by Richard Hell & The Voidoids defined the disillusioned spirit of punk’s earliest wave. Released in 1977, its introspective lyrics and innovative sound captured the sense of alienation and defiance that characterized the punk movement. The song’s unique structure and poetic delivery set it apart, influencing countless artists and shaping the genre’s evolution. Its enduring resonance and creative brilliance continue to inspire, marking it as a seminal punk anthem.
1. “Anarchy in the U.K.” – S*x Pistols (1976)
The track that ignited a revolution, “Anarchy in the U.K.” by S*x Pistols is pure punk chaos, perfectly executed. Released in 1976, its explosive sound and rebellious lyrics defined the punk ethos, challenging authority with unbridled aggression. The song’s raw energy and confrontational stance captured the spirit of a generation ready to break free from societal constraints. Its impact on music and culture is unparalleled, making it an iconic anthem that still resonates today.