The Ramones try to become the Punk Beatles, and it goes over only mildly well. With the dated 80s production, butt rock solos and Joey's grating voice on the poppier tracks, there aren't many bangers here, but the diversity and experimentation kind of make up for it. The songs move away from their earlier one-note punk rock shenanigans and veer more into a summer jams vibe, and it kind of works, although not as well as it could.
Favorite track: Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll ... read more
Some of the band's best tracks are in this album, but it also got some of their most forgettable songs so far, so it's a bit of a mixed bag. It's nice to see them experimenting with some pop rock sensibilities, while still delivering their usual punching punk rock energy, which is clearly their biggest strenght.
Favorite track: I Just Want to Have Something to Do
It's more or less more of the same catchy melodies and power chords combo, and it works as well as it always did, but I can start to feel the novelty slowly wearing off, and there are less bangers here in comparison to the last albums to make up for it.
Favorite track: Sheena Is a Punk Rocker
Keeping on with the momentum of its predecessor, it tries some new stuff, with song structures that go beyond just power chords, and shows up with undeniably better production value, but on the other side, there's more filler in here. The band's authenticity and energy is for sure still present, along with some bangers, but it's just generally not as captivating as the debut.
Favorite track: Swallow My Pride
In their debut, the boys were mostly just attitude, and it was more than enough to make their album, which sounds like just a bunch of guys fucking around in a garage, one of the most remarkable records of their time. It's very fun, and it really makes you feel the raw energy that came with being a punk rocker in the 70s, and some damn catchy tunes to go along with it.
Favorite track: Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue