The Damned Not Like Everybody Else
The Damned's Not Like Everybody Else opens as a warm, raucous tribute that reconnects the band with the 1960s rock and the late Brian James they helped shape. Across two professional reviews the record earned a 76/100 consensus score, and critics highlight how faithful reinterpretation and punk bite coexist on this reunion-minded covers set. The quick answer to "is Not Like Everybody Else good" lands in the affirmative: reviewers praise its energy and emotional purpose even when noting the project's hurried genesis.
Critics consistently single out standout tracks as proof of the album's success. “You Must Be A Witch” and “There’s A Ghost In My House” emerge as the album's best songs, praised by both The Spill Magazine and Mojo for marrying respect for the originals with The Damned's farfisa-speckled gnarl and punk virtuosity. “See Emily Play” is also repeatedly noted for its fidelity plus added bite, while closing moments like “When I Was Young” and “The Last Time” are described as emotionally resonant, amplified by Brian James's presence.
While reviewers acknowledge the record's swift assembly, the consensus from professional reviews frames Not Like Everybody Else as a heartfelt reunion and a tribute that mostly lands: nostalgic without being imitative, and charged with enough rawness to justify the band's return to its roots. For readers searching for an authoritative Not Like Everybody Else review or a guide to the best songs on the record, the critical consensus suggests this collection is worth hearing for its standout covers and its tribute-driven clarity.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
When I Was Young
1 mention
"The album closes with two emotional songs that serve as brilliant tributes: The Animals’ “When I Was Young”"— The Spill Magazine
See Emily Play
2 mentions
"Their version of Pink Floyd’s “See Emily Play” is powerful and dark"— The Spill Magazine
There's A Ghost In My House
2 mentions
"They also take on other 1960s hits, such as “Summer In The City” and “There’s A Ghost In My House.” Both sound fresh, energetic, and fun."— The Spill Magazine
The album closes with two emotional songs that serve as brilliant tributes: The Animals’ “When I Was Young”
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
There's A Ghost In My House
Summer In The City
Making Time
Gimme Danger
See Emily Play
I'm Not Like Everybody Else
Heart Full Of Soul
You Must Be A Witch
When I Was Young
The Last Time
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 5 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
The Damned sound revitalized on Not Like Everybody Else, and the best songs - notably “See Emily Play” and “You Must Be A Witch” - show why this tribute works so well. The reviewer keeps returning to the album's ability to stick close to originals while adding The Damned's edge, making tracks like “Summer In The City” and “Making Time” feel fresh and energetic. The closing pair, “When I Was Young” and “The Last Time”, are praised as emotional, brilliant tributes that underline the album's purpose and heart.
Key Points
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“See Emily Play” stands out for its powerful, dark take and historical link to Pink Floyd.
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The album's core strength is its faithful, energetic reinterpretation of 1960s influences as a heartfelt tribute to Brian James.
Themes
Critic's Take
The Damned sound volcanically alive on Not Like Everybody Else, where renditions of “Ghost In My House” and “See Emily Play” crackle with Farfisa-speckled gnarl and punk virtuosity. Pat Gilbert writes with affectionate authority, noting the record as a hastily hatched, moving salute to Brian James that still lands on thunderous form. The best tracks - notably “Ghost In My House” and “You Must Be A Witch” - offer both the familiar thrills and intriguing rarities that answer the question about whether this lineup could gel again. The presence of Brian James on “The Last Time” makes the closing moments poignantly resonant, sealing the album's emotional arc.
Key Points
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The best song is the gnarly rendition of 'Ghost In My House' because it encapsulates the band's restored thunderous form.
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The album's core strengths are its tribute-driven purpose, strong covers performances, and emotionally resonant closing with Brian James.