Go For It is the third studio album by Northern Irish punk pioneers Stiff Little Fingers, released in April 1981 through Chrysalis Records. The album marked a major sonic evolution for the band, stepping away from the raw, aggressive political punk of their earlier work toward a more accessible and varied new wave sound. This musical shift included the integration of reggae and ska influences, notable on their cover of Bunny Wailer’s "Roots, Radicals, Rockers and Reggae," and even featured a horn section on several tracks. While the lyrics—co-written with manager Gordon Ogilvie—still reflected life in Belfast, they pivoted from overt political statements to more personal, introspective themes.
The album achieved commercial success, reaching number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, powered by the popular singles "Just Fade Away" and "Silver Lining." Its high-energy instrumental title track, "Go For It," became legendary among fans as the band's permanent live opening theme. Notably, the record represents a major milestone in the group's history, serving as the final studio album to feature the original classic line-up before drummer Jim Reilly departed shortly after its release.
The Pivot from Punk to New Wave
Released in April 1981, Stiff Little Fingers' third studio album, Go For It, serves as a fascinating sonic bridge between the scorched-earth political punk of their early career and the highly melodic, experimental textures of early '80s new wave. Having spent their first two albums documenting the raw trauma and claustrophobia of the Belfast Troubles, the band used this record to stretch their wings. frontman Jake Burns trades in much of his trademark, gravelly snarl for a smoother, far more controlled vocal delivery. This stylistic transition initially fractured their hardcore base, who valued the band's signature "leather jacket and mohawk" aggression, but time has vindicated Go For It as a necessary, mature artistic leap.
Sonic Diversity and Reggae Rhythms
The defining trait of the album is its unapologetic sonic diversity, heavily leaning into reggae, ska, and power-pop. The opening track, a high-octane cover of Bunny Wailer's "Roots, Radicals, Rockers and Reggae," instantly signals that the band's musical boundaries have collapsed. Rather than lazily copying the genre, the rhythm section—propelled by bassist Ali McMordie and drummer Jim Reilly—infuses the skanking, off-beat tempos with genuine punk urgency. Elsewhere, the band completely shatters traditional punk orthodoxy by introducing a prominent, triumphant brass section on the hit single "Silver Lining," displaying a willingness to embrace radio-friendly hooks without losing their core integrity.
Maturing Lyrical Themes
Lyrically, the album undergoes a parallel transformation, pivoting away from macro-political anthems toward deeply personal, micro-level observations of human struggle. Co-written with their manager Gordon Ogilvie, songs like "Just Fade Away" explore the exhausting aftermath of fractured personal relationships rather than systemic oppression. The band still retains their razor-sharp edge, however, when confronting uncomfortable social realities. "Hits and Misses" delivers a brutally poignant critique of domestic violence, while "Piccadilly Circus" captures the unsettling horror of a localized, violent street stabbing. The result is a collection of songs that feel considerably more nuanced, Replacing raw, blind rage with thoughtful, on-target criticism.
A Lasting Legacy
Ultimately, Go For It remains a triumph because it captures a band successfully growing up without slowing down. The title track—a cinematic, martial guitar instrumental—perfectly embodies this growth, defying traditional punk song structures to become one of the most iconic, high-energy live concert openers in rock history. As the curtain call for the band’s original classic line-up before Jim Reilly's departure, the record captures a unique lightning-in-a-bottle moment. It proves that true punk is not defined by strict adherence to a specific tempo or three-chord limitation, but by an unyielding commitment to honesty, evolution, and creative freedom.
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1. Roots, Radicals, Rockers and Reggae (Bunny Wailer cover)
2. Just Fade Away
3. Go For It (An instrumental track that became the band's signature live opener)
4. The Only One
5. Hits and Misses
6. Kicking Up a Racket
7. Safe as Houses
8. Gate 49
9. Silver Lining
10. Piccadilly Circus
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