This Complete List Of MC5 Albums And Songs presents the full discography of MC5 studio albums. The band MC5 was first formed in 1963. The group MC5 hails from the area of Lincoln Park, Michigan. This complete MC5 discography also includes every single MC5 live album. All these legendary MC5 albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each MC5 album as well as all original album covers. Every MC5 album listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.
Kick Out the Jams
Released 1969
Kick Out the Jams, the electrifying debut album by MC5, released in 1969, is a vital piece of rock history that captured the raw, unfiltered energy of the late 1960s. This album wasn’t just a collection of songs; it was a cultural statement. Recorded live at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom over two nights, October 30 and 31, 1968, the album’s atmosphere is palpable. It was produced by Jac Holzman and Bruce Botnick, known for their work with The Doors, which added a professional touch to the band’s ferocious live performance.
The band lineup featured Rob Tyner’s impassive vocals, with Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith on guitars creating a sonic assault. Michael Davis on bass and Dennis Thompson on drums completed the lineup, delivering a performance that was both chaotic and captivating.
Upon its release, Kick Out the Jams was both celebrated and controversial. The raw sound and anti-establishment lyrics resonated with the youth, while the explicit content led to some backlash and censorship. The album’s blend of garage rock, hard rock, and proto-punk elements made it a critical piece in the evolution of punk rock. It charted fairly well, reaching No. 30 on the Billboard 200, reflecting its widespread impact.
The tracklist of Kick Out the Jams is a testament to the band’s energy and rebellious spirit, with each song brimming with raw power:
CD Track Listings:
- “Ramblin’ Rose” 2:39
- “Kick Out the Jams” 2:52
- “Come Together” 4:29
- “Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa)” 5:41
- “Borderline” 2:45
- “Motor City Is Burning” 6:04
- “I Want You Right Now” 6:02
- “Starship” 8:15
Back in the USA
Released 1970
Back in the USA by MC5, a cornerstone of the 1970 rock scene, marked a distinct shift from their explosive debut live album. Recorded over several months in 1969 at GM Studios in Detroit, this album, produced by Jon Landau, captured a more refined sound, blending raw energy with studio precision.
Featuring Rob Tyner’s impassioned vocals, Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith’s fiery guitars, Michael Davis’s solid bass, and Dennis Thompson’s dynamic drumming, the band’s chemistry is palpable throughout the album. The production, while polished, still managed to retain the band’s aggressive edge, a balance that was both lauded and critiqued upon the album’s release. Over time, Back in the USA has been recognized as a significant influence in the punk rock movement, despite its modest initial chart performance.
CD Track Listings:
- “Tutti-Frutti” 1:30
- “Tonight” 2:29
- “Teenage Lust” 2:35
- “Let Me Try” 4:15
- “Looking at You” 3:01
- “High School” 2:42
- “Call Me Animal” 2:06
- “The American Ruse” 2:31
- “Shakin’ Street” 2:20
- “The Human Being Lawnmower” 2:24
- “Back in the USA” 2:26
High Time
Released 1971
High Time, the third and final album from the legendary MC5, released in 1971, stands as a testament to the band’s evolving sound and enduring legacy in rock music. This album marked a departure from their previous raw, live performance style, showcased in Kick Out the Jams, towards a more nuanced and sophisticated studio sound. Recorded at Artie Fields Studios in Detroit, High Time reflects a band that, while still rooted in their high-energy rock and roll, were exploring new musical territories.
Produced by Geoffrey Haslam, High Time saw MC5 fine-tuning their songwriting and musicianship. The lineup remained the same powerhouse: Rob Tyner on vocals, Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith on guitars, Michael Davis on bass, and Dennis Thompson on drums. Each member brought their best to this album, creating a sound that was as raw as it was refined.
Critically, High Time was received with respect for its ambitious approach, although it didn’t achieve the commercial success of its predecessors. The album’s blend of hard rock, jazz, and blues influences showcased the band’s versatility and has since been recognized as a precursor to many of the punk and hard rock sounds that followed.
Despite its initial modest chart performance, the album’s reputation has grown over the years. It’s now seen as a seminal record that captures the essence of an era while pushing the boundaries of what rock music could be.
The tracklist of High Time is a showcase of the band’s range and includes some of their most sophisticated work:
CD Track Listings:
- “Sister Anne” 7:22
- “Baby Won’t Ya” 5:31
- “Miss X” 5:09
- “Gotta Keep Movin'” 3:24
- “Future/Now” 6:20
- “Poison” 3:24
- “Over and Over” 5:13
- “Skunk (Sonicly Speaking)” 5:30
Teen Age Lust
Recorded 1970, Released 1996
Teen Age Lust is a fascinating archival release that surfaced in 1996. Recorded in 1970, this album captures MC5 at a critical juncture in their career, showcasing the raw power and energy for which they were renowned.
CD Track Listings:
1. Intros/Ramblin’ Rose
2. Human Being Lawnmower
3. Tonight
4. Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa
5. It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World
6. Teen Age Lust
7. Looking At You
8. Fire Of Love
9. Shakin’ Street
10. Starship/Kick Out The Jams/Black To Comm
Phun City, UK
Recorded 1970, Released 1996
Another gem from 1996, Phun City, UK, was recorded in the same pivotal year as Teen Age Lust. This album is a live recording from the Phun City festival in the UK, an event that was significant in the era’s counterculture movement. The performance is emblematic of MC5’s international appeal and their role as one of the protopunk pioneers, influencing a generation of musicians across the globe.
1. Rambling Rose
2. Tonight
3. Rama Lama (Fa Fa Fa)
4. Miss X
5. Looking At You
6. I Want You
7. Sister Anne
8. Kick Out The Jams / Black To Comm
Live at the Sturgis Armoury
Recorded 1968, Released 1998
Live at the Sturgis Armoury, released in 1998, takes us back to an earlier phase of the band, recorded in 1968. This album is a raw and energetic snapshot of MC5 before their first studio album, offering a unique look at their early sound and style. The recording is an essential piece for fans and historians alike, providing a window into the band’s formative years.
Are You Ready to Testify?: The Live Bootleg Anthology
Released 2005
Released in 2005, Are You Ready to Testify?: The Live Bootleg Anthology is a comprehensive collection that spans the band’s career. This anthology is a treasure trove for fans, compiling various live performances that highlight the evolution of MC5’s sound and stage presence.
Live at the Grande Ballroom 68
Released 2006
Live at the Grande Ballroom 68, released in 2006, is a nostalgic trip back to where it all began. The Grande Ballroom in Detroit was a pivotal venue for MC5, and this album captures one of their legendary live performances in that very place. It’s a historical document that encapsulates the energy and spirit of the band in their early days, providing an essential insight into the genesis of their music.
1. Brother J.C. Intro
2. Motor City Is Burning
3. I Believe To My Soul
4. Rocket Reducer No.62 (Rama La Fa Fa Fa)
5. I’m Mad Like Eldridge Cleaver
6. Ice Pick Slim
7. Black To Comm