Complete List Of Gang Of Four Albums And Songs

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Gang of Four was formed in Leeds, England, in 1976. The band was known for their edgy, sharp guitar-driven sound and socio-politically charged lyrics, which both critiqued and reflected the tumult of their times. They are often credited with pioneering the post-punk movement alongside other bands like Wire and the Pop Group. Over their career, Gang of Four released nine studio albums, several live albums, and a number of compilations.

The band experienced various lineup changes throughout their career with guitarist Andy Gill being the only constant member until his death in 2020. Their debut album Entertainment! is frequently listed among the greatest punk albums of all time, influencing a wide range of musicians across various genres. The band saw moderate commercial success with their albums charting in the UK, US, and Australia, and they remained a critical favorite, praised for their innovation and the intellectual depth of their music.

GANG OF FOUR STUDIO ALBUMS

Entertainment!

Released: September 1979

Label: EMI

Entertainment! was Gang of Four’s debut album and is considered a seminal work in the post-punk genre. Recorded at The Workhouse Studios, London, in 1979, it was produced by the band along with producer Rob Warr. The album features sharp political and social commentary woven through a mix of punk and funk. Entertainment! reached number 45 in the UK and number 39 in Australia, showcasing their initial commercial success.

CD Track Listings:

“Ether” – 3:52
“Natural’s Not in It” – 3:08
“Not Great Men” – 3:05
“Damaged Goods” – 3:29
“Return the Gift” – 3:05
“Guns Before Butter” – 3:49
“I Found That Essence Rare” – 3:12
“Glass” – 2:30
“Contract” – 2:40
“At Home He’s a Tourist” – 3:32
“5.45” – 3:45
“Anthrax” – 4:24

Solid Gold

Released: March 1981

Label: Warner Bros.

Solid Gold, Gang of Four’s second studio album, continued to explore the band’s blend of punk and funk, with a slightly darker and more aggressive tone than its predecessor. The album was recorded at Abby Road Studio in London, England, and was produced by Jimmy Douglass and the band. It peaked at number 52 in the UK and number 190 in the US, demonstrating their growing international presence.

CD Track Listings:

“Paralysed” – 3:21
“What We All Want” – 4:54
“If I Could Keep It for Myself” – 4:09
“Outside the Trains Don’t Run on Time” – 3:15
“Why Theory?” – 2:32
“Cheeseburger” – 4:05
“The Republic” – 3:20
“In the Ditch” – 4:21
“A Hole in the Wallet” – 4:01
“He’d Send in the Army” – 4:27

Songs of the Free

Released: May 1982

Label: Warner Bros.

For their third album, Songs of the Free, Gang of Four moved towards a slightly more mainstream sound incorporating elements of dance and synth-pop while maintaining their trademark lyrical sharpness. This album was produced by Andy Gill and Jon King and recorded at Jacobs Studios, Surrey, England. It charted at number 61 in the UK and number 175 in the US.

CD Track Listings:

“Call Me Up” – 3:35
“I Love a Man in a Uniform” – 4:06
“Muscle for Brains” – 3:17
“It Is Not Enough” – 3:28
“Life! It’s a Shame” – 4:06
“I Will Be a Good Boy” – 3:50
“The History of the World” – 4:40
“We Live as We Dream, Alone” – 3:40
“Of the Instant” – 4:58

Hard

Released: August 1983

Label: Warner Bros.

Hard marked a further evolution in the band’s sound, incorporating more elements of new wave and synth. Produced by Andrew Gill and recorded at Maison Rouge Studios and Odyssey Studios, London, this album reached number 168 on the US Pop charts, reflecting its mixed reception but continued presence in the American market.

CD Track Listings:

“Is It Love” – 4:34
“I Fled” – 3:54
“Silver Lining” – 4:12
“Woman Town” – 5:14
“A Man With a Good Car” – 3:45
“It Don’t Matter” – 4:55
“Arabic” – 3:43
“A Piece of My Heart” – 3:12
“Independence” – 4:11

Mall

Released: May 1991

Label: Polydor

Mall represented a significant shift in Gang of Four’s sound, incorporating a more polished production and exploring themes of consumerism and modern alienation. The album was produced by Gang of Four and recorded at various studios, reflecting the band’s experimental approach during this period. Despite mixed reviews, Mall showcased the band’s willingness to evolve and adapt to the changing musical landscape of the early 90s.

CD Track Listings:

“Cadillac” – 4:12
“Motel” – 4:00
“Satellite” – 3:45
“F.M.U.S.A.” – 4:13
“Don’t Fix What Ain’t Broke” – 3:35
“Impossible” – 4:15
“Money Talks” – 3:44
“Soul Rebel” – 4:05
“Hiromi & Stan Talk” – 4:10
“Colour from the Tube” – 3:30

Shrinkwrapped

Released: May 1995

Label: Castle

Shrinkwrapped continued to build on the band’s exploration of modern society’s intricacies, delving into personal and psychological themes. Recorded at The Beauchamp Building, London, and produced by Gang of Four and others, this album marked a return to their more aggressive and raw sound, while still incorporating new musical influences and technologies.

CD Track Listings:

“Tattoo” – 3:58
“Sleepwalker” – 4:30
“I Parade Myself” – 4:50
“Unburden Unbound” – 3:25
“Better Him Than Me” – 4:45
“The Dying Rays” – 3:40
“Something 99” – 3:35
“Showtime” – 3:55
“Stereo” – 4:30
“The Dark Ride” – 5:15

Return the Gift

Released: October 2005

Label: V2

Return the Gift was a unique project for Gang of Four, involving re-recordings of their earlier tracks by the band’s original lineup. This release not only served as a revisit to their roots but also as a way to regain control over their back catalog. The production took place in various studios, including Abbey Road Studios, London, capturing the raw energy and passion that defined their early years.

