The Ramones, pioneers of punk rock, delivered a raw, energetic sound that defined a generation. While their catalog is extensive, some tracks stand out as truly iconic. Here’s a countdown of 20 essential Ramones songs that showcase their enduring influence and musical genius.
20. Something to Believe In (1986)
From their album Animal Boy, “Something to Believe In” offered a glimpse of vulnerability rarely seen in the Ramones’ earlier work. Joey Ramone’s distinctive vocals, often described as an acquired taste, here conveyed a genuine heartfelt emotion. Stripping away the cartoonish elements, this track presents a raw and sincere side of the band.
19. Oh, Oh, I Love Her So (1977)
A seemingly minor track from Leave Home, “Oh, Oh, I Love Her So” perfectly encapsulates the Ramones at their most vibrant and energetic. This song is a high-octane homage to early 60s teen pop, executed with undeniable passion and charm, culminating in that signature guitar “sprannng!” that is pure Ramones.
18. Psycho Therapy (1983)
“Psycho Therapy,” from the unfortunately poorly mixed and produced album Subterranean Jungle (1983), is a testament to the strength of the Ramones’ core sound. Had this track been featured on a better-produced record, it would undoubtedly rank even higher. Despite the sonic shortcomings of the album, “Psycho Therapy” is Ramones by the numbers, but in the best way possible: brutal, edgy, and utterly thrilling.
17. Daytime Dilemma (Dangers of Love) (1984)
Throughout the 1980s, Joey Ramone’s knack for crafting perfect pop songs became a defining characteristic of the Ramones’ albums. “Daytime Dilemma (Dangers of Love),” from Too Tough to Die, exemplifies this skill. Clocking in at a relatively epic four and a half minutes for the Ramones, it’s a pop-rock masterclass, showcasing their ability to stretch their sonic boundaries while maintaining their signature sound.
16. Mama’s Boy (1984)
Too Tough to Die was widely interpreted as the Ramones’ response to the burgeoning hardcore punk scene they had inspired. The album’s opening track, “Mama’s Boy,” defied expectations by eschewing speed for a menacing, slow-burning churn. For the first time, the Ramones sounded genuinely threatening, a departure from their usual madcap energy, revealing a darker and more intense dimension.
Alt text: The Ramones performing live at CBGB, showcasing their iconic lineup of Johnny, Joey, and Dee Dee Ramone.
15. The KKK Took My Baby Away (1981)
“The KKK Took My Baby Away,” from Pleasant Dreams, is a song steeped in personal drama. Reportedly written by Joey Ramone about his girlfriend’s relationship with Johnny Ramone, the fallout created a rift between the two that lasted for the remaining 15 years of the band’s existence. While the lyrical comparison of a bandmate to the Ku Klux Klan is undeniably extreme, the song captures the raw emotion of heartbreak and betrayal.
14. You Should Never Have Opened That Door (1977)
“You Should Never Have Opened That Door,” from Rocket to Russia, demonstrates the Ramones’ knack for finding inspiration in unexpected places. Taking a cue from horror movie tropes, the song offers humorous advice to ill-fated characters. Following in the footsteps of their debut album’s “I Don’t Wanna Go Down to the Basement,” this track, driven by Johnny’s powerful riff and complemented by Dee Dee Ramone’s upbeat harmonies, is a standout example of their unique songwriting approach.
13. I Wanna Be Sedated (1978)
By their fourth album, Road to Ruin, the Ramones, now with Marky Ramone on drums, began subtly evolving their sound. “I Wanna Be Sedated,” while thematically and stylistically still distinctly Ramones, exhibits a slight shift towards more polished arrangements and hooks. This track marked a transitional phase for the band, hinting at future sonic explorations while retaining their essential punk spirit.
12. We’re a Happy Family (1977)
“We’re a Happy Family,” from Rocket to Russia, playfully embraced the Ramones’ reputation for simplicity, often mistaken for stupidity. The song’s clever rhyming of “Queens,” “refried beans,” “magazines,” and “Thorazines” within a single verse reveals a sharp wit beneath the surface. These seemingly random words paint a vivid, albeit humorous, picture of the band’s world and their self-aware persona.
11. Bonzo Goes to Bitburg (1985)
“Bonzo Goes to Bitburg,” later renamed “My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes to Bitburg)” for the Animal Boy album, stands as the Ramones’ most overtly political song. Inspired by President Ronald Reagan’s controversial visit to a German military cemetery containing SS graves, Joey and Dee Dee Ramone penned this angry protest anthem. Despite Johnny Ramone’s conservative views leading to the title change, the song’s message of political outrage remained potent and relevant.
Alt text: Early publicity shot of The Ramones in Los Angeles, California, 1976, capturing their youthful energy and iconic style.
