For more than 50 years, music enthusiasts have debated what genre to label Blondie.
The band’s unique style and tough persona didn’t make the task any easier. Some classified them as punk, but the group often rejected the title.
Today, we’re jumping into this heated discussion to discover the truth.
Let’s go!
The Story of Blondie
Blondie first arrived on the New York City music scene in 1974. Founding members Deborah “Debbie” Harry, Chris Stein, Billy O’Connor, and Fred Smith made quite a splash in downtown Manhattan. Like most groups, several transitions occurred, which saw the addition of Clem Burke on drums and Gary Valentine on bass.
Despite early success in the UK and Australia, Blondie was often considered an underground band in the United States until the late 1970s. Their first albums contained numerous musical elements from punk music. However, they were typically under the new wave genre, which grew out of punk.
Their 1978 album Parallel Lines finally got attention from American listeners. It sold over 20 million copies worldwide, primarily due to the success of the singles Picture This and Hanging on the Telephone.
After the great success of Parallel Lines, the group released a series of hit singles over four years. Fans fell in love with the band even more with songs like Dreaming, One Way or Another, and Atomic. They showcased their musical talents by combining disco, pop, reggae, and elements of rap.
Blondie’s front-woman, Debbie Harry, attracted attention for her personality and ravishing good looks. The band sold over 40 million records worldwide and joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
What is Punk Music?
Punk music is a genre that arrived in the mid-1970s. It grew from the garage rock style that was popular during the 60s.
One of the most defining characteristics of this style is the rejection of mainstream rock music. Artists in this category often create shorter tracks with minimal instruments. They’re fast-paced and don’t shy away from communicating political messages.
Because of their rebellious and self-reliant attitudes, most punk bands produce songs and albums themselves. Some of the first groups in the genre include the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and Dead Kennedys.
The style played a significant role in creating a subculture that included fashion and visual arts. It grew out of New York City and the United Kingdom in clubs like CBGB, where Blondie played regularly. Many people identified with the artists, and leather jackets, torn clothing, and wacky hairstyles appeared everywhere.
Do you know? How Did Punk Rock Get Its Name?
When was Blondie Considered Punk?
Many consider Blondie punk due to their early performances in New York’s CBGB club. The first appearance at this iconic music venue was under the name Angel and the Snake.
If you listen to their early soundtracks, you can feel the influence of their time performing at CBGB. They hung around with bands like the Ramones, the Damned, and the Heartbreakers and it really shows in their first couple of albums.
While Blondie’s early years may have had punk undertones, they slowly drifted away from the genre. They began to embrace more pop and new wave in their sound. By 1978, most considered it laughable to label them punk. Tracks often focused more on keyboard synthesizers than guitar riffs.
If you’re a Blondie fan, you’ve got to have this collection of over 50 songs and a 164-page book! Against The Odds: 1974-1982.
Blondie’s Greatest Songs
No matter what type of genre they were, Blondie’s reputation grew around the world. Fans learned every word of their most popular songs.
Hanging on the Telephone
Hanging on the Telephone, initially written by The Nerves, showcases Debbie Harry’s unique vocals. This uptempo track was on their 1978 album Parallel Lines. The rhythm and attitude of the song are some of the final glimpses of rock within the group.
Its message communicates the agony of trying to contact a lover long before cell phones existed. Harry’s delivery makes the story not only believable but relatable. She mixes her sensuality and toughness, making the song an intense expression of raw emotion.
Heart of Glass
Heart of Glass was one of Blondie’s most iconic songs. It’s another of the great hits from Parallel Lines. While wildly successful, it’s evidence that the group took significant steps away from rock music. If anything, the track bridges the gap in their transition into dabbling in the disco genre.
The message of this popular song touches on human emotions, especially love and vulnerability. Debbie sings about the challenges and complexity of romantic relationships and how things can quickly change.
Blondie tried several versions, including rock, but ultimately landed on the disco-themed sound as it gained popularity.
One Way or Another
One Way or Another was a massive hit from the Parallel Lines album. The song’s attitude provides a glimpse of the rough, edgy attitude defining the group.
Debbie belts out the song’s lyrics in an aggressive delivery. Harry later revealed she wrote the tune as a lighthearted way to spotlight a fan who stalked her. She mentioned in a 2011 interview that he was a total nut job.
Catchy guitar riffs and upbeat drums drive the song. The guitar solo in the middle was the perfect opportunity for Harry’s onstage antics to build a big finish for the piece.
Why Did Blondie Break Up?
Unfortunately, despite their great success worldwide, the band eventually went their separate ways. The group faced a series of internal struggles and disagreements. Gary Valentine left to form The Know in 1977, and Frank Infante replaced him.
They hit the studio in 1981 to record The Hunter. However, leadership decided not to include Infante on the album. Legal action taken by Infante forced Blondie to have him on the album but not on the tour that would follow.
Before setting off on the road to open for Duran Duran, Chris Stein became very ill. Sadly, his condition worsened, and they canceled the remainder of their appearances. In November 1982, Blondie announced they had officially disbanded.
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Punk Beginnings
While Blondie may have started in the punk music scene, they certainly didn’t finish there. They evolved and adapted along with many of their fans. The change allowed them to showcase the breadth of their musical abilities and reach a broad audience. Not every group could make such a significant shift, and they made it look easy.