From ‘London Calling’ to ‘Combat Rock’: Ranking The Clash’s Revolutionary Albums

The Clash, one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time, left an indelible mark on the music industry with their politically charged lyrics, raw energy, and genre-bending sound. From their debut album, “The Clash,” to their final studio album, “Combat Rock,” the band constantly pushed the boundaries of what punk rock could be. In this article, we will rank their albums in reverse order, highlighting their revolutionary impact on the music scene.

6. ‘Cut the Crap’ (1985)

Regrettably, “Cut the Crap” marks a low point in The Clash’s discography. With the departure of Mick Jones, the band’s primary songwriter and creative force, the album lacks the depth and cohesive sound that defined their earlier work. Despite a few standout tracks like “This Is England,” the album fails to capture the rebellious spirit and innovation that made The Clash a punk rock powerhouse.

5. ‘Combat Rock’ (1982)

“Combat Rock” may be ranked fifth on this list, but it still contains some of The Clash’s most recognizable and commercially successful songs, such as “Rock the Casbah” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” While these tracks are undeniably catchy, the album as a whole lacks the raw intensity and lyrical depth found in their earlier work. Despite its flaws, “Combat Rock” remains a notable entry in The Clash’s catalog.

4. ‘Sandinista!’ (1980)

“Sandinista!” is a sprawling triple album that showcases The Clash’s penchant for experimentation and genre fusion. While its length and eclectic mix of styles may overwhelm some listeners, the album contains standout tracks like “The Magnificent Seven” and “Police on My Back.” Although it may not possess the same cohesiveness as their earlier albums, “Sandinista!” further solidified The Clash’s reputation as musical pioneers unafraid to challenge conventions.

3. ‘Give ‘Em Enough Rope’ (1978)

The band’s second studio album, “Give ‘Em Enough Rope,” saw The Clash refining their sound and expanding their musical horizons. With tracks like “Safe European Home” and “Tommy Gun,” the album showcased the band’s ability to combine punk rock with elements of reggae and rockabilly. Although it didn’t receive the same critical acclaim as their debut, “Give ‘Em Enough Rope” marked a significant step forward in The Clash’s evolution.

2. ‘The Clash’ (1977)

The Clash burst onto the punk rock scene in 1977 with their self-titled debut album, forever changing the landscape of music. This raw and explosive record features iconic tracks like “White Riot” and “London’s Burning,” capturing the anger and disillusionment felt by a generation. With its aggressive energy and politically charged lyrics, “The Clash” set the stage for the band’s future experimentation and musical growth.

1. ‘London Calling’ (1979)

At the top of our list sits what many consider The Clash’s magnum opus: “London Calling.” This double album saw the band building upon their punk foundation and incorporating influences from various genres, including reggae, rockabilly, and ska. From the title track’s apocalyptic energy to the introspection of “Lost in the Supermarket,” “London Calling” showcases the band’s musical versatility and lyrical brilliance. With its groundbreaking sound and thought-provoking themes, this album solidified The Clash’s place in music history and continues to inspire generations of musicians to this day.

The Clash’s discography is a testament to their artistic growth and rebellious spirit. While some albums may have fallen short of expectations, they each contribute to the band’s legacy and impact on the punk rock genre. From the revolutionary energy of their debut to the genre-defying experimentation of “London Calling,” The Clash’s albums continue to resonate with fans and newcomers alike.