10. Judy Is a Punk (1976)
“Judy Is a Punk,” from their self-titled debut album, is a quintessential Ramones blast of energy. In just ninety seconds, the song explodes with raw intensity, driven by Johnny’s guitar that sounds like a swarm of buzzing hornets. Adding to its charm, Joey even playfully comments on the song’s structure within the lyrics themselves: “Second verse, same as the first … Third verse, different from the first,” showcasing their self-aware and irreverent approach to songwriting.
9. Questioningly (1978)
“Questioningly,” featured on Road to Ruin, showcases a surprising depth and vulnerability. This heartbreak ballad, a collaborative effort between Dee Dee, Joey, and Johnny, is played on acoustic guitars, evoking the classic sound of a Jackie DeShannon tune. The lyrics, even with their slightly awkward phrasing like, “Looked at her close, forced her into view / Yes, I said, you’re a girl that I once may have knew,” add to the song’s raw and emotional honesty.
8. Sheena Is a Punk Rocker (1977)
“Sheena Is a Punk Rocker,” from Rocket to Russia, represents the Ramones’ ambitious attempt at a hit single during punk’s explosive summer of 1977. Joey Ramone’s Phil Spector-inspired production dreams come to fruition with guitar overdubs and a polished sound. While it achieved chart success in the UK, reaching No. 22, it surprisingly stalled at No. 81 in the US, proving that even punk anthems can be unpredictable in the charts.
7. Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment (1977)
“Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment,” from Leave Home, delves into the recurring theme of mental health in the Ramones’ music. Given Joey and Dee Dee’s personal experiences with mental illness, Dee Dee writing this song for Joey to sing adds a layer of poignant authenticity. However, true to the Ramones’ spirit, the song avoids self-pity, even when laced with their characteristic sarcasm, instead channeling the topic into their signature high-energy punk sound.
Alt text: Joey Ramone in his element, performing live with The Ramones at the Palladium in Hollywood, 1980, showcasing his iconic stage presence.
6. Do You Remember Rock’n’Roll Radio? (1980)
“Do You Remember Rock’n’Roll Radio?,” from End of the Century, fulfilled Joey Ramone’s ambition to work with Phil Spector. While the End of the Century album is often considered uneven, Spector’s production on this track is undeniably brilliant. It serves as a vibrant, celebratory hymn to the golden age of AM radio and legendary DJs like Murray the K and Alan Freed, evoking the nostalgic atmosphere of a bustling nighttime fairground.
5. Danny Says (1980)
“Danny Says,” also from End of the Century, is perhaps the Ramones’ most genuinely heartfelt song. Addressed to their manager Danny Fields as a series of weary yet poignant messages from life on tour, the song gains deeper meaning from the Ramones’ reality. Unlike many artists complaining about the rigors of touring from luxury hotels, the Ramones’ road life was far from glamorous, adding a layer of pathos and authenticity to this ballad.
4. Beat on the Brat (1976)
“Beat on the Brat,” from their debut album, exemplifies the cartoonish violence that permeated early Ramones songs, creating a soundscape reminiscent of late-night television static. The song’s central question – with what should you “beat on the brat?” – is answered with a resounding “baseball bat,” delivered with faulty logic but undeniable energy and a thrillingly catchy melody.
3. Swallow My Pride (1977)
“Swallow My Pride,” from Leave Home, marked a step towards maturity for the Ramones. This mid-tempo track, a deliberate nod to classic rock songwriting, features actual harmonies and dynamic shifts between verse and chorus. Despite these more sophisticated elements, it remained undeniably Ramones, showcasing their evolution while retaining their core punk identity and delivering yet another great single.
2. Blitzkrieg Bop (1976)
“Blitzkrieg Bop,” from Ramones, arguably the first true punk rock single, re-imagines the Bay City Rollers’ “Saturday Night” as a raw, rebellious call to arms. The iconic “Hey ho! Let’s go!” chant at the song’s opening is pure genius, instantly cementing its place in music history and guaranteeing its future as a stadium anthem and advertising jingle, transcending its punk origins.
1. Rockaway Beach (1977)
“Rockaway Beach,” from Rocket to Russia, arguably the greatest single from punk’s first wave, reveals the Ramones’ deep roots in classic rock and roll. Imagine this track played in the style of Little Richard’s “Keep a-Knockin’,” with horns and piano – the raw energy and infectious melody remain just as potent. Dee Dee Ramone’s perfect lyrics perfectly capture the languid ennui of teenage summers: “Chewing out a rhythm on my bubble gum / The sun is out and I want some / It’s not hard, not far to reach / We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach.” Nearly half a century later, “Rockaway Beach” still evokes the quintessential summer sensations of cold fizzy drinks, fried onions, and the invigorating scent of salt water.