CD Track Listings:

“To Hell With Poverty” – 4:25
“Damaged Goods” – 3:30
“Natural’s Not in It” – 3:10
“Not Great Men” – 3:05
“Why Theory?” – 2:32
“Anthrax” – 4:20
“Paralysed” – 3:20
“What We All Want” – 4:55
“Return the Gift” – 3:05
“Love Like Anthrax” – 4:24

Content

Released: January 2011

Label: Yep Roc

Content was Gang of Four’s first album of new material in over 16 years, reflecting their continuous evolution and commitment to addressing contemporary issues. Recorded at various locations, including London and Leeds, this album saw the band revisiting their classic sound while incorporating modern elements. It was received with enthusiasm by fans and critics alike for its relevant commentary and sharp production.

CD Track Listings:

“She Said ‘You Made a Thing of Me'” – 3:50
“You Don’t Have to Be Mad” – 3:00
“Who Am I?” – 4:05
“I Can’t Forget Your Lonely Face” – 3:40
“You’ll Never Pay for the Farm” – 3:50
“I Party All the Time” – 3:45
“A Fruitfly in the Beehive” – 4:10
“It Was Never Gonna Turn Out Too Good” – 3:35
“Do As I Say” – 3:25
“I Can See from Far Away” – 3:40

What Happens Next

Released: February 2015

Label: Metropolis/Membran

What Happens Next saw Gang of Four navigating further into the realm of electronic and experimental music, reflecting the changes in the band’s lineup and musical direction. The album features collaborations with various artists, adding a fresh dynamic to their sound. It was recorded across several studios globally, highlighting the band’s international influence and reach.

CD Track Listings:

“Where the Nightingale Sings” – 4:15
“Broken Talk” – 4:05
“Isle of Dogs” – 4:25
“England’s in My Bones” – 3:55
“The Dying Rays” – 4:05
“Obey the Ghost” – 4:10
“First World Citizen” – 3:45
“Stranded” – 4:00
“Graven Image” – 3:50
“Dead Souls” – 4:05

Happy Now

Released: March 2019

Label: Gill Music Ltd

Happy Now combines Gang of Four’s signature critique of modern society with a pop-oriented approach, reflecting their adaptation to the current musical climate while retaining their core identity. This album continues to address the paradoxes of contemporary life with sharp wit and an engaging sound, recorded and produced by the band in England.

CD Track Listings:

“Toreador” – 4:00
“Alpha Male” – 3:50
“One True Friend” – 3:35
“Ivanka: My Name’s on It” – 3:45
“Don’t Ask Me” – 3:30
“Change the Locks” – 4:15
“I’m a Liar” – 4:05
“White Lies” – 3:55
“Paper Thin” – 3:40
“Lucky” – 3:50

Read More: Top 10 Gang Of Four Songs

GANG OF FOUR LIVE ALBUMS

At the Palace

Released: 1984

Label: Mercury Records

At the Palace captures Gang of Four performing live, offering a raw and energetic showcase of their post-punk style. This album, recorded during a live concert at the Palace Theatre, highlights the band’s aggressive and rhythmically driven sound, featuring a mix of their classic tracks and newer material at the time.

CD Track Listings:

“We Live As We Dream Alone” – 3:56
“History’s Not Made By Great Men” – 2:55
“Silver Lining” – 4:12
“The History Of The World” – 4:45
“I Love A Man In A Uniform” – 3:32
“Paralysed” – 3:06
“Is It Love” – 5:27
“Damaged Goods” – 4:00
“At Home He’s A Tourist” – 4:20
“To Hell With Poverty!” – 4:41

Live…In The Moment

Released: 2016

Label: Metropolis Records

Live…In The Moment is a more recent live recording that revisits Gang of Four’s influential sound with performances of both classic tracks and selections from their later albums.

CD Track Listings:

“Where The Nightingale Sings”
“History’s Not Made By Great Men”
“I Parade Myself”
“Paralysed”
“What We All Want”
“Love Like Anthrax”
“Do As I Say”
“Stranded”
“Damaged Goods”
“Isle Of Dogs”
“At Home He’s A Tourist”
“To Hell With Poverty”
“Why Theory?”
“I Found That Essence Rare”
“Where The Nightingale Sings” (reprise)
“History’s Not Made By Great Men” (reprise)
“I Parade Myself” (reprise)
“Paralysed” (reprise)
“What We All Want” (reprise)
“Love Like Anthrax” (reprise)
“Damaged Goods” (reprise)
“Stranded” (reprise)
“Do As I Say” (reprise)
“At Home He’s A Tourist” (reprise)
“Isle Of Dogs” (reprise)
“To Hell With Poverty” (reprise)
“Why Theory?” (reprise)
“I Love A Man In Uniform”
“Return The Gift”
“I Found That Essence Rare” (reprise)

GANG OF FOUR EXTENDED PLAYS

Yellow

Released 1980

Track Listings

“Outside The Trains Don’t Run On Time” – 3:13
“He’d Send In The Army” – 3:39
“It’s Her Factory” – 3:07
“Armalite Rifle” – 2:48

Another Day/Another Dollar

Released 1982

The Another Day/ Another Dollar EP was recorded at Sarm West in London and produced by Nick Launay. Two live tracks were also included, recorded at The Hammersmith Palais in 1981