Joe Strummer Songs Ranked

John Graham Mellor (21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002), better known as Joe Strummer, was a British musician, singer, songwriter, composer, actor, and radio host who was best known as the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist, and co-lead vocalist of punk rock band the Clash, formed in 1976. The Clash’s second album Give ‘Em Enough Rope (1978) reached No. 2 on the UK charts. Soon after, they achieved success in the US, starting with London Calling (1979) and peaking with Combat Rock (1982), which reached No. 7 on the US charts and was certified 2× platinum there. The Clash’s explosive political lyrics, musical experimentation, and rebellious attitude had a far-reaching influence on rock music in general, especially alternative rock. Their music incorporated reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, and rockabilly. Here are all of Joe Strummer’s songs ranked.

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10. Mondo Bongo (Global a Go-Go, 2001)

“It’s a simple love song. It’s about a guy who is on business for the CIA and while there he meets a local girl and falls for her. Mondo Bongo literally translates to “Clean Canoe”

9. Death or Glory (London Calling, 1979)

“I take it to mean that “Death or Glory” means nothing in the grand scheme of things. You can believe in something so much that you would give your life for it, but in the end, face it, you’re not special. The guy in the first verse had some grand cause at one time in his youth, now he is old and bitter. He became just another story.”

8. Long Shadow (Streetcore, 2003)

“Whether or not Joe’s non- involvement in the final sound of the album has anything to do with what we hear is a minor debate at best- although worth noting as the production here is much more forceful than previous Mescalero’s outings; Joe’s voice is front and centre where it should be in all its fiery and heartfelt intent; the band’s playing seems more fluid than we’ve heard before- not hard to understand given how soon this was released after Joe passed.”

7. Get Down Moses (Streetcore, 2003)

“This band may be the most under appreciated band of all time. What a song, another one by the Mescaleros gets stuck in my head every week. I’m not sure what the lyrics mean, maybe something about a mystical drug experience, but it rocks.”

See more: Joe Strummer Albums Ranked

6. Love Kills (Sid and Nancy, 1986)

“Beautiful album by an ever-convincing Joe Strummer. Years go by and he always manages to be consistent with himself. He was on a creative groove that was shaping up to be one of the great second acts in rock and roll”

5. Johnny Appleseed (Global a Go-Go, 2001)

“If you are looking a for a stronger song then this, you will find yourself hard pressed. Its levels of interpretation are unfathomable, and you have to stand in awe of these amazing song writer.”

4. Bankrobber (The Story of the Clash, Volume 1, 1988)

“Best damn Clash song ever. Great instrumentation, for that time, from a punk band. Really good lyrics. This song is inspiring, can make you feel better.”

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3. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais (The Story of the Clash, Volume 1, 1988)

“The first part was written by Joe Strummer after he went to a reggae concert featurin “Dillinger, Leroy Smart, Delroy Wilson…” He expected the concert to be really political, but it sounded like commercial pop, so he was upset. Then the song goes on to talk about wealth distribution in the UK, and mentions Hitler, referring to the rise of facism in England. Basically, this song is talking about alot of the problems in England at that time. (In Strummers opinion). This was also one of Strummers favourite songs by the Clash, and was played at his funeral.”

2. Yalla Yalla (Rock Art and the X-Ray Style, 1999)

“I miss Joe Strummer a lot, his voice, his support for liberty in its absence, identification with working class people and values. I wish his future was still unwritten. Nice 4-song CD. Like the title song and its dub version very well. Too short, as was Joe’s life.”

1. Coma Girl (Streetcore, 2003)

“Festival way out west, burger van, rain coming in from the wide blue yonder – this song is blatantly about Glastonbury – which Strummer was a huge fan of and where the great man is remembered with the Strummerville campfire. And of course Bruce Springsteen opened his set at the 2009 Glastonbury Festival with a cover of this song, a tribute to Joe.”