The Most Underrated Ramones Songs

via Ramones Music/YouTube
A Bunch of Punk Rock Legends
When they were starting out, The Ramones didn’t easily break into mainstream and achieve commercial success. But they eventually became punk rock icons and their impact & influence cannot be understated. Their songs are catchy and pretty basic. Even the band members look like the typical kids you see on the street. Their uncomplicated and no-nonsense approach to rock was refreshing.
And while they did have songs which were way overplayed, we’ll look at five of their other tracks that deserve more love and appreciation.
5. 53rd & 3rd
https://youtu.be/3qcMjKxt-dE
The song is about an area frequented by young male hustlers. Also known as The Loop, the place had several clubs and bars. Rumor has it that this is autobiographical and that Dee Dee Ramone once worked as a hustler to finance his drug habit. He never confirmed nor deny any of it. Johnny Ramone once said, “We were so weird. Singing about some guy coming back from Vietnam and becoming a male prostitute and killing people? This is what we thought was normal.”
4. Life’s a Gas
https://youtu.be/CMuQCoMgCxI
This is far from perfect and that’s perhaps why we’re digging it so much. Besides, it’s just as good as some of their more popular tunes.
3. 7-11
https://youtu.be/f6_dRQ4uqPE
If you think this has something to do with convenience stores, you’re right. It’s basically about a young couple going on dates to 7-11 and record swaps.
2. I Can’t Make It On Time
https://youtu.be/kyYHGMiy1Ec
It’s a real gem in their catalog and we don’t know why it’s still being overlooked.
1. Listen To My Heart
https://youtu.be/XTdbn5t3xH4
This one’s superb. Like most of the Ramones’ materials, this is simple but so much fun to listen to.