The Clash Songs Ranked
The Clash was an English rock band formed in London in 1976 as a key player in the original wave of British punk rock. They have also contributed to the post-punk and new wave movements that emerged in the wake of punk and employed elements of a variety of genres including reggae, dub, funk, ska, and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, lead guitarist and lead vocalist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Nicky “Topper” Headon. Here are all The Clash’s songs ranked from worst to best.
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20. Rudie Can’t Fail (London Calling, 1979)
“I love this song like complete control. This song has so many layers and I can talk about that for many years. It’s comedy and tragedy. Very underrated. The amazing arrangement, production, and melodies.”
19. Stay Free (Give ‘Em Enough Rope, 1978)
“This song is about Mick Jones’ personal experience in Brixton with his friend, pretty self-explanatory if you read the lyrics. You can hear the emotion in his voice when he sings it, this song truly comes straight from the heart.”
18. Cheat (The Clash, 1977)
“I think the term ‘cheat’ is used a metaphor for growing up and witnessing the harsh reality of life. ‘A Cheat’; a name, usually by a child to another child, is usually a derogatory term but here it is glorified and a must to be used to gain an advantage in this world.”
17. The Magnificent Seven (Sandinista!, 1980)
“Love it. My favorite song by The Clash. I love the bass riff and the whole idea of the song. It’s got a mixture of punk, reggae and rap. It shouldn’t work, but it works brilliantly.”
See more: The Clash Albums Ranked Worst to Best
16. Straight to Hell (Combat Rock, 1982)
“This is one of their best.. Maybe not so popular as London calling and should I stay or should I go but desevse to be on the top ten.. Every hardcore clash fan knows this song..”
15. Spanish Bombs (London Calling, 1979)
“Spanish bombs has a great beat, and is vastly underrated. Also it is in the best album ever. Listen to this song then rethink your previous review.”
14. Complete Control (The Clash, 1977)
“This song is the last great punk song by the band before they went in other directions. It has a much fuller production than songs from the first album. A fantastic single.”
13. Clash City Rockers (The Clash, 1977)
“I think this is just the most punk song they have. It’s pure energy and I like it far more than some of their main songs. “Clash city rockers” shows the spirit of punk rock band.”
12. Career Opportunities (The Clash, 1977)
“This is my favourite song, because it’s great old punk whacking with great melody. Songs from London Calling are maybe advanced and all, but this is old punk which I like”
11. Police & Thieves (The Clash, 1977)
“I always felt that this song was about how there is such a similarity between police and thieves, even though society likes to feel differently. A lot of clash songs are about ironic comparisons like this.”
10. Clampdown (London Calling, 1979)
“This is the best Clash song ever! It speaks of the working class and how hard it is to survive in a world of political conspiracies, unfairness, inequality, hypocrisy and corruption. This is how a real punk rock band should sound.”
9. Death or Glory (London Calling, 1979)
“I really liked the lyrics–not just because it’s a song about selling out, but because it leaves the listener with jurisdiction to draw a lot of conclusions about its meaning. It also has a great melody, and the part in the middle in which the music seems to stop for a time before picking itself back up is amazing.”
8. Lost in the Super Market (London Calling, 1979)
“I can’t believe that this isn’t on the list! Granted it isn’t their best song (not even in the top ten), but to not include it at all is unforgivable. Mick’s vocals have never been better on this song.”
7. (White Man) in Hammersmith Palais (The Clash, 1977)
“Definitive Clash musically and lyrically. The best 4-minute summation of what The Clash is and will always be remembered as. Awesome. Just such an amazing beat and a great feel to it that puts it higher than even London CALLING itself!”
See more: The Descendents Albums Ranked
6. The Guns of Brixton (London Calling, 1979)
“It’s so great! The bass is as good as “London Calling”. Its lyrics are amazing and pre-date (inspired? ) the 1980’s Brixton riots. Seriously the lyrics are punk as hell! The harmony they do during the chorus is also phenomenal. The Clash have some terrific songs, but this is by far their best.”
5. This Is Radio Clash (The Story of the Clash, Volume 1, 1988)
“This song is their best song. It shows their diversity in the genre and it is just utterly amazing. I love this song and love jamming to it 24/7! “
4. Rock the Casbah (Combat Rock, 1982)
“Try listening to this song making an effort on feeling what Strummer felt when recording. The clash made history with this song Amazing song which deserves a high spot on this list. Too bad the production isn’t as good as on London Calling.”
3. Should I Stay or Should I Go? (Combat Rock, 1982)
“Definitely my favourite by The Clash. Huge punk rock pioneer, especially with this song. Catchy chorus and great instrumental work. Great band”
2. Train In Vain (London Calling, 1979)
“For a band so dedicated to rebellion they show surprising skill at the art of the pop song. Great tune, great lyrics. I can relate my love life to the song’s lyrics.”
1. London Calling (London Calling, 1979)
“When I first heard this song, I was floored. The line ‘London is drowning and I, (I) live by the river’ have more meaning behind it than just something to keep itself knocking around your head. As for the comment about it being highly rated because of having London in the name: you miss the point entirely. The song isn’t up here because it has London in the name, it’s up here because it holds meaning and gives us a glimpse into the feeling of the time; something that you’ll be hard pressed to find in many songs.”