Classic punk songs from Western music. Recommended popular tracks.

Sonic reducerDead Boys

Dead Boys – Sonic Reducer – live

A song that embodies frenzied energy and a rebellious spirit.

It champions themes of liberation from society’s constraints and expectations, escape into technology, and the pursuit of power.

It portrays a fierce independence—“needing no one”—and an escape from reality through a “devil’s machine.” Released in the United States in November 1977 and in the United Kingdom the following month, it was included on Young, Loud and Snotty and later appeared in the video game Tony Hawk’s Underground 2.

Widely recognized as a punk rock classic, it has been covered by numerous artists.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who questions social frameworks or wants to reexamine themselves.

Kick Out The JamsMC5

MC5 – Kick Out The Jams (1972) | LIVE

MC5, rooted in Detroit’s counterculture, released their debut album Kick Out the Jams in 1969.

Its title track, which delivers an overwhelming impact, is marked by a radical message that seems to embody the voice of the times and a blistering, explosive sound.

Packed with the raw energy unique to live recordings, the album went on to exert a major influence on later punk rock and heavy metal.

Coupled with the band’s political stance, it stirred controversy—some retailers even refused to carry it—but that only served to strengthen MC5’s music and message.

It’s a track I highly recommend to anyone who wants to feel the fire of challenging the establishment and calling for change.

Oh Bondage! Up Yours!X-Ray Spex

X-Ray Spex – Oh Bondage Up Yours! (Twndish 1978)

This song, adored by many fans as a masterpiece that shines brilliantly in the history of punk rock.

Riding on fierce saxophone and guitar sounds, Poly Styrene’s voice is striking as she cries out against oppression and constraint.

The lyrics, infused with themes of women’s liberation and criticism of consumerist society, still resonate deeply with many listeners today.

Released as a single in 1977, it didn’t climb the charts, yet it gained fervent support among punk fans.

Its acclaim hasn’t waned—In 2021, it was ranked No.

120 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” For young people harboring anger and frustration toward society, this song is sure to evoke strong empathy.

Chinese RocksJohnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers

Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers – Chinese Rocks (1977)

An iconic punk rock track born in 1970s New York.

It features raw guitar riffs and aggressive vocals, blending elements of garage rock and glam punk into a high-energy song.

Included on Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers’ debut album L.

A.

M.

F.

, released in 1977, it embodies the sound of New York’s punk scene at the time.

The song’s theme portrays real-life experiences with heroin addiction and is said to have been inspired by Lou Reed’s Heroin.

It’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to hear a classic punk anthem or is interested in the music scene of 1970s New York.

Ever Fallen In LoveBuzzcocks

Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve?) (TOTP, 1978)

This song is a classic by the Buzzcocks, renowned as pioneers of pop-punk.

Its lyrics, depicting the pain and anguish of love, pair perfectly with a driving, high-energy melody, winning over listeners far beyond the punk rock scene.

Released in September 1978 and included on the album Love Bites, it became a major hit, reaching No.

12 on the UK charts.

It has also been featured in the film Something Wild and the TV series DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, earning fans across generations.

It’s a great pick when you want to heal the sting of heartbreak or lift your mood with an uptempo track.

Be sure to pay attention to the emotionally rich lyrics, which reflect vocalist Pete Shelley’s personal experiences!

Blank GenerationRichard Hell & The Voidoids

Richard Hell and the Voidoids – Blank Generation (Music Video – Fan Edit)

Richard Hell is someone you absolutely can’t leave out when talking about punk.

There’s a well-known story that when Malcolm McLaren—the mastermind behind the Sex Pistols—invited him to join the band and was turned down, he took Richard’s fashion of the time (ripped shirts, safety pins, and spiked hair) back to London and had the Pistols copy it.

This track is included on the self-titled album released in 1977.

GloriaPatti Smith

Patti Smith – Gloria (Audio)

This track, which had a major impact on Japan’s punk scene, appears as the opening number of the debut album Horses, released in December 1975.

Originally a song from the 1960s, Patti Smith boldly reinterpreted it, adding her own poetic spin.

Beginning with a provocative opening line, the lyrics strikingly challenge conventional religious and social norms.

Richard Sohl’s Debussy-esque piano and Lenny Kaye’s incisive guitar support Smith’s raw, emotionally charged vocals.

At its core, the piece is a celebration of freedom and liberation, exploring themes that embrace personal expression.

Infused with raw energy and a rebellious spirit that resonates with punk ideals, it continues to move listeners across generations.