30 Essential Punk Rock Albums You Must Have on Vinyl

List of Must-Have Punk Rock Vinyl Records for Your Collection

Picture this: you’re a teenager coming of age during the global political and economic turmoil of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. None of the music on the radio seems to capture your experience; all you hear is endless, drawn out guitar solos and hippies singing about peace and love. Where was the speed, the aggression? Where was the rage? Enter: punk rock.

What we now know as “punk” sprouted in both the U.S. and U.K. in the mid 1970’s, borne from a youthful contingent of non-conformists who wanted to play fast, stripped-back rock in order to buck authoritarianism and stick it to the man. Many of these early acts (think Sex Pistols, Ramones, the Clash) were untrained on their instruments and decided to pick them up because, well, why the hell not?

In the 50+ years since its inception, punk has split into numerous subcultures, fracturing both sonically and ideologically, but the core philosophy remains the same: punk is music for the people; punk is for everyone.

With all that being said, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room: it’s not very “punk” to label all these albums as punk and rank them, but someone has to do it. In keeping with the DIY ethos that conceived the genre, I figured that “someone” might as well be me. But don’t worry, they’re not ranked in any particular order — gotta stick it to the man somehow. (I played a little fast and loose with the “punk” label, and some of these are EPs…so sue me!)

30. Pisse – Kohlrübenwinter (2016)

Why Pisse’s Kohlrübenwinter is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

Alright, I’ll admit it. I found this song from a TikTok audio, which might be the least punk thing anyone has ever admitted to. But what can I say? I’m half-German and a sucker for grimy, driving punk with catchy synth and theremin hooks, and this album has exactly that. Might piss some people off with this one, but this is punk you can actually dance to – and I’m not talking two-stepping. Some favorites off the album are “Fahrradsattel,” “Vernissage,” and “Schwätzer.”

29. Dummy Toys – Not A Puppet (2020)

Why Dummy Toys’s Not A Puppet is a Must-Have Punk Rock Record

A little fun fact about me, dear reader, is that I was supposed to get my Master’s in Chinese ethnomusicology, with a focus in punk, post-punk, and noise rock. My program was unfortunately put on pause, further convincing me that we’re witnessing the collapse of the American university system. As a result, I was left with all of this zeal for Chinese punk and nowhere to put it. So, if you’re curious to know what femme-fronted punk in China sounds like, look no further than Not A Puppet. Some favorites: “Street Punk Girls,” “Not A Puppet,” and “Dmc Baby.”

28. Richard Hell and the Voidoids – Blank Generation (1977)

Why Richard Hell and the Voidoids’ Blank Generation is a Must-Have Punk Rock Vinyl

As a person who exists at the intersection of overly-literary nerds and leather-clad mosh pit-enthusiasts, I’m incredibly glad to have Richard Hell as my leader. Hell had his finger on the pulse of New York in the 70’s, yet never tried to be a mouthpiece for the movement. His work is personal and intimate, while still having enough grit to warrant calling it “punk.” Some favorites: “Blank Generation,” “Love Comes in Spurts,” and “Liars Beware.”

27. G.L.O.S.S. – Demo (2015)

Why G.L.O.S.S.’s Demo is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

I would be remiss if I didn’t include some Queercore, and what better band to exemplify the genre than G.L.O.S.S? While they’re admittedly more hardcore than cut-and-dry punk, G.L.O.S.S. (Girls Living Outside Society’s Sh*t) tap into a primal anger and ferocity that can only come from being society’s punching bag for decades. If you call yourself a human being, you should listen to G.L.O.S.S. Some favorites: “G.L.O.S.S. (We’re From the Future),” “Outcast Stomp,” and “Masculine Artifice.”

26. Amyl and the Sniffers – Comfort to Me (2021)

Why Amyl and the Sniffers’ Comfort to Me is an Essential Punk Rock Record

Another Australian pick, Amyl and the Sniffers are probably the most popular, undiluted punk band of the 2020’s. Amy Taylor’s infectious energy, seemingly infinite stamina, and unpretentious lyrics help cement Amyl and the Sniffers as punk for the people. Some favorites: “Freaks to the Front,” “Hertz,” and “Guided By Angels.”

25. Bad Brains – Bad Brains (1982)

Why Bad Brains’ Bad Brains is a Must-Have Punk Rock Record

Anyone who likes punk will inevitably have been searching for this album on the list. Well, here it is! Like Death, Bad Brains don’t get nearly enough flowers for the influence they had on the genre. Not only were they talented instrumentalists, they also managed to bring a distinct reggae flair to their music – astute readers will notice that the Slits did the same thing over in the U.K.! Some favorites: “Banned in D.C.,” “Pay to Cum,” and “F.V.K.”

