10 Sex Pistols Songs Ranked Worst to Best
The Sex Pistols were one of the most influential and controversial bands in the history of rock music. They pioneered the punk movement in the UK and challenged the social and political norms of their time. But which Sex Pistols songs ranked worst to best?
Their songs were loud, fast, and provocative, often expressing anger, frustration, and rebellion. They only released one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, in 1977, but it became a classic and a landmark in the genre. They also recorded several singles and demos, some of which were later released on compilations.
In this article, we will rank the 10 best Sex Pistols songs based on their musical quality, lyrical content, and cultural impact.
10. No Feelings
No Feelings is the fifth track on Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. It is a fast and furious song that mocks the emptiness and boredom of modern life.
The lyrics are cynical and sarcastic, as the singer Johnny Rotten declares that he has no feelings for anyone or anything. He also insults his former girlfriend, who he claims was only interested in his money and fame.
The song also showcases the band’s raw and aggressive sound, with distorted guitars, pounding drums, and snarling vocals. This song ranks tenth on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
9. Anarchy in the UK
Anarchy in the U.K. is the first single released by the Sex Pistols in 1976. It is widely regarded as the anthem of the punk movement and one of the most influential songs of all time.
The song expresses the band’s dissatisfaction with the British society and government. It calls for a revolution and a state of anarchy. The lyrics are full of references to violence, chaos, and disorder, as well as political and cultural icons of the time.
The song also features one of the most memorable guitar riffs in rock history, played by Steve Jones. This song ranks ninth on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
8. God Save the Queen
God Save the Queen is the second single released by the Sex Pistols in 1977. It is one of the most controversial and provocative songs ever recorded. It criticises the British monarchy and the national anthem.
The song was banned by the BBC and many other media outlets. It caused a public outrage and a legal dispute. The lyrics are harsh and disrespectful, as they accuse the queen of being a fascist and a moron, and claim that there is no future for the UK.
The song also features a powerful and catchy chorus, sung by Johnny Rotten with his distinctive sneer. This song ranks eighth on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
7. Pretty Vacant
Pretty Vacant is the third single released by the Sex Pistols in 1977. It is a catchy and melodic song that mocks the superficiality and conformity of the mainstream culture.
The lyrics are ironic and humorous, as they use the word “vacant” to describe the state of mind of the masses, who are brainwashed by the media and the authorities.
The song also features a clever wordplay on the word “vacant”. It sounds like a vulgar term when pronounced by Johnny Rotten. The song has a catchy guitar riff, played by Steve Jones, and a lively drum beat, played by Paul Cook. This song ranks seventh on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
6. Holidays in the Sun
Holidays in the Sun is the fourth and final single released by the Sex Pistols in 1977. It is a fast and energetic song that describes the band’s trip to Berlin, where they witnessed the remnants of the Nazi regime and the Cold War.
The lyrics are cynical and pessimistic, as they compare the situation in Berlin to the one in the UK. It questions the meaning of freedom and democracy.
The song also features a sample of the marching sound from the film The Great Escape, which adds to the atmosphere of the song. This song ranks sixth on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
5. Bodies
Bodies is the fourth track on Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. It is one of the most graphic and shocking songs ever written, as it deals with the topic of abortion.
The lyrics are based on a true story of a fan who sent a bloody fetus to the band. They describe the gruesome details of the procedure and the aftermath.
The song is also a critique of the hypocrisy and indifference of the society and the religion, which condemn abortion but do nothing to prevent it. The song is very intense and violent, with Johnny Rotten screaming the lyrics with rage and disgust, and Sid Vicious playing the bass with fury. This song ranks fifth on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
4. EMI
EMI is the eleventh and final track on Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. It is a scathing and sarcastic song that attacks the record label that signed and dropped the band, after they caused too much controversy and trouble.
The lyrics are full of insults and accusations, as they expose the corruption and greed of the music industry, and mock the censorship and the lack of artistic freedom. The song is also a celebration of the band’s independence and defiance, as they declare that they don’t need the label or the money to make their music.
Moreover, the song has a catchy and upbeat melody, with Steve Jones playing the guitar and the harmonica, and Johnny Rotten singing with his trademark sarcasm and wit. This song ranks fourth on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
3. Problems
Problems is the sixth track on Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. It is a fast and furious song that expresses the frustration and anger of the band and the youth of their time.
The lyrics are simple and direct, as they list the various problems that plague the society, such as violence, drugs, boredom, and depression. The song also reflects the band’s own problems, such as their legal troubles, their media backlash, and their internal conflicts.
The song is also very loud and chaotic, with Johnny Rotten shouting the lyrics with his raspy voice, and Steve Jones, Sid Vicious, and Paul Cook playing their instruments with speed and aggression. This song ranks third on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
2. Seventeen
Seventeen is the second track on Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. It is a rebellious and defiant song that rejects the expectations and the norms of the adult world.
The lyrics are written from the perspective of a teenager, who is bored and angry with the society and the education system. Also who wants to live his own life and have his own fun.
The song also challenges the stereotypes and the prejudices that the older generation has towards the younger one. It also claims that they are the ones who are ignorant and stupid. Moreover, the song is very catchy and energetic, with Johnny Rotten singing the lyrics with his unique style and attitude, and Steve Jones playing the guitar with skill and flair. This song ranks second on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
1. Submission
Submission is the seventh track on Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. It is the best Sex Pistols song ever. It combines the punk spirit and the rock sound in a perfect way. The lyrics are clever and ambiguous. They use the word “submission” to refer to both a sexual act and a social act.
The song is a critique of the power dynamics and the oppression that exist in the relationships between men and women, and between the individuals and the authorities. The song is also a declaration of freedom and resistance, as the singer refuses to submit to anyone or anything.
Submission is very dynamic and exciting, with Johnny Rotten singing the lyrics with his charismatic voice, and Steve Jones playing the guitar with his amazing talent. The song also features a guest appearance by Glen Matlock, the original bassist of the band, who plays a brilliant solo. This song ranks first on our list of Sex Pistols songs ranked.
The Bottom Line
The Sex Pistols were more than just a band. They were a cultural phenomenon that changed the face of music and society. Their songs were bold and innovative, expressing their views and feelings with honesty and passion.
They challenged the status quo and inspired generations of musicians and fans. They also left behind a legacy of 10 amazing songs that we ranked from worst to best in this article.