Richard Hell & The Voidoids
Blank Generation

THE REVIEW

Richard Hell, singer and bassist, in this album expressed with poetry, and for the first time, the incurable malaise of the blank generation youth.

Here there is neither diagnosis nor therapy for all this, but only the desire to express the discomfort! After being part of the Neon Boys (future Television) and Heartbreakers, he embarked on a solo career and crafted this phenomenal work that would elevate him to legend. From the first track, things are made clear: sharp guitars with stunning interplays, high-level drums (Marc Bell, future Ramones) and a breathtaking voice. The second track follows the same path, with great impact. Here the singing is obsessive, Hell emits screams that don't leave the listener indifferent! "New Pleasure" is instead laid-back and sweet, just whispered like the following "Betrayal Takes Two". But they're already over and the next track takes us back to the initial punk'n'roll with a pounding chorus skillfully filled by the Voidoids. "Who Says?", equally excellent song, pushes us towards the masterpiece that gives the album its title. "Blank Generation" is a fast-paced, dissonant guitar piece that gives it that destabilizing touch expressed by Hell singing desperately. "Walking on the Water" is a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival, very beautiful and personal. "The Plan" is pleasant, relaxing and nothing more. . . we move on to "Another World", which starts quietly, grows and ends fading into a degenerative mess of shouts and loose guitars; eight minutes to truly savor with attention! "I'm Your Man" keeps us on our toes with a classic rock and leads us to the concluding "All The Way". The last track is completely a surprise! With great feeling and tenderness, it gives us an unexpected moment of serenity. A memorable finale, beyond words. Inexplicably, it reminds me of the sweetness of Nick Cave in songs like "The Ship Song". . . .

Apart from the very high musical level, this album should be owned by anyone who wants to talk about music and the punk phenomenon... and not only; also about fashion! It is said that McLaren (manager of the Sex Pistols) had his four copy Hell's scruffy style which then became a must for punks of the time. So he was also a "designer"! This record is a punk monument.