The Jam – Sound Affects

The Jam – Sound Affects (1980) is one of the band’s most refined and adventurous albums, blending punk energy with mod revival, new wave, and even psychedelic influences. Tracks like Start! (heavily inspired by The Beatles’ Taxman) and That’s Entertainment showcase Paul Weller’s sharp songwriting, balancing social commentary with introspection. The production is tighter and more textured than their earlier work, incorporating funkier rhythms and punchy basslines. Lyrically and musically, it's a turning point for The Jam—urgent, sophisticated, and one of their best records.

Reviews

ROLLING STONE ALBUM GUIDE **** "On Sound Affects the Jam shakes free of the baggage of punk ideology once and for all, adding horn lines ("Start!") and guitar solos guitar solos (all over the place), tossing in happy love songs ("I'm Different Now") alongside the cri- tiques of capitalism ("Pretty Green")