Review THE DAMNED “Not Like Everybody Else”

The Damned are back with a new album. Entitled “Not Like Everybody Else”, it is the latest offering from the British punk and gothic rockers. The album features ten cover versions and is dedicated to the band’s founding member, Brian James, who passed away on 6 March 2025.

Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, Paul Gray – together with Monty Oxymoron on keyboards – recorded the album in six days at Revolver Studio in Los Angeles, California, capturing the pure joy of making music once again.

With Rat Scabies on board, the album showcases the band almost in their original line-up, and the result is a collection of great songs interpreted by an iconic band.

“There Is a Ghost in My House”, originally by R. Dean Taylor, is the starting point of a 35-minute journey through rock history that also includes “Summer in the City”. The Damned revitalize this classic by The Lovin’ Spoonful, making it one of the standout tracks on the album.

Photo: Sacha Lecca

The range of classics is fairly wide. There is an eerie version of “Gimme Danger” from Iggy Pop & the Stooges, while “See Emily Play” reveals the band’s fascination with another influential rock group. It is a smart move for The Damned to cover a song like “See Emily Play”, which isn’t one of Pink Floyd’s big hits.

Their passion for rock is also expressed through their cover of “The Last Time”, originally by The Rolling Stones.

The album’s title is inspired by The King’s classic song “I’m Not Like Everybody Else”, which captures a melancholic moment. Gothic rock returns with “Heart Full of Soul” by The Yardbirds, a smooth and spooky moment on the album alongside “When I Was Young”, an Eric Burdon & The Animals gem. The song is kept dark and gloomy, and is a highlight of the album that feels like an ode to 1960s rock.

Fans of great rock music performed by a truly legendary band should check out “Not Like Everybody Else”.