Classic post-punk hits from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first
Post-punk, which emerged from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, is a major movement in Western music that inherited the spirit of punk rock while pursuing experimental and innovative sounds.
Characterized by a dark, melancholic atmosphere, highly artistic musicianship, and lyrics with sharp social insight, the genre has continued to exert a strong influence on contemporary bands across generations.
The word “punk” alone might surprise some listeners, but in this article we introduce classic post-punk anthems—beloved by passionate fans in Japan as well—and highlight the revival boom that has occurred since the 2000s.
Beginners are welcome to dive in!
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Classic post-punk masterpieces from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first (11–20)
Public ImagePublic Image Ltd
This is the debut single that put Public Image Ltd—the British band formed by John Lydon after leaving the Sex Pistols—on the map.
Its spacious sound, completely different from punk, must have drawn a lot of attention for its originality when it was released in 1978.
Jah Wobble’s rolling bass and Keith Levene’s razor-sharp guitar create a unique tension.
The lyrics, which declare a break from media-fabricated illusions, lodge in your memory for years and still resonate powerfully today.
I’m sure there are people who found the courage to stay true to themselves after hearing this song!
Stay HereSwans
Swans is an American band formed around singer-songwriter Michael Gira.
They disbanded in 1997 but reunited in 2010.
“Stay Here” is a track from their 1983 album Filth.
This Is EntertainmentCabaret Voltaire
Cabaret Voltaire is a British band formed in 1973, and the band’s name comes from a cabaret in Zurich, Switzerland.
“This Is Entertainment” is a track included on the 1980 album The Voice of America.
How Many Years Too SoonCHROME
Chrome is an American band formed in 1976, centered around Damon Edge.
“How Many Years Too Soon” is included on their debut album, “The Visitation,” released in 1977.
Damaged GoodsGang Of Four
This was the debut single released in 1978 by Gang of Four, a British post-punk band.
Their innovative sound, which fused funk and dub, is known for having influenced many bands that followed.
While it can sound like a song about romantic entanglements, the lyrics are striking for exposing the imbalances within relationships and the structures of society.
The razor-sharp guitar intertwined with a bassline that makes your body move creates a tense energy that’s bound to jolt many listeners.
Their musical style also had a major impact on the post-punk revival acts of the 2000s and beyond, so be sure to check them out.