Combat Rock is the fifth studio album by the English rock band the Clash. It was released on 14 May 1982 through CBS Records. In the United Kingdom, the album charted at number 2, spending 23 weeks in the UK charts and peaked at number 7 in the United States, spending 61 weeks on the chart. The album was propelled by drummer Topper Headon’s “Rock the Casbah” which became a staple in the newly launched MTV. Combat Rock continued the influence of funk and reggae like previous Clash albums, but also featured a more radio friendly sound which alienated Clash fans. While the recording process went smoothly, the producing process of the album was tiring and full of infighting between Mick Jones and Joe Strummer. Headon’s heroin addiction grew worse and he slowly became distant from the band while Strummer and bassist Paul Simonon reinstated Bernie Rhodes as manager, a move unwelcomed by Jones. The band had disagreed on the creative process of the album and called in Glyn Johns to produce the more radio friendly sound of Combat Rock. Lyrically, Combat Rock focuses on the Vietnam War, postcolonialism, the decline of American society, and authoritarianism.
Combat Rock is the group’s best-selling album, being certified double platinum in the United States and reaching number 2 in the U.K. Reception to the album believed the band had reached its peak maturity with Combat Rock, as the album’s sound was less anarchic but still as political as previous albums. It contains two of the Clash’s signature songs, the singles “Rock the Casbah” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go”. “Rock the Casbah” became highly successful in the United States and proved to be the band’s anticipated U.S breakthrough. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was not as successful until being re-released in 1991 and topping the charts in their native United Kingdom. Combat Rock is the last Clash album featuring the classic lineup of the Clash. Topper Headon (due to his heroin addiction) was fired days before the release of Combat Rock and Mick Jones was fired after the end of the Combat Rock tour in 1983. Combat Rock would be succeeded by the Clash’s last album, Cut the Crap, recorded and released without Mick Jones or Topper Headon in 1985.

Tracklisting

1. Know Your Rights (3:38)
2. Car Jamming (3:58)
3. Should I Stay Or Should I Go (3:06)
4. Rock The Casbah (3:14)
5. Red Angel Dragnet (3:48)
6. Straight To Hell (5:30)
7. Overpowered By Funk (4:55)
8. Atom Tan (2:32)
9. Sean Flynn (4:30)
10. Ghetto Defendant (4:45)
11. Inoculated City (2:43)
12. Death Is A Star (3:08)

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