Blitzkrieg Bop

As the first song on their self-titled 1976 debut, "Blitzkrieg Bop" introduced the Ramones to the record-buying public at large, and quickly became a punk rock anthem; around 15 years later, it had also became a sports-arena anthem thanks to its "hey, ho, let's go" chant. The title "Blitzkrieg Bop" was actually a nice encapsulation of the group's aesthetic: simple, bouncy, pre-British Invasion rock & roll played at top volume and twice the speed. Blaring the same three chords for most of its duration, the song was rock at its most basic, and most rock artists who choose to keep their music this basic do so in order to invest it with tremendous energy. That's exactly what happens here, and the updated '50s-dance-party lyrics are even about that youthful rock & roll energy -- "the kids are losing their minds" over it, "all revved up and ready to go." "Blitzkrieg Bop" is undeniably silly, and even more undeniably exciting. Of course, it's intentionally silly -- not in an ironic or satirical way, but more like smart people honestly enjoying mindless fun. That's the essence of the Ramones' appeal, and "Blitzkrieg Bop" is its statement of purpose.