40 Classic Punk Rock Albums You Should Check Out

The Clash – The Clash (1977)

The debut album from The Clash is a true punk rock classic. With songs like “White Riot” and “London’s Burning”, the band’s message of social and political unrest still resonates today.

Ramones – Rocket to Russia (1977)

The Ramones’ third album features some of their most iconic songs, such as “Sheena is a Punk Rocker” and “Rockaway Beach”. The simple yet powerful melodies on this album helped define the punk rock sound.

Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols (1977)

The ultimate punk rock album, with its confrontational lyrics, aggressive guitars, and iconic image, this record helped define the punk rock movement.

Buzzcocks – Another Music in a Different Kitchen (1978)

This album is filled with fast-paced rhythms and catchy hooks that perfectly exemplify the sound of punk rock. With tracks like “Fast Cars” and “I Don’t Mind”, this is a classic from start to finish.

The Damned – Damned Damned Damned (1977)

The Damned were one of the first punk bands to emerge from the UK, and this album captures their raw energy and enthusiasm perfectly. Tracks like “New Rose” and “Neat Neat Neat” are still anthems of punk today.

The Stooges – Raw Power (1973)

A proto-punk classic that helped lay the groundwork for the punk rock movement, The Stooges’ “Raw Power” features harsh, relentless guitars and Iggy Pop’s signature snarl on tracks like “Search and Destroy”.

X-Ray Spex – Germ Free Adolescents (1978)

With Poly Styrene’s unique vocals and the band’s powerful, driving rhythms, X-Ray Spex’s debut album is a punk rock masterpiece.

The Jam – In the City (1977)

The Jam’s debut album features Paul Weller’s distinctive songwriting and Bruce Foxton’s driving bass lines. Tracks like “In the City” and “Art School” are still classics of the genre.

New York Dolls – New York Dolls (1973)

Taking inspiration from the glam rock scene, the New York Dolls added their punk rock twist with their self-titled debut album.

The Adverts – Crossing the Red Sea with The Adverts (1978)

Crossing the Red Sea with The Adverts (1978) – The Adverts’ debut album features their unique blend of punk rock and new wave, with songs like “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” and “Bored Teenagers” showcasing their energy and attitude.

Richard Hell and The Voidoids – Blank Generation (1977)

This album features Richard Hell’s distinctive lyrical style and the band’s raw, intense punk rock sound. “Blank Generation” and “Love Comes in Spurts” are punk classics.

The Germs – GI (1979)

The Germs’ only studio album features the intense, unpredictable punk rock sound that made them legends of the genre. “Lexicon Devil” and “Manimal” are still staples of punk playlists.

The Heartbreakers – L.A.M.F. (1977)

The Heartbreakers’ only studio album features Johnny Thunders’ signature guitar sound and Walter Lure’s raw vocals. “Born to Lose” and “Chinese Rocks” are punk classics.

Stiff Little Fingers – Inflammable Material (1979)

A punk rock classic from Belfast’s Stiff Little Fingers. With songs like “Suspect Device” and “Alternative Ulster”, this album is a political statement as well as a punk masterpiece.

The Saints – (I’m) Stranded (1977)

From Australia’s punk scene, The Saints’ debut album features a raw, powerful sound and lyrics that tackle themes of isolation and disillusionment. The title track and “Nights in Venice” are punk rock classics.

The Only Ones – The Only Ones (1978)

This self-titled debut album from The Only Ones features their unique blend of punk rock and post-punk, with Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals and John Perry’s guitar work shining on tracks like “Another Girl, Another Planet”.

Television – Marquee Moon (1977)

A landmark of punk rock and post-punk, Television’s debut album features intricate guitars and poetic lyrics. The title track and “See No Evil” are punk rock classics that still resonate today.

The Stranglers – No More Heroes (1977)

The second album from The Stranglers features their distinctive punk rock sound, with Hugh Cornwell’s snarling vocals and Jean-Jacques Burnel’s menacing basslines. The title track and “Something Better Change” are punk rock anthems.

The Rezillos – Can’t Stand the Rezillos (1978)

A quirky, fun album from Scottish punk band The Rezillos. With tracks like “Top of the Pops” and “I Can’t Stand My Baby”, this album helped define the punk rock sound of the late 70s.

