Artist: Circle Jerks Album: Wild in the Streets

Year: 1982
Duration: 25:46

A Critical Review of Circle Jerks' Wild in the Streets Album

Circle Jerks' Wild in the Streets is one of the most influential punk albums of all time. The band has been an integral part of the punk rock scene since its inception. The band consisted of Keith Morris on vocals, Greg Hetson on guitar, Roger Rogerson on bass, and Lucky Lehrer on drums. Morris was previously the frontman of Black Flag, and Hetson was a member of Bad Religion. The band's style was aggressive, fast-paced, and rebellious. This album, in particular, is a window to a specific moment in the punk rock scene of America.

The Genre: The Wild in the Streets is a hardcore punk album that marked the transition between the old punk style based on the 70s rock and roll sound and the aggressive hardcore punk sound that would dominate the scene in the 80s. This album incorporated elements of ska and reggae music, as well as political lyrics emphasizing the punk ideology of anti-establishment, anti-capitalist values.

The Best Songs: There are several great songs on this album, including Wild in the Streets, Leave Me Alone, and I Wanna Destroy You. Wild in the Streets is one of the band's most popular songs, with its catchy melody and memorable chorus. Leave Me Alone is a fast-paced, aggressive song with a focus on the punk attitude against societal norms. I Wanna Destroy You is a slower, more tongue-in-cheek song with a catchy chorus that might be mistaken for a pop song on the surface.

The Most Innovative Parts: The most innovative part of the album is the use of reggae and ska beats, typical of the punk scene where different styles were incorporated into the songs. Wild in the Streets features a ska-offbeat rhythm that gives the song a unique sound. The album's production is a bit raw, but provides a feeling of authenticity that is typical of these kinds of bands.

A Critique: The album does have its downsides, however. The lyrics are a bit repetitive, and the production can be a bit murky. Additionally, some songs, like What's Your Problem, feel a bit fillerish and don't add much to the album's overall narrative.

Overall, Circle Jerks' Wild in the Streets is a groundbreaking album that helped pave the way for the hardcore punk movement. It's fast, aggressive, and uncompromising, with memorable riffs and politically charged lyrics. The band's incorporation of reggae and ska beats is particularly noteworthy, as it contributed to the development of punk rock as a genre. While there are some less impressive songs on the album, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in punk rock history. It's an iconic album that captures the spirit of a moment in time, and a band that continues to inspire generations of punk rockers.