Complete List Of David Johansen Albums And Discography

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Our Complete List Of David Johansen Albums And Discography looks at the career of the singer who started out as the lead vocalist 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 four studio albums under his own name, two studio albums with David Johansen and the Harry Smiths, two live albums, and numerous compilations, Johansen became known for his distinctive blend of rock, R&B, blues, new wave, and American roots music. He later achieved commercial success with his Buster Poindexter persona. Johansen died on February 28, 2025, at the age of 75. I don’t know about you, but one of my most memorable memories of David Johansen was the role he played as the taxi-driving Ghost of Christmas Past in Bill Murray’s film Scrooged.

David Johansen (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 and David Johansen. Johansen was backed by musicians including Sylvain Sylvain on guitar, Johnny Ráo on guitar, Buz Verno on bass, and Frankie LaRocka on drums.

CD Track Listings:

“Funky But Chic” – 4:00
“Girls” – 3:38
“Pain in My Heart” – 3:27
“Not That Much” – 3:03
“Donna” – 4:31
“Cool Metro” – 3:59
“I’m a Lover” – 3:35
“Lonely Tenement” – 4:14
“Frenchette” – 5:32

The David Johansen Group Live (1978)

The David Johansen Group Live was recorded at the Bottom Line in New York City on July 21, 1978. The original release was a promotional LP featuring selections from the concert; the later expanded edition presented the complete 18-song performance. It captures the high-energy sound of Johansen and his band as they worked through solo material, New York Dolls songs, and classic covers.

CD Track Listings:

“Cool Metro” – 4:08
“Lookin’ for a Kiss” – 3:44
“Not That Much” – 3:42
“Funky But Chic” – 4:29
“Donna” – 5:05
“Build Me Up Buttercup” – 3:32
“I’m a Lover” – 4:01
“I Found a Love” – 4:20
“Reach Out” – 5:14
“The Girl Don’t Come” – 1:19
“Frenchette” – 6:54
“Lonely Tenement” – 4:38
“Girls” – 4:38
“Personality Crisis” – 3:35
“Heartache” – 3:27
“Personality Crisis (End Of)” – 2:22
“Love Child” – 5:11
“Babylon” – 4:33

In Style (1979)

In Style, Johansen’s sophomore studio album, reflected a more polished and diverse sound compared with his debut. The album was produced by David Johansen and Mick Ronson. It included new wave, R&B, pop, reggae, and disco influences while retaining Johansen’s rock and roll foundation.

CD Track Listings:

“Melody” – 3:02
“She” – 2:21
“Big City” – 4:09
“She Knew She Was Falling in Love” – 3:47
“Swaheto Woman” – 5:06
“Justine” – 4:34
“In Style” – 4:07
“You Touched Me Too” – 2:22
“Wreckless Crazy” – 3:16
“Flamingo Road” – 6:02

Here Comes the Night (1981)

Here Comes the Night was Johansen’s third solo studio album. David Johansen and Barry Mraz produced the album, with Blondie Chaplin providing production assistance and playing guitar and backing vocals. The record expanded Johansen’s sound with hard rock, new wave, R&B, samba, calypso, and reggae influences.

CD Track Listings:

“She Loves Strangers” – 3:03
“Bohemian Love Pad” – 2:51
“You Fool You” – 3:03
“My Obsession” – 2:41
“Marquesa de Sade” – 3:51
“Here Comes the Night” – 2:54
“Suspicion” – 2:29
“Party Tonight” – 2:53
“Havin’ So Much Fun” – 3:42
“Rollin’ Job” – 4:01
“Heart of Gold” – 3:42

Live It Up (1982)

Live It Up captures a vibrant David Johansen performance recorded at the Paradise Club in Boston in February 1982. The album delivers high-energy versions of songs from his previous records alongside covers and New York Dolls material, revealing Johansen’s on-stage charisma.

CD Track Listings:

“We Gotta Get Out of This Place / Don’t Bring Me Down / It’s My Life” – 4:26
“Frenchette” – 4:55
“Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” – 3:26
“Is This What I Get for Loving You?” – 3:15
“Donna” – 4:17
“Build Me Up Buttercup” – 2:41
“Melody” – 3:05
“Funky But Chic” – 3:53
“Bohemian Love Pad” – 2:56
“Stranded in the Jungle” – 3:47
“Personality Crisis” – 5:00

Sweet Revenge (1984)

Sweet Revenge saw Johansen explore electronic sounds in his rock music, reflecting the 1980s’ growing fascination with synthesizers and programmed production. Johansen and Joe Delia co-produced the album, which was recorded across several New York-area studios and marked another shift in Johansen’s musical direction.

CD Track Listings:

“Heard the News” – 4:26
“Big Trouble” – 3:59
“I Ain’t Workin’ Anymore” – 3:36
“King of Babylon” – 4:13
“Sweet Revenge” – 4:46
“Too Many Midnights” – 4:52
“In My Own Time” – 3:28
“The Stinkin’ Rich” – 3:59
“N.Y. Doll” – 4:05

David Johansen and the Harry Smiths (2000)

Johansen returned to the blues and American roots music with David Johansen and the Harry Smiths. Named in tribute to folklorist Harry Smith and his influential Anthology of American Folk Music, the album was recorded at St. Peter’s Church in New York City and produced by David Chesky and Brian Koonin. Johansen handled vocals, guitar, and harmonica alongside Brian Koonin, Larry Saltzman, Kermit Driscoll, and Joey Baron.

CD Track Listings:

“James Alley Blues” – 3:33
“Darling, Do You Remember Me” – 4:31
“Delia” – 6:38
“Little Geneva” – 3:29
“Well, I’ve Been to Memphis” – 3:58
“Katie Mae” – 4:19
“Old Dog Blue” – 3:24
“Somebody Buy Me a Drink” – 4:10
“Poor Boy Blues” – 3:18
“On the Wall” – 2:56
“Don’t Start Me Talking” – 2:32
“Oh Death” – 4:01
“Richland Woman” – 3:39

Shaker (2002)

Shaker continued Johansen’s work with the Harry Smiths, once again exploring blues and American roots music. The album was recorded at St. Peter’s Church in New York City in November 2001 and produced by David Chesky and Brian Koonin. Johansen performed vocals and harmonica with Brian Koonin, Larry Saltzman, and Kermit Driscoll.