The Jam | In The City | Polydor | 1977

First release from the New Wave’s finest band. The Jam, and the title cut from their soon to be released album. ‘In The City’ is the most convincing British penned teenage anthem I’ve heard in a Very Long Time – perhaps since the halcyon days of the ’60s.

The song shows The Jam to have been influenced by The Who, and the Townshendesque power chords Paul Weller wrenches from his Rickenbacker back up the impression. But that’s like saying The Beatles were never influenced by Motown. – everyone has to start somewhere – and The Who never played with the same urgency as this.

A huge hit and a record those narrow minded reactionaries who control our radio will have to play. (NME, 23/04/77)

Debut 45 by Woking’s finest is a Who influenced celebration of British life and in particular the growing punk movement in London during 1976. Paul Weller was still a teenager when this single was released and the energetic gig performances probably propelled the record to #40 in the Charts.

’In The City’ has instant appeal with it’s opening three chord guitar riff and the descending bass runs from Bruce Foxton. Now that guy doesn’t get enough credit for his inventive bass playing. Rick Buckler adds to the sheer energy and attitude of the song with his opening snare drum roll and his aggressive punk drums throughout. (EXPO67)

Sure proof that high energy doesn’t mean low mentality. Surging 1977 metropolitan blues with rumbling bass, shuffling skins, tough licks and quick-speak chorus. Be there or be square. (Record Mirror)