3 Punk Rock Songs From the 70s for Those Looking To Learn More

Punk rock music—that blistering, snarling, enlivening style—has exhilarated audiences for some 50 years now. What rose to prominence in the mid-1970s has become a sound for the generations. Never before had the world heard music that could teach you about society, and at the same time get you sweating like you just did a workout in the mosh pit.

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Below, we wanted to explore three punk rock songs from the 1970s for those looking to dive into the genre. For those who want to get a taste of what the music can do, these three tracks are for you. Consider it like a Punk Rock 101 class. Indeed, these are three 70s punk rock songs for those looking to learn more.

“Anarchy In The U.K.” by The Sex Pistols from ‘Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’ (1976)

While the London-born band known as The Sex Pistols are one of the most popular punk rock groups in history, the outfit only released one studio album. That is the 1976 offering, Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols. And it includes other iconic songs like “God Save The Queen”. But the track, “Anarchy in the U.K.” showcases the band’s knack for chaos. To reconfigure the world and strip it of its money-grubbing tendencies, chaos must ensue. And what’s the soundtrack for that shift? This Sex Pistols’ inspiring tune, of course.

“London Calling” by The Clash from ‘London Calling’ (1979)

There is no band quite like the Clash. If music never existed, its members could have been rebel leaders or generals in some uprising army. They were compelling, and thousands would have run through a brick wall for them. This song, “London Calling”, is an apocalyptic song—indeed, London is drowning. There are zombies of death. The ice age is coming. A nuclear era. This is the scene setup by the band on this iconic late 70s tune. While most bands play music, the Clash is more of a lifestyle. Dive into their catalog and you’ll be better off for it.

“Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones from ‘Ramones’ (1976)

While there are many prominent punk rock bands from England, perhaps the most prominent one from the United States is the New York City-born group, the Ramones. Known for songs like “I Wanna Be Sedated” and “Pet Sematary”, the band was a bottle of lightning bolts. Fast—like speed demon fast. And their 1976 track, “Blitzkrieg Bop”, from their self-titled LP is perhaps their most beloved track. Sing along with the group as the track opens with the indelible: “Hey ho, let’s go! Hey ho, let’s go!“

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