Classic punk songs from Western music. Recommended popular tracks.

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

Simple chord progressions, up-tempo aggressive sound, rebellious fashion, and lyrics that are often provocative.

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These might be common images associated with the music genre known as punk rock.

Of course, “punk” is a broad term—there are many subgenres like hardcore punk, ska punk, pop punk, and post-punk—and it’s difficult to cover the entire history.

In this article, however, we introduce recommended classic tracks with a focus on early punk rock.

We’ve chosen songs with an eye to their influence on later bands, so if you’re new to punk, be sure to give them a listen!

Classic punk songs from Western music. Recommended popular tracks (61–70)

12XUWire

Wire – 12XU

12XUWire

An innovative track that fuses punk’s raw intensity with cool composure.

Featured on Wire’s debut album Pink Flag and released in 1977, it’s known for its brief yet striking lyrics that leave a strong impression even beyond punk fans.

Simple but repetitive phrases linger in your ears, drawing you in deeper with every listen.

The powerhouse combination of energetic guitar riffs and a tight rhythm section is nothing short of overwhelming.

While rooted in punk, it has secured its place in music history as a bridge to new wave.

A highly recommended song for those listening to punk for the first time.

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In conclusion

Even just giving a quick listen to the songs we introduced this time, you probably got a sense of how deep and wide-ranging the punk genre is.

Punk is strongly tied to street culture, and many bands vividly reflect their ideologies in their lyrics.

So if you liked the tracks, be sure to dig deeper into the bands’ backgrounds as well!