LP Review: Social Distortion, ‘Born To Kill,’ Their First Album In 15 Years – A Late Career Gem

Legendary Orange County California cow punk/punk rockers Social Distortion are back with their first album in 15 years with the newly released Born To Kill. Fifteen years between albums ranks them up there with the Cure, the Stones and Peter Gabriel as artists who take a more “leisurely” approach to putting out new LPs. Of course the Stones and Gabriel already have new albums coming out this year, making up for lost time.

Of course Social D is no stranger to taking their time between albums, although this 15 year gap between albums is the longest they’ve taken. They took 7 years between their prior records 2004’s Sex, Love & Rock’n’Roll and 2011’s Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes. 

Hell, it was 8 years between Sex, Love etc and the previous record White Light, White Trash. Lead singer/lead guitarist Mike Ness likes to take his time and really craft the tunes. And here I thought Don Henley was a perfectionist…

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that part of the issue this time was Mike Ness’ diagnosis with cancer of the tonsils. Thankfully, by the sound of this record, he’s made a full recovery. As I’ve said before, the world needs rock n rollers like Mike Ness.

I have to say Born To Kill was worth the wait. This is a sensational Social D record. It has everything I want – soaring rockers with guitars that sound like dive-bombing jets, a country track, some mid tempo introspective tracks and a wonderful (albeit surprise) cover.

David Hildago, Jr makes his recorded debut on drums for Social D, after being in the band since 2010, and he helps bring these tracks to life. He’s a more nuanced drummer. Ness is also joined by long time rhythm guitarist Jonny “Two Bags” Wickersham (no idea how he got that nickname) and Brent Harding on bass.

This is certainly their best LP since Sex, Love And Rock’n’Roll, but then they’ve only put out one other album since then. I liked Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes, well, except “Bakersfield” (I thought it was a bit long and plodding), so it’s easy to see this as they’re best since Somewhere Between Heaven And Hell. 

The album starts off with two signature bangers, big rock anthems in the title track which I reviewed already (here) – with the great lyric “I’m the underdog who ends up on top, The rebel poet with a peacock strut, Gonna make a change, gonna rearrange, Look out, man, you’re in my pissing range!”  – and the anthem “No Way Out.” I love the guitar on these songs. Both tracks start with feedback which tells me, I’m in the right place. “No Way Out” is already a classic to me.

“The Way Things Used To Be” is an introspective, mid tempo track that is just a classic “Story Of My Life” type Social D song. It really grabs me, especially “So I planned out my escape with an old guitar, I wrote a song with a stolen riff, if you ain’t got a song, you ain’t got shit…”

“Tonight” is a great “goodbye” track. It’s got that signature Social D “cow punk” vibe. Punchy with a dash of country. I put it on my Playlist: Songs About Night immediately. “Partners In Crime” is a crunchy rocker that could have been Bonnie and Clyde’s theme song… or perhaps the Rock Chick and mine? It’s another fantastic track/ear worm.

“Crazy Dreamer” is a country rave up with none other than the fabulous Lucinda Williams on harmony vocals. Lucinda is just coming off the release of her own great LP, World’s Gone Wrong. I wish Lucinda’s voice was just a touch higher in the mix, but I’m splitting hairs here. I put it on my Playlist: Songs About Dreams.

Social D are known for their wonderful cover songs. They’ve done Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire” and the Stones’ “Backstreet Girl” and “Under My Thumb” and Born To Kill has a cover song. I have to admit I’d love to see a photo of what my face looked like when I realized what it was… No, it’s not the Stones, it’s Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.” It sounds like a crazy idea but it just works. Ness even hits the high notes. Hats off!

The second half of the album turns the volume back up for a handful of rockers. My favorites are probably the martial rocker “Never Going Back Again,” and yes, we’ve all been there. But then, deep into the record they rip into “Don’t Keep Me Hanging On” and it’s an absolute favorite. It’s a big soaring anthem that only Social D can do. “I woke up today, pleasantly guilty…” indeed.

It’s so great to hear this kind of guitars/vocals/bass/drums, in your face, rock n roll with a touch of country thrown in for good measure. Social D is such a great band and it’s great to hear them come roaring back in such a strong fashion. This may be my favorite album of the year – so far… I mean there’s a Stones’ record on the way – it’s just that good.

Crank this one up loud! It’s for all you fans of pure rock n roll out there! This is the kind of late career LP B&V was founded for! Cheers!