24. Agent Orange – Living In Darkness (1981)

Why Agent Orange’s Living In Darkness is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

Agent Orange, like their name, drips with toxins and hovers somewhere between Black Flag and Hüsker Dü. Their brand of punk gracefully (if you can call it that) merges surf-rock with hardcore, creating a sound that’s difficult to pin down, but an earworm nonetheless. This is music for people who wish they could mosh to the Beach Boys. Some favorites: “Miserlou,” “ Bloodstains,” and “Everything Turns Grey.”

23. Death – …For the Whole World to See (Recorded in 1975, Released in 2009)

Why Death’s …For the Whole World to See is Essential for Record Collections

It’s common knowledge that Death formed as a funk but later pivoted to a faster, coarser sound. Oftentimes, when discussing the history of punk, African-American bands are left out of the conversation, despite being instrumental in the creation and proliferation of rock music. …For the Whole World to See was released in 1975, two years before the Sex Pistols’ Nevermind the Bollocks, cementing Death’s legitimacy as punk trailblazers. Some favorites: “Politicians in My Eyes,” “Keep on Knocking,” and “Rock and Roll Victim.”

22. New York Dolls – New York Dolls (1973)

Why New York Dolls’ New York Dolls is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

New York Dolls could probably best be described as “proto-punk.” They helped plant the seeds for punks to come by embracing an androgynous look, snarling guitars, and more abrasive Stones-esque tunes. They, along with MC5, may not be as instantly recognizable as modern-day punk, but we have to tip our hats to their pioneering discography. Some favorites: “Personality Crisis,” “Looking for a Kiss,” and “Trash.”

21. Dead Boys – Young, Loud and Snotty (1977)

Why Dead Boys’ Young, Loud and Snotty is a Must-Have Punk Rock Record

My introduction to Stiv Bators was an hour-long interview between him, Sid Vicious, and Nancy Spungen that I watched during what felt like a week-long Sid Vicious-induced manic episode. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Dead Boys were the perfect soundtrack to said episode. Although Dead Boys may seem like a variation on a Sex Pistols theme, they helped bring punk to the U.S., and for that, their influence cannot be overstated.

20. Destroy Boys – Make Room (2018)

Why Destroy Boys’ Make Room is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

Veering towards the “rock” side of “punk rock,” Destroy Boys blends nihilistic disenchantment and rage with a more polished, refined sound. Being the youngest band on this list, their music speaks directly to the angst that comes with growing up in an America that’s turned its back on its children. Some favorites: “American River,” “B.F.F.,” and “Crybaby.”

19. IDLES – Joy As An Act of Resistance (2018)

Why IDLES’ Joy As An Act of Resistance is Essential for Record Collections

I first found this album in the annals of my college’s student radio station, and put “Never Fight A Man With A Perm” on the air without thinking much of it. The second I heard those pounding drums and Joe Talbot scream “Concrete to Leather,” I almost started a pit with the station speakers (I was alone in the room at the time, so had to make do with what I had). Later that year, I saw them live at Shaky Knees and fell to my knees within the first three minutes, which is generally not what you want to do in a crowd of people. Terrifying show experience. Album rocks though. Some favorites: “Rottweiler,” “Never Fight A Man With A Perm,” and “Danny Nedelko.”

18. Viagra Boys – Cave World (2023)

Why Viagra Boys’ Cave World is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

Don’t let the name deceive you, Viagra Boys’ newest album is hard. With Sebastian Murphy’s signature full-throated growl, Elias Junqvist’s distinctive synth melodies, and Oskar Carls’ blaring saxophone licks, “Cave World” is just that: a world unto itself. The first track off the album, “Baby Criminal,” winks, puts its arm around your shoulders, and brings you into the fold before shoving you headlong into the hollow isolation of “Cave Hole.” The rest of the album is a DEVO-inspired white-knuckle trek through the catchiest and wittiest album Viagra Boys has to offer. Oh, and for the record, I think these guys are the spiritual successors to the Dead Milkmen. Some favorites: “Troglodyte,” “Creepy Crawlers,” and “Baby Criminal.”

17. The Bobby Lees – Skin Suit (2023)

Why The Bobby Lees’ Skin Suit is a Must-Have Punk Rock Record

The Bobby Lees have a sound that’s simultaneously fresh and nostalgic, angular and melodic. Their music harkens back to the messiness of 70s punk, combined with the grunge and riot grrrl sensibilities of the mid-90’s. No wonder Henry Rollings dug this sh*t. Some favorites: “Guttermilk,” “Blank Generation,” and “Drive.”

