What is the Best Punk Record? 20 Punk Must-Haves You Should Own On Vinyl

While personal preference always plays a key part in how you build your record collection, if you're a fan of the punk genre and haven't explored the records in this list, we highly recommend giving them a spin on your turntable.

Whether you're an avid punk listener, or just branching out into this genre, you can't go wrong with adding any of the records listed here to your collection. 

This is the only studio album from the Sex Pistols, released through Virgin Records in 1977. By the time it was release, the band had already sparked controversy, and had been banned from playing live in some parts of Britain. Many record stores refused to carry the album due to its profanity, making true first pressings of this album very hard to come by. Despite the backlash received, this album shot to number one in the charts, continuing the band's notoriety. 

A debut album, which has since become one of the most imitated albums of all time. Despite being initially unsuccessful commercially, they went on to release two more albums the next year, cementing their name in punk history. 

Another debut, eponymous album, this time from The Clash. Best known for their hits including London Calling and Rock The Casbah, their first album was recorded over just three weeks. Despite being released in 1977 in Britain, the release was delayed in America until 1979. 

God Save The Queen was the Sex Pistols' second single, released during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. The controversy created by its commentary on the monarchy in the lyrics meant that both the BBC and the Independent Broadcasting Authority refused to play the song. 

Selling five million copies worldwide, The Clash's third album had vast commercial success, and reflected the band's broad range of styles beyond the punk genre, including influence from reggae, ska, rockabilly and jazz. 

Another debut for the list, this was the first single from The Damned, when they were relatively unknown. As the first ever single released by a British punk band, the B side could only be something just as quintessentially British - a sped up cover of Help! by The Beatles.

This EP is the only Buzzcocks studio release with their original singer Howard Devoto, who left shortly after the band was formed - a must have for any punk enthusiast!

Inspired by the minimalist aesthetic of the punk rock genre, Patti Smith and her band used simple chord progressions, and embracing ideas from the avant-garde, while also drawing upon her background in poetry. While only being modestly commercially successful, this album has become a cornerstone in punk history. 

If you're sensing a theme here, yes, punk bands have a strong tendency for having monumental debut albums, and this is another one. It was described as 'entirely original' by critics at time of release. 

X-Ray Spex had five songs released before the release of this album in 1978. All of the five made it onto the album, with seven new tracks for fans to enjoy. 

Into post-punk with number 11, released through Harvest Records, this album is widely regarded as a landmark in the development of post-punk music. 

Another 7" singles sits at number 12. Because some punk bands didn't release many albums, 7" singles were critical for keeping interest in the bands, and driving their singles up the charts. Because 7" singles are more prone to damage, punk singles in good condition are very hard to come by and can add a lot of value to a collection. 

Moving over to Northern Ireland, we find the debut album from Stiff Little Fingers. It became the first album from an independent record label to enter the UK Top 20, with the majority of the songs detailing the conflict in Northern Ireland at the time. 

Containing all of their singles released prior to 1981 that had not yet appeared on any of their previous four albums, plus an extra song from their first album 'The Scream', this was released alongside a tie-in VHS. 

A limited edition release, packaged like a film reel, many copies have succumbed to rust and patina over time. This album was a move into the avant-garde for the band, but still holding onto their punk roots. 

This single was originally intended to be included on The Adverts' debut album, but was dropped at the last minute. Written from the point of view of a patient who has just undergone an eye transplant, and discovers that he has received the eyes of double murderer Gary Gilmore, who was executed for his crimes and some of his organs were removed for transplants, including his corneas. 

After the release of this singles, the title track was later rerecorded for the album of the same name, this is the only release where you can find the original recording. 

Heading across the pond to America, we find the debut album from Richard Hell and the Voidoids, who are said to have inspired the Sex Pistols' image.  

Reaching into the post-punk genre again, we have The Slits' second album, following on from their widely acclaimed first album 'Cut'. This had a more experimental sound, inspired by afro-pop. 

Containing hit singles including 'Babylon's Burning' and 'Something The I Said', this reached number 16 in the charts when it was released, and is still an album punk fans return to today. 

Do you own any of these iconic punk records, or are you thinking of adding any on this list to your collection? 

Browse our diverse range of punk records below, or dive deeper using our new genres page!