A punk rock classic if there ever was one. Even NOFX’s Fat Mike has said that Suffer was “the album to change everything.” It was the album that led to the influx of 90s style punk bands and saw groups like The Offspring break into the mainstream. Bad Religion’s influence on punk is indisputable and this album is noted as one of their best. The songs are deceptively simple, not nearly as diverse as what Bad Religion would later release. But that is where its success seems to lie. They are some of the most melodic, riff driven punk songs ever recorded. Greg Graffin’s lyrics are filled with societal commentary and political discontent. Suffer is a massive effort that shows Bad Religion finding focus and direction. A must for any fan.

• music label: Epitaph 1988 / 2010

reviewed by brothel creepers 04/2015