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 for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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

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)

Butcher BabyThe Plasmatics

Butcher Baby

Butcher BabyThe Plasmatics

This is a track defined by its rebellious spirit.

Released by the Plasmatics in 1978, it sharply criticizes prejudice against people who fall outside social norms.

The lyrics, portraying a “dangerous” woman in red, convey anger toward a society that refuses to accept individuality.

Wendy O.

Williams’s powerful vocals and the aggressive guitar riffs strongly reinforce the message.

The song was released as a single in June 1980, reaching number 55 in the UK.

Its live performances drew attention for their extreme theatrics.

It might be the perfect song when you want to challenge established values.

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Last for LifeIggy Pop

Iggy Pop – Lust For Life

Last for LifeIggy Pop

An unforgettable song that played in the background during the scene where the protagonist runs through the streets in the British cult film Trainspotting.

It fits astonishingly well with various scenes in the movie.

Iggy’s trademark style of singing and dancing shirtless is alive and well.

It’s a work with both speed and pop sensibilities.

Originally released in 1977.

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Hong Kong GardenSiouxsie And The Banshees

Siouxsie And The Banshees – Hong Kong Garden (Official Music Video)

Hong Kong GardenSiouxsie And The Banshees

A single released in 1978.

A seven-piece group from London, formed around Siouxsie and Steven, who had been part of the Sex Pistols’ inner circle.

“Banshees” refers to female spirits who foretell a poet’s death.

Unusually for a punk band, a woman serves as the lead vocalist.

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Hear Nothing See Nothing Say NothingDischarge

Discharge-Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing

Hear Nothing See Nothing Say NothingDischarge

Included on the album “Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing.” A five-piece band from the UK.

When it comes to UK hardcore, Discharge is the first name that comes up, and they have had a tremendous influence not only on hardcore but also on metal bands like Metallica.

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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!