The Power and the Glory (Cockney Rejects album)
The Power and the Glory is the fifth studio album by the British punk rock band Cockney Rejects, released in 1981. It marked a significant departure from their earlier, more straightforward Oi! punk sound, incorporating elements of hard rock and heavy metal.
The album's title is a biblical reference, though the band's interpretation leaned more towards social commentary and working-class struggles than overt religious themes. Lyrically, the album continued to address themes of violence, football hooliganism, and urban life that characterized their earlier work, but with a more nuanced and sometimes cynical perspective.
The Power and the Glory was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the band's experimentation and musical growth, while others criticized the shift away from their punk roots. Despite the mixed reception, the album remains a notable entry in the Cockney Rejects' discography, showcasing a band willing to evolve and challenge genre expectations. Key tracks included "Till the End of the Day" and "Greatest Cockney Rip Off." The album failed to achieve the commercial success of their earlier releases.