All Mod Cons - The Jam (1978)

The Jam were first-wave British punk that soon evolved past their roots. This 3rd record embraced a more radio friendly sound that leaned hard on the 60’s Mod style of the Kinks.

Singer Paul Weller wrote all the songs here (except the Kinks cover, David Watts). He was really good at taking the anger and disillusion of punk and spinning it into real narratives about having to grow up and deal with life. The lyrics are funny and self-deprecating, but very relatable.

Tracks I Liked

To Be Someone - a defiant song about washing out

Mr. Clean - the first Jam song I heard, I think. still one of my favorites