Complete List Of David Johansen Albums And Discography

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Our Complete List Of David Johansen Albums And Discography who started his career as the lead singer of the New York Dolls, a pioneering glam rock band formed in 1971 in New York City. The Dolls are credited with influencing punk and glam movements worldwide. Johansen launched a successful solo career after the band’s initial breakup in 1976. Across his six studio albums, two live albums, and numerous compilations, Johansen became known for his distinctive blend of rock, R&B, and new wave. He later achieved commercial success with his Buster Poindexter persona. As a solo artist, he charted on the Billboard 200 and built a cult following, cementing his legacy as a vibrant and influential figure in rock music. I don’t know about you, but one of my most memorable memories of David Jihanses was the role he played as the taxi cab driver in Bill Murray’s film version of Scrooge.

David Johansen

Released: 1978

David Johansen’s self-titled debut album was released shortly after the breakup of the New York Dolls, where he served as lead vocalist. David Johansen marked his transition to a solo career and featured a mix of rock and R&B influences, showcasing his distinctive vocal style. It was recorded at the Record Plant in New York City and produced by Richard Robinson. Johansen was backed by musicians including Sylvain Sylvain (guitar), Johnny Ráo (guitar), Buz Verno (bass), and Frankie LaRocka (drums).

CD Track Listings:

“Funky But Chic” – 3:36
“Girls” – 3:49
“Pain in My Heart” – 3:36
“Not That Much” – 3:07
“Donna” – 4:00
“Cool Metro” – 3:11
“I’m a Lover” – 5:45
“Lonely Tenement” – 3:57
“Frenchette” – 5:50

The David Johansen Group Live

Released: 1978

The David Johansen Group Live is a live album recorded at the Bottom Line in New York City, capturing the high-energy performance of Johansen and his band. It features songs from Johansen’s debut album and some unreleased tracks, giving fans a taste of his raw stage presence.

CD Track Listings:

“Cool Metro” – 4:03
“Looking for a Kiss” – 3:44
“Not That Much” – 3:41
“Funky But Chic” – 4:26
“Donna” – 4:51
“Build Me Up Buttercup” (Mike d’Abo, Tony Macaulay) – 3:42
“I’m a Lover” (Buz Verno, Johnny Ráo, Thomas Trask) – 3:58
“I Found a Love” (Robert West, Willie Schofield, Wilson Pickett) – 4:19
“Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” (Holland-Dozier-Holland) – 4:24
“The Girls Don’t Come” (Chris Andrews) – 1:10
“Frenchette” – 6:41
“Lonely Tenement” – 4:31
“Girls” – 4:29
“Personality Crisis” – 3:48
“It’s a Heartache” (Ronnie Scott, Steve Wolfe) – 3:27
“Personality Crisis” – 2:03
“Love Child” (Deke Richards, Frank Wilson, Pam Sawyer, R. Dean Taylor) – 5:08
“Babylon” – 4:37

In Style

Released: 1979

In Style, Johansen’s sophomore studio album, reflected a polished and diverse sound compared to his debut. Recorded at Media Sound Studios in New York City, it was produced by Mick Ronson. The album includes more new wave influences, with Johansen experimenting further with R&B and pop. Notable musicians include Johnny Ráo (guitar), Buz Verno (bass), and Tony Machine (drums).

CD Track Listings:

“Melody” (David Johansen, Ronnie Guy) – 2:58
“She” (David Johansen, Buz Verno) – 2:21
“Big City” (David Johansen) – 4:09
“She Knew She Was Falling in Love” (David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain) – 3:46
“Swaheto Woman” (David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain) – 5:05
“Justine” (David Johansen) – 4:34
“In Style” (David Johansen) – 4:08
“You Touched Me Too” (David Johansen, Johnny Ráo) – 2:23
“Wreckless Crazy” (David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain) – 3:17
“Flamingo Road” (David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain) – 6:02

Here Comes the Night

Released: 1981

Here Comes the Night was recorded at Mediasound and Power Station studios in New York City. Produced by Blondie’s guitarist Mick Ronson and Johansen himself, this album introduced some dance-pop and rock influences to Johansen’s sound. Backed by his usual bandmates, the album captured a more experimental approach while maintaining his unique vocal flair.

CD Track Listings:

“She Loves Strangers” (Bill Chaplin) – 3:03
“Bohemian Love Pad” (Sylvain Sylvain) – 2:50
“You Fool You” (Bill Chaplin) – 3:04
“My Obsession” (Bill Chaplin) – 2:42
“Marquesa de Sade” (Bobby Blain) – 3:51
“Here Comes the Night” (Bill Chaplin) – 2:55
“Suspicion” (Bill Chaplin) – 2:29
“Party Tonight” (Bobby Blain, Bill Chaplin) – 2:54
“Havin’ So Much Fun” (Elliott Murphy) – 3:42
“Rollin’ Job” (Bill Chaplin) – 4:02
“Heart of Gold” – 3:42

Live It Up

Released: 1982

Live It Up captures a vibrant live performance by Johansen, recorded at the Bottom Line in New York City. This album delivers high-energy versions of tracks from his previous albums, revealing his on-stage charisma. It features his band in a spirited set.

CD Track Listings:

“We Gotta Get Out of This Place/Don’t Bring Me Down/It’s My Life” (Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil/Carole King, Gerry Goffin/Roger Atkins, Carl D’Errico) – 4:23
“Frenchette” (David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain) – 4:53
“Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” (Holland–Dozier–Holland) – 3:24
“Is This What I Get for Loving You?” (Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Phil Spector) – 3:14
“Donna” (David Johansen) – 4:25
“Build Me Up Buttercup” (Mike d’Abo, Tony Macaulay) – 2:43
“Melody” (David Johansen, Ronnie Guy) – 3:04
“Funky But Chic” (David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain) – 3:51
“Bohemian Love Pad” (David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain) – 2:54
“Stranded in the Jungle” (Ernestine Smith, James Johnson) – 3:56
“Personality Crisis” (David Johansen, Johnny Thunders) – 4:49

Sweet Revenge

Released: 1984

Sweet Revenge saw Johansen explore electronic sounds in his rock music, reflecting the 1980s’ growing fascination with synth-pop. Recorded at Record Plant in New York City and produced by Bernie Worrell and Johansen, the album marked a notable shift in his musical direction.