Various Artists - New Wave Heroes

The New Wave Heroes double album is a budget-priced, 40-track compilation bridging late-70s British punk and subsequent new wave with artists like The Clash, The Jam, and Blondie. Praised as a high-value "nostalgia trip" for fans and a solid entry point for newcomers, the collection is considered a comprehensive overview despite a heavy focus on British acts.

The 2-disc compilation New Wave Heroes serves as a high-energy time capsule, capturing the eclectic transition from the raw aggression of late-70s punk to the polished, synthesised pop of the early 80s. By blending chart-topping hits with influential underground tracks, the collection provides a comprehensive look at a genre that prioritised DIY spirit and bold experimentation. It manages to feel both nostalgic for those who lived through the era and educational for younger listeners exploring the roots of modern indie and alternative music.

The tracklist is remarkably dense, featuring heavy hitters like Blondie, The Psychedelic Furs, and Patti Smith. This variety ensures the set never feels one-dimensional; listeners can jump from the frantic energy of the Ramones or The Damned to the moody, art-rock textures of Japan or The Cure. While the collection leans heavily toward British artists, which was the epicentre of the movement, it successfully highlights how diverse "New Wave" actually was, ranging from ska-influenced tracks by Madness to the flamboyant pop-punk of Adam & The Ants.

From a technical standpoint, the compilation is a solid budget-friendly release with consistent sound quality that holds up well across different audio systems. However, purists might note that some tracks appear in their edited radio versions rather than the full-length album cuts, a common trade-off in multi-disc sets aiming to pack in as many "heroes" as possible. Despite this, the sequencing is thoughtful, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps the listener engaged throughout both discs without any significant lulls.

Ultimately, New Wave Heroes is an essential addition for anyone wanting a curated "greatest hits" of the post-punk revolution. It avoids the filler often found in budget compilations, delivering a high-quality selection of songs that defined a generation’s rebellious and creative identity. Whether you are looking to rediscover old favourites or find a gateway into the genre, this 2-disc set offers exceptional value and an infectious energy that remains timeless.

Ripped to MP3

Disc 1:

1) Going Underground - The Jam (2.58)

2) One Step Beyond - Madness (2.22)

3) My Perfect Cousin - The Undertones (2.37)

4) Dog Eat Dog - Adam and the Ants (3.17)

5) Smash It Up - The Damned (3.17)

6) Because the Night - The Patti Smith Group (3.06)

7) Swords of a Thousand Men - Tenpole Tudor (2.56)

8) Reward - The Teardrop Explodes (2.43)

9) Angels With Dirty Faces - Sham 69 (2.34)

10) Search and Destroy - Iggy and the Stooges (3.32)

11) Walk On the Wild Side - Lou Reed (4.14)

12) Baby I Love You - The Ramones (3.48)

13) California Uber Alles - Dead Kennedys (3.03)

14) Warhead - U.K. Subs (4.30)

15) Automatic Lover - The Vibrators (3.04)

16) Another Girl Another Planet - The Only Ones (3.03)

17) Into the Valley - Skids (3.12)

18) Is Vic There - Department S (3.06)

19) Typical Girls - The Slits (3.56)

20) Geno - Dexys Midnight Runners (3.25)

Disc 2:

1) Atomic - Blondie (3.50)

2) Cool for Cats - Squeeze (3.13)

3) Spellbound - Siouxsie and the Banshees (3.20)

4) Boys Don't Cry - The Cure (2.38)

5) Gangsters - Special A.K.A (2.48)

6) Go Wild in the Country - Bow Wow Wow (3.01)

7) Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll - Ian Dury and The Blockheads (3.12)

8) I Can't Stand Up for Falling Down - Elvis Costello and The Attractions (2.08)

9) Roadrunner - Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers (4.06)

10) Gary Gilmore's Eyes - The Adverts (2.20)

11) Uncertain Smile - The The (4.57)

12) I Could Be Happy - Altered Images (3.33)

13) Beasley Street - John Cooper Clarke (6.43)

14) Video Killed the Radio Star - The Buggles (2.51)

15) Do Anything You Wanna Do - Eddie and The Hot Rods (4.05)

16) Quiet Life - Japan (3.54)

17) Top of the Pops - Rezillos (2.56)

18) Pretty in Pink - The Psychedelic Furs (4.01)

19) Stop Your Sobbing - The Pretenders (2.40)

20) Always the Sun - The Stranglers (4.05)