The Jam - Town Called Malice (1982)

With a succession of perfect singles, The Jam became the prominent social commentator of the era alongside The Clash. Toghether with a few other artists like Billy Bragg, they formed the "Red Wedge" movement against the Thatcher policy and the nationalist National Front Party - whose popularity was worriyngly increasing.
"Town Called Malice" is a showcase for Paul Weller's extraordinary gift for storytelling. Inspired by events in his hometown Woking, the lyrics paint the picture of a society on the verge of collapse. Weller manages to compress in under three minutes descriptions of various depressing images of city life.
"Better stop dreaming about the quiet life cause it's the one we'll never know" is of course the famous opening line and one of the all-time greatest in pop history. The story is developed brilliantly: the first verse provides the overall picture, a general view. Then, on the next verses, the lyrics come down to the personal level, giving insight into details of the everyday life. Weller spits his venom and anger like bullets from a machine gun. There are households severely hit by poverty, so they have "To either cut down on beer or the kids' new gear"; there are lonely housewives who "clutch empty milk bottles from their hearts"; bottom line, it's "Struggle after struggle, year after year, I'm almost stone cold dead in this town called malice". Thankfully, Weller urges "stop apologising for the things you've never done, it's up to us to change this town", and wakes up in order to "put some joy back in this town", thus providing some necessary hope amidst this "Malice in Wonderland" grim tale.
Despite their punk credentials, The Jam were distinguished from their contemporaries due to their apt musicianship: they were a tight, powerful trio and became notorious for their explosive live performances. Fuelled by a propelling beat and a sizzling organ, "Town Called Malice" is bursting with punk energy but carries the aura of classic songwriting like all The Jam's best singles. It is also a clear proof of Weller's love of 60's music: British R'n'B from bands like The Who and Small Faces; and classic Motown soul. The song remains until today the highlight of his solo performances.