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Public Image Ltd, or PIL for short, emerged from the ashes of the seminal punk band the Sex Pistols in 1978. Fronted by the enigmatic and unpredictable John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten), PIL quickly gained a reputation for creating music that was both experimental and uncompromising. Over the course of their career, PIL released a string of influential albums that pushed the boundaries of punk and post-punk music. From their early days as a confrontational and abrasive band to their later, more accessible work, PIL’s music has always been marked by their willingness to take risks and challenge their audience. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best PIL songs of all time, examining the band’s evolution and influence along the way. From their most beloved hits to their lesser-known gems, this list will showcase the best of PIL’s unique and groundbreaking music. So strap in and get ready to explore the weird and wonderful world of Public Image Ltd.
1. ‘Public Image’
Released in 1978, “Public Image” was the debut single of John Lydon’s post-Sex Pistols band, Public Image Ltd (PiL). The song is a scathing indictment of the music industry and the concept of celebrity, with Lydon’s trademark snarl and biting lyrics taking aim at the phoniness and artificiality of the industry. The song’s propulsive bassline, courtesy of Jah Wobble, drives the track forward, while Keith Levene’s angular guitar work adds a sense of tension and urgency to the proceedings. Lydon’s vocals, meanwhile, are full of venom and bile, as he sneers and snarls his way through the song’s chorus, declaring “You never listen to a word that I say / You only see me for the clothes that I wear”. “Public Image” is a blistering and uncompromising song, and one that perfectly encapsulates the punk ethos of the time.
2. ‘Rise
‘Rise’ by Public Image Ltd. is a post-punk anthem that boasts a driving bassline and confrontational lyrics. Released in 1986, the song features Johnny Rotten’s (formerly of the Sex Pistols) snarling vocals, urging listeners to “anger is an energy” and to rise up against the status quo. The song’s video features striking imagery, including Rotten performing in front of a wall of TVs and the band playing in a smoky, industrial landscape. ‘Rise’ is a powerful call to arms that continues to resonate with fans of alternative music.
3. ‘Poptones’
‘Poptones’ by Public Image Ltd. is a haunting, experimental track that showcases the band’s willingness to push boundaries. The song, released in 1979, features a droning guitar riff, atmospheric synths, and John Lydon’s (aka Johnny Rotten) detached vocals. Lyrically, the song is cryptic and abstract, with references to “poptones in the pocket” and “a private hell”. The song’s minimalistic arrangement and off-kilter rhythms make it a standout track on the band’s second album, ‘Metal Box’. ‘Poptones’ is a reminder of Public Image Ltd.’s experimentalism and willingness to challenge their audience.
4. ‘Low Life’
‘Low Life’ by Public Image Ltd is a brooding and atmospheric track that showcases the band’s experimental approach to post-punk music. The song is built around a pulsing bassline and hypnotic guitar riff, with John Lydon’s distinctive vocals adding to the sense of unease. The lyrics describe a world of disillusionment and despair, with the narrator feeling trapped and suffocated by the world around them. The chorus, with its repeated line “I’m in a low life,” captures the sense of resignation and hopelessness that pervades the song. ‘Low Life’ is a haunting and introspective track that demonstrates PIL’s ability to create music that is both challenging and emotionally resonant.
5. ‘One Drop’
‘One Drop’ by Public Image Ltd. is a reggae-infused track that showcases the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment. Released in 2012, the song features a bouncing bassline, skittering drums, and John Lydon’s (aka Johnny Rotten) distinct vocals. Lyrically, the song is a celebration of life and perseverance, with lines like “We carry on regardless / We’ll find a way to carry on”. The song’s infectious groove and positive message make it a standout track on the band’s comeback album, ‘This Is PiL’. ‘One Drop’ is a testament to the band’s ability to incorporate different styles into their sound while maintaining their signature edge.
6. ‘Bad Life’
‘Bad Life’ by Public Image Ltd is a blistering and confrontational track that showcases the band’s punk rock roots. The song is driven by Keith Levene’s distorted guitar riff and John Lydon’s snarling vocals, with the pounding drums adding to the sense of urgency. The lyrics describe a world of corruption and decay, with the narrator railing against the forces of oppression and conformity. The chorus, with its repeated line “bad life, bad life,” captures the sense of rebellion and defiance that pervades the song. ‘Bad Life’ is a powerful and incendiary track that captures the raw energy and aggression of the punk rock movement.
7. ‘Careering’
‘Careering’ by Public Image Ltd. is a sprawling, experimental track that showcases the band’s willingness to push boundaries. Released in 1979, the song features a driving bassline, skittering drums, and John Lydon’s (aka Johnny Rotten) detached vocals. The song’s unconventional structure and off-kilter rhythms make it a challenging listen, but the band’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. Lyrically, the song is a scathing critique of conformity and the pressures of modern society. ‘Careering’ is a testament to the band’s experimentalism and willingness to challenge their audience.
8. ‘Banging The Door’
‘Banging The Door’ by Public Image Ltd is a pulsating and rhythmic track that showcases the band’s ability to create music that is both catchy and experimental. The song is built around a funky bassline and infectious beat, with John Lydon’s vocals adding to the sense of groove. The lyrics describe a relationship that has fallen apart, with the narrator feeling frustrated and betrayed. The chorus, with its repeated line “banging the door,” captures the sense of urgency and determination to move on from a toxic situation. ‘Banging The Door’ is a catchy and danceable track that demonstrates PIL’s versatility and skill at creating music that is both accessible and innovative.
9. ‘Seattle’
‘Seattle’ by Public Image Ltd is a haunting and atmospheric track that explores the dark side of American culture. The song is built around a brooding bassline and sparse guitar riff, with John Lydon’s vocals adding to the sense of unease. The lyrics describe a city that is consumed by violence and corruption, with the narrator feeling overwhelmed and powerless. The chorus, with its repeated line “Seattle, Seattle,” captures the sense of despair and hopelessness that pervades the song. ‘Seattle’ is a haunting and introspective meditation on the darker aspects of American society, and a testament to PIL’s ability to create music that is both challenging and emotionally resonant.
10. ‘Death Disco’
‘Death Disco’ by Public Image Ltd. is a dark and brooding track that combines elements of punk, funk, and dance music. The song is driven by a relentless bassline and pounding drums, with John Lydon’s snarling vocals adding to the sense of menace. The lyrics describe the experience of being trapped in a nightclub, with the music and lights creating a hypnotic and oppressive atmosphere. The song is a commentary on the excesses of the club scene and the sense of alienation that can come from being part of a crowd. The chorus, with its repeated line “dance, dance, dance, dance to the death,” adds to the sense of danger and impending doom. The song is a powerful and confrontational statement on the darker side of human nature.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