Wire – Pink Flag (1977)

Known for their minimalist, post-punk sound, Wire’s debut album features short, sharp bursts of punk rock energy. Tracks like “Three Girl Rhumba” and “Ex-Lion Tamer” are classics of the genre.

The Undertones – The Undertones (1979)

A classic from Northern Ireland’s punk scene, The Undertones’ debut album features tight harmonies, catchy melodies, and lyrics that tackle teenage angst. “Teenage Kicks” is still a beloved punk rock anthem.

Iggy Pop – Lust for Life (1977)

Iggy Pop’s second solo album features his trademark vocals and lyrics, but with a more polished sound than his earlier work. The title track and “The Passenger” are now punk anthems.

Sham 69 – Tell Us The Truth (1978)

This album from Sham 69 features their streetwise punk rock sound and lyrics that tackle social and political issues in working-class England. “Borstal Breakout” and “If the Kids Are United” are punk rock anthems.

The Dictators – Manifest Destiny (1978)

This album from The Dictators features their unique blend of punk rock and classic rock, with powerful guitars and lyrics that tackle themes of rebellion and individuality. “Exposé” and “Science Gone Too Far!” are punk rock classics.

The Dead Boys – Young, Loud, and Snotty (1977)

A raw and powerful debut album from The Dead Boys, with Stiv Bators’ snarling vocals and Cheetah Chrome’s intense guitar work. Tracks like “Sonic Reducer” and “All This and More” are punk rock anthems.

The Dils – Class War (1979)

Seattle’s The Dils were an overlooked gem of the punk rock scene. Their debut album “Class War” is a fast-paced and politically charged masterpiece, with tracks like “You’re Not Blank” and “Red Rockers” showcasing the band’s unique sound and energy.

The Vibrators – Pure Mania (1977)

The Vibrators’ debut album is a perfect example of the punk rock sound. With tracks like “Automatic Lover” and “Baby Baby”, this album is fast, energetic, and thoroughly enjoyable.

The Boys – Alternative Chartbusters (1978)

The Boys’ second album features their catchy and upbeat punk rock sound, with tracks like “I Don’t Care” and “Soda Pressing” showcasing their unique blend of punk rock and power pop.

The Misfits – Static Age (1978)

Although recorded in 1978, The Misfits’ debut album “Static Age” wasn’t released until 1997. With its horror-themed lyrics and powerful punk rock sound, this album helped define the horror-punk genre.

The Lurkers – Fulham Fallout (1978)

The Lurkers’ debut album features their fast-paced and gritty punk rock sound, with tracks like “Shadow” and “Freak Show” showcasing the band’s unique style.

The Drones – Further Temptations (1978)

The Drones’ second album features their distinctive punk rock sound, with frontman Garry Gary Beers’ sneering vocals and the band’s driving rhythm section. With tracks like “Persecution Complex” and “Bone Idol”, this album is a classic of the punk genre.

999 – 999 (1978)

999’s debut album features their high-energy punk rock sound, with tracks like “Homicide” and “Nasty Nasty” becoming fan favorites.

Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures (1979)

This album is a masterpiece of post-punk. Its haunting soundscapes and deep, introspective lyrics speak to the angst of modern industrial life.

Gang Of Four – Entertainment! (1979)

The driving, angular rhythms of this record inspired a generation of post-punk musicians. Its politically charged lyrics are still relevant today.

Devo – Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (1978)

This album’s electronic-influenced sound and satirical lyrics made it a groundbreaking post-punk release. Its influence can still be heard in modern electronic music.

UK Subs – Another Kind Of Blues (1978)

UK Subs’ “Another Kind of Blues” is a classic punk rock album that showcases the band’s raw energy and rebellious spirit. Released in 1979 features 12 tracks, including the iconic “Stranglehold” and “I Couldn’t Be You.” 

The Ruts – The Crack (1979)

The band’s aggressive, politically-charged lyrics and powerful instrumentation helped to define the punk sound of the era. The album features several standout tracks, including “Babylon’s Burning,” “Jah War,” and “Something That I Said.”

Blondie – The Parallel Lines (1978)

Parallel Lines is the third studio album by American punk rock band Blondie, released in September 1978, by Chrysalis Records to international commercial success. The album reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom in February 1979 and proved to be the band’s commercial breakthrough in the United States, where it reached No. 6 in April 1979.