Founded by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein, Blondie got their start in the mid-‘70s New York City new wave scene. While their early work showed a marked punk rock influence, their later work became more pop, incorporating such diverse influences as disco, reggae, and early rap.
Playlist 1: Parallel Lines
The best way to get to know Blondie would have to be with their one great album, Parallel Lines (1978), a true late-‘70s new wave classic that showcases them at their absolute peak. Here it is, in full.
Playlist 2: Punk / New Wave Beginnings
This LP-length blend of Blondie’s first two albums, from 1976 and 1977, shows their (somewhat) less radio-friendly roots in New York City’s punk and new wave scene. Great stuff, here, most of which will be new to many listeners.
Playlist 3: The Hits
There’s some duplication from the first two playlists on Playlist 3, which is for those who only want the hits. (Shame on you!)
Although their work post-Parallel Lines was less consistent, they did have a few essential songs from that era: to be specific, “Dreaming”; the Giorgio Morodor collaboration “Call Me”; the reggae cover “The Tide is High”; and of course, “Rapture,” the first rap song to hit number 1 in the U.S. Enjoy!
Cover Art:
- Parallel Lines: Source, Discogs.com, Fair use.
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