Social Distortion
by Social Distortion

This self-titled debut on Epic Records really set the style and formula for Social Distortion for decades to come. It is supprted by the band's three most well-known songs: Ball and Chain, Story of My Life and their cover of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. The band further embraced their rock'n'roll and country roots on their excellent Epic follow-up Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell, but the self-titled record hits the sweet spot between punk and rockabilly and it remains representative of the band's style.

Mike Ness delivers Springsteen-inspired hard-times lyrics, with hybrid vocals split between a punk snarl and a nasal twang. The music is classic rock'n'roll, with some blues and folk, all delivered with punk speed and energy.

The group's hybrid sound did not reinvent the wheel. Alternative groups like X, The Blasters, Gun Club, Rank and File and early Meat Puppets had already experimented with rockabilly and country played with a punk attitude. But this album was the most accessible album to come out of the era, and it garnered the band some mainstream success.

The songs tend to be long and drawn out, and the lyrics and vocals can be an acquired taste. But the standout tracks are really excellent and the remaining tracks really grow on you, perhaps with the exception of the final track Drug Train.

Essential.

Condensed to a 7" Single:
A-Side: Story of My Life
B-Side: Ball and Chain

Despite repeated listening, I never understood what the big deal about this album is.

Really good album that tails off a little towards the end.

Favorites: Story Of My Life, Sick Boys, Ring Of Fire, Ball And Chain.

From elo269megv 10/18/2018 17:05 | #222727

First 6 songs are great, last 4 are decent... Enjoyable listen all the way through. Overall: 77/100

From travelful 06/18/2015 20:30 | #144127

I remember playing 'Story of my Life' on Guitar Hero over and over and over again. That song got me into this group.

From ShaneSpear 07/14/2011 21:18 | #24415

A good album from the 90s. Ness' voice makes him come across as more of an Irish or Scottish protest artist rather than somebody from New England. Thankfully the lyrics that he writes are very well done and makes sure that his voice doesn't come across as a gimmick. Ball and Chain is the iconic song from this album, but the rest of the songs are not far behind.