Generation X- Debut (1978)

Generation X- Debut  (1978)

By: Ghost Writer

Generation X, with the years would become a popular term to describe many things, those who were born after the so called "baby boom" generation, perhaps it was writer Douglas Coupland who made really popular the term thanks to his books, and yes, you can also think of a comic book ramification of the famous X Men by Marvel.

But in 1978, Generation X really didn't mean a lot, except for a little known punk band in the UK, Generation X was a part of the whole London scene, but they weren't as defiant as the Sex Pistols, as revolutionary as The Clash, as intense as the Buzzcocks, as eerie as The Damned, as arty as The Raincoats or as vanguardist as Wire, but what made Generation X so important and transcendental is the fact that they were truly visionaries in their approach to punk, as they will become the undeniable pioneers of what would become pop punk, a little phenomenon popularized by bands like Green Day or The Offspring, and a musical trend that although existing, few believed it could gather so much attention.

Another important fact to remember about Generation X, the pop punk rock band, and their 1978 debut, was also the debut of blonde rebel yell Billy Idol, a punk rocker who would embrace stardom and create a wholesome rock career in America in the 80's, well, here Idol sounds better than ever, in what could be easily defined as the best record of his whole career.

Songs like opener From the Heart shows definite promise, as Idol and company demonstrated their pop songs crafting skill at best, creating memorable melodies rather than just declaring "anarchy for the UK", it was an amazing sign of many things to come, including the pop metal of the half 80's in an impressive musical premonition.

One Hundred Punks is quite brilliant with strong guitar and Idol proving himself as something beyond the average Johnny Rotten or Joe Strummer, and displaying his skills as a definite pop star to look in the future, in what could be seen as a definite descendant of the Roger Daltrey school of powerful singers.

But if you want to listen to sheer pop brilliance, you can find it by the ton in the amazing Ready Steady Go, with Idol unparalleled commanding presence, the lyrics mentioning classic rock bands, and a powerful guitar and drum performance.

Generation X's 1978 debut might not became a hit like the Sex Pistols, The Clash or The Damned debut album, but it would become a transcendental record in the story of high energy pop along recordings by The Jam, it was the work of fine songwriters and a future rising star in their initial stages, even daring to tackle an amusing ballad that obviously made a strong impression on the future power ballads of the end of the 80's, Generation were definitely aiming at the future.