Ranking The Ramones: Was Johnny Ramone Right?

Years ago, leafing through New York magazine, I came across an excerpt from Commando: The Autobiography of the Johnny Ramone. Featured alongside the excerpt was a sidebar in which the late Johnny rated the Ramones’ albums as he heard fit, with a few comments as well. You’ll have to buy the book to read Johnny’s thoughts, but I have included his grades here, along with my own feelings about each album, which are less biased, since I never had a falling out with Joey Ramone. I never had a falling in with him, either, so my professional distance is assured.

It should also be noted that Joey passed away 15 years ago this past April. Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone both died more than a decade ago. And the last surviving original band member, Tommy, passed in 2014. May all of the original Ramones rest in peace.

Listening through the Ramones’ discography as we celebrate the legendary group’s 40th anniversary this year, I’m struck by how listenable and likable most of it is. Truthfully, I’m more inclined to listen to those much-maligned albums than the classics at the top of the list, only because the early records are worn out on my brain like so many old Rolling Stones albums. Let that be a lesson, kids! Don’t wear your records out. Ration your listening pleasure! Or else!

Lest my grades make you think I’m an easy grader, trust me, if this had been the Eric Clapton catalog, things would’ve gone very differently.