16. Teen Mortgage – Life/Death (2019)

Why Teen Mortgage’s Life/Death is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

This one’s for all of the skate punks out there; if you’ve ever wanted punk to be a little more metal, a little sludgier, maybe even a little more – dare I say it – modern, Teen Mortgage has got you covered. Despite never having released a full-length LP, the duo has already booked a tour with the Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer, two other well-known punk bands, of course. Some favorites: “Doctor,” “Life/Death,” and “Falling Down.”

15. Black Flag – Damaged (1981)

Why Black Flag’s Damaged is Essential for Record Collections

Radiating pure, undistilled aggression, Black Flag’s Damaged paved the way for punk’s hardcore subgenre. With the speed and venom of a cobra, Damaged features catchy, face-melting riffs, and Henry Rollins’ iconic hyper-masculine voice. Some favorites: “Six Pack,” “Rise Above,” and “Life of Pain.”

14. The Chats – Get This In Ya (2017)

Why The Chats’ Get This In Ya is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

If your idea of a good time is kicking back with a brew, eating a hamburger, and laughing at people who take life too seriously, then boy, do I have the album for you! With songs about going on an anti-social smoke break to blowing your rent on alcohol, The Chats remind everyone to get the stick out of their ass and have a little fun. Bonus if you love Australian accents. Some favorites: “Smoko,” “How Many Do You Do,” and “Bus Money.”

13. Subhumans – The Day The Country Died (1983)

Why Subhumans’ The Day The Country Died is Essential for Record Collections

Nothing screams “Anarchy in the U.K.” like Subhumans. If you’re looking for an album that’s just pure, dirty aggression coupled with some serious political analysis, look no further than The Day The Country Died. It’s raw and rough around the edges, just the way punk should be. Some favorites: “No,” “Mickey Mouse is Dead,” and “Minority.”

12. Mommy Long Legs – Life Rips (2015)

Why Mommy Long Legs’ Life Rips is a Must-Have Punk Rock Record

Life Rips is Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables for 21st century feminists with nothing left to lose. Mommy Long Legs channel feminine rage, sarcasm a la Dead Kennedys, and goofiness a la The Dead Milkmen, all while managing to create something entirely their own. Hailing from Seattle, the four-piece lampoons white overculture, and what’s better than that? Some favorites: “Sorority Girls,” “Life Rips,” and “Horrorscope.”

11. The Dead Milkmen – Big Lizard in My Backyard (1985)

Why The Dead Milkmen’s Big Lizard in My Backyard is Essential for Record Collections

I grew up on Weird Al, so I’m no stranger to “quirky” music that satirizes pop culture (although, that’s arguably what most of punk is). “Big Lizard in My Backyard” deftly blends spine-snapping, toe-tapping riffs with some of the silliest lyrics you’ve ever heard. This is music for Mystery Science Theatre 3000 fans and people with engineering degrees – which one applies to me? Wouldn’t you like to know, bud? Some favorites: “Tiny Town,” “Bitchin’ Camaro,” and “Right-Wing Pigeons.”

10. Minor Threat – Minor Threat (1981)

Why Minor Threat’s Minor Threat is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

Here’s the part where you find out that I’m that one annoying straight-edge at every shows…But pay no attention to the X’s on the back of my hands, because Minor Threat’s music speaks for itself. It doesn’t take a genius to know that Ian MacKaye is one – minus “Guilty for Being White” because, well, ew. This album is on the list purely because 1) it’s f*cking good and 2) it was so influential that it spurred an entire legion of people to abstain from pretty much every popular vice you can think of, something that a lot of religions aspire (and fail) to do. Some favorites: “Straight Edge,” “Small Man, Big Mouth,” and “Seeing Red.”

9. Dead Kennedys – Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980)

Why Dead Kennedys’ Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is Essential Punk Rock Record

One of my favorite Portlandia sketches of all time is “The Lucky Seven Punk House,” wherein Fred Armisen plays “Lars,” a blond Jello Biafra. Both Lars and Jello are sarcastic, theatrical, and a little corny, but you gotta love ‘em. Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables epitomizes Biafra’s willingness to embrace caustic humor in the face of an objectively broken system. I would definitely recommend playing this album to your reactionary, fart-smelling uncle on Thanksgiving if you really wanna see some fists fly. Some favorites: “California Uber Alles,” “Holiday in Cambodia,” and “Kill the Poor.”

8. The Slits – Cut (1979)

Why The Slits’ Cut is a Must-Have Punk Rock Album

The Slits, similarly to X-Ray Spex, were a seminal all-female punk band who are frequently overlooked in punk conversations. Ari Up, the lead singer, was raised by her stepfather John Lydon (of Sex Pistols fame) and taught to play guitar by Joe Strummer (whom you might recognize from The Clash). With such a “refined” pedigree, it goes without saying that punk flowed through her veins as freely as The Slits’ soaring vocal melodies flowed out of her mouth. Like many other British 70’s punk bands, the group pulled on reggae and jazz influences, but Up’s breathy and Björk-before-Björk vocal stylings put them in a league of their own. Plus, who can say no to a punk cover of Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine?” Some favorites: “Typical Girls,” “Ping Pong Affair,” and “FM.”

7. X-Ray Spex – Germfree Adolescents (1978)

Why X-Ray Spex’s Germfree Adolescents is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

This list would not be complete without mention of X-Ray Spex, arguably the most influential 70’s femme-fronted band, paving the way for the riot grrrl movement decades later. Poly Styrene’s voice and inflection are unmistakable, as well as Lora Logic’s penetrating saxophone staccato. Some favorites: “I Am A Poseur,” “Germ-Free Adolescents,” and “Art-I-Ficial.”

6. Bikini Kill – The First Two Records (1992-1993)

Why Bikini Kill’s The First Two Records is a Must-Have Punk Rock Record

Bikini Kill is arguably the most “successful” (whatever that means!) bands to come out of the riot grrrl movement, and for good reason. Their influence on the genre, encouragement of other femme-fronted punk bands, and tireless activism (anyone remember the Bikini Kill zine?) created an indelible mark on punk history. Kathleen Hanna is also one of the most versatile vocalists I’ve ever heard, going from Bikini Kill’s staccato screams to Le Tigre’s danceable (yet still angry) new wave. There’s something for everyone in her discography! Some favorites: “Carnival,” “White Boy,” and “Suck My Left One.”

5. Ramones – Ramones (1976)

Why Ramones’s Ramones is an Essential Punk Rock Album

It wouldn’t be a “Best Punk Albums of All Time” list if I didn’t include the Ramones’ self-titled debut album. Everything from their simplistic, pared down melodies to their iconic hair and black leather jackets has helped define the genre. If you’re just getting into punk and you want to listen to an album that is simultaneously seminal and approachable, pick this one. Some favorites: “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Judy Is a Punk,” and “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue.”

4. Sonic Youth – Goo (1990)

Why Sonic Youth’s Goo is Essential for Record Collections

Alright, this is one where I’ll admit I strayed from out-and-out “pure” punk in favor of an album inspired by punk subgenres that I think everyone should listen to. If you haven’t already heard Sonic Youth’s Goo, how’s that coma been treating you? In all seriousness, get your hands on this record if you like discordance, driving guitar “riffs” (if they can even be called that) with a noisy flair, and muffled screaming. Some favorites: “Mildred Pierce,” “Dirty Boots,” and “Kool Thing.”

3. Descendents – Milo Goes to College (1982)

Why Descendents’ Milo Goes to College is a Must-Have Punk Rock Record

Whether you love or hate pop-punk acts like blink-182, Green Day, and Sum 41, you have Milo Goes to College to thank for laying the groundwork for their sound. With tongue-in-cheek lyrics like “I want to be stereotyped, I want to be classified,” the Descendents effortlessly lampoon the middle-class complacency that defined the early 80’s. What more could you expect from a band whose lead singer is a molecular biologist? Some favorites: “Parents,” “Hope,” and “Suburban Home.”

2. The Clash – London Calling (1979)

Why The Clash’s London Calling is Essential Punk Rock Vinyl

With instant classics like “Brand New Cadillac” and the titular “London Calling,” it’s no surprise that The Clash easily broke out of their early punk roots to become rock and roll legends. London Calling showed the world that punk could have refined, complex groove – even verging on orchestral at times – just as much as it could have grit and passion. Though Combat Rock, their fifth album, is perhaps their most mature, London Calling is an excellent introduction to the band. Doesn’t hurt that the album cover kicks ass, too. Some favorites: “Brand New Cadillac,” “London Calling,” and “Four Horsemen.”

1. Otoboke Beaver – Itekoma Hits (2019)

Why Otoboke Beaver’s Itekoma Hits is a Must-Have Punk Rock Album

Otoboke Beaver’s brand of punk can’t be described as anything but meticulous. Their melodies weave gracefully into and out of each other, even – and especially – when they’re abrasive. Onstage, their movements are calculated and synchronized. Accorinrin’s vocal delivery is fiery, calculated, and militant; it’s truly a sight to behold. While their most recent album, YAKITORI, is phenomenal, it feels a little more playful than Itekoma Hits’ unapologetic aggression, which I resonate more with. Some favorites: “datsu . hikage no onna,” “Love is Short,” and “Bad luck.”