"A Different Kind of Tension" is the third studio album by English punk rock band Buzzcocks, released in September 1979 through United Artists. The album marked a significant evolution in their sound, incorporating more melodic and complex arrangements compared to their earlier work.
Upon its release, the album peaked at number 26 on the UK Albums Chart and reached number 163 in the United States. The record features notable tracks such as "You Say You Don't Love Me" and "What Do I Get?", showcasing the band's signature blend of punk energy and pop sensibility. It further solidified Buzzcocks' reputation as key players in the punk movement while also hinting at their transition into more varied musical territory.
A Different Kind of Tension was produced by Martin Rushent and managed by