New York Dolls – New York Dolls

The New York Dolls' 1973 debut album New York Dolls exploded onto the scene with a reckless blend of glam, proto-punk, and raw rock 'n' roll. Produced by Todd Rundgren, the record channels the sneer of the Stones, the energy of The Stooges, and a campy, androgynous aesthetic that would lay the groundwork for the coming punk movement. Tracks like "Personality Crisis" and "Trash" became instant cult anthems, driven by David Johansen’s snarling vocals and Johnny Thunders’ scuzzy guitar.

While the album was not a commercial hit, it became a vital influence on punk, glam, and garage rock scenes both in the U.S. and the U.K. Its dirty, exuberant style was ahead of its time, foreshadowing the DIY ethos and rebellious sound of the late ’70s. Bands from the Sex Pistols to Guns N’ Roses have cited the Dolls as a key inspiration, cementing their role as one of rock’s most influential cult acts.

Reviews

"A gleefully sloppy, aggressively catchy blast of decadent rock & roll." – Rolling Stone

"One of the most influential records of the 1970s... it made punk possible." – AllMusic

"Like the Stones if they'd grown up on comic books and speed – essential." – NME

"A beautifully shambolic mess. It was everything rock needed in 1973." – Pitchfork

"Trashy, vulgar, vital – a record that tore down the walls." – The Guardian