Clash on Broadway cover

Clash on Broadway

The Clash

Album 1991

About this album

Sound: "A sprawling anthology of punk anthems and reggae-infused tracks that encapsulate The Clash's rebellious spirit."

Where they were

Released in 1991, 'Clash on Broadway' serves as a comprehensive retrospective of The Clash's career, compiling their influential work from the late 1970s through the early 1980s. This collection came after the band's disbandment in 1986 and highlights their evolution from punk pioneers to genre-blending innovators. This compilation reflects both their commercial successes and their artistic experimentation during a tumultuous period in music history.

Why it matters

The album is significant for its role in preserving The Clash's legacy, offering a cohesive overview of their impactful discography during punk's golden age. 'Clash on Broadway' received favorable reviews, acknowledging its importance in shaping the punk and post-punk movements, and it has influenced countless artists across genres, reinforcing the band's status as cultural icons.

Essential tracks

  • "London Calling" — 'London Calling' represents the band's peak creativity, merging punk with reggae and addressing themes of social upheaval and personal struggle.
  • "I Fought the Law" — This cover showcases The Clash's ability to reinterpret classic rock within a punk framework, becoming emblematic of their rebellious ethos.
  • "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" — This track captures the band's unique blend of political commentary and musical diversity, reflecting their engagement with multicultural influences.
  • "Should I Stay or Should I Go" — As one of their most recognizable songs, it perfectly encapsulates the tension between commitment and freedom, resonating with listeners across generations.
  • "Train in Vain" — 'Train in Vain' stands out for its catchy melody and poignant lyrics about heartbreak, showcasing The Clash's softer yet impactful songwriting side.

Release Date

January 1, 1991

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Janie Jones (demo) 2:11
  2. 2 Career Opportunities (demo) 1:58
  3. 3 White Riot 1:59
  4. 4 1977 1:41
  5. 5 I’m So Bored With the U.S.A. 2:25
  6. 6 Hate & War 2:06
  7. 7 What’s My Name 1:40
  8. 8 Deny 3:05
  9. 9 London’s Burning 2:10
  10. 10 Protex Blue 1:46
  11. 11 Police & Thieves 6:00
  12. 12 48 Hours 1:36
  13. 13 Cheat 2:07
  14. 14 Garageland 3:14
  15. 15 Capital Radio One 2:09
  16. 16 Complete Control 3:14
  17. 17 Clash City Rockers 3:49
  18. 18 City of the Dead 2:24
  19. 19 Jail Guitar Doors 3:05
  20. 20 The Prisoner 3:00
  21. 21 (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais 4:01
  22. 22 Pressure Drop 3:26
  23. 23 1‐2 Crush on You 3:01
  24. 24 English Civil War (live) 2:41
  25. 25 I Fought the Law (live) 2:26

Disc 2

  1. 1 Safe European Home 3:51
  2. 2 Tommy Gun 3:17
  3. 3 Julie’s Been Working for the Drug Squad 3:04
  4. 4 Stay Free 3:40
  5. 5 One Emotion 4:13
  6. 6 Groovy Times 3:31
  7. 7 Gates of the West 3:28
  8. 8 Armagideon Time 3:52
  9. 9 London Calling 3:20
  10. 10 Brand New Cadillac 2:10
  11. 11 Rudie Can’t Fail 3:28
  12. 12 The Guns of Brixton 3:13
  13. 13 Spanish Bombs 3:20
  14. 14 Lost in the Supermarket 3:48
  15. 15 The Right Profile 3:54
  16. 16 The Card Cheat 3:50
  17. 17 Death or Glory 3:56
  18. 18 Clampdown 3:50
  19. 19 Train in Vain 3:11
  20. 20 Bankrobber 4:32

Disc 3

  1. 1 Police on My Back 3:17
  2. 2 The Magnificent Seven 5:32
  3. 3 The Leader 1:43
  4. 4 The Call Up 5:28
  5. 5 Somebody Got Murdered 3:35
  6. 6 Washington Bullets 3:52
  7. 7 Broadway 5:50
  8. 8 Lightning Strikes (Not Once but Twice) (live) 3:38
  9. 9 Every Little Bit Hurts 4:36
  10. 10 Stop the World 2:34
  11. 11 Midnight to Stevens 4:39
  12. 12 This Is Radio Clash 4:12
  13. 13 Cool Confusion 3:16
  14. 14 Red Angel Dragnet (edited version) 3:25
  15. 15 Ghetto Defendant (edited version) 4:16
  16. 16 Rock the Casbah 3:45
  17. 17 Should I Stay or Should I Go 3:10
  18. 18 Straight to Hell (unedited version) 6:56
  19. 19 The Street Parade 3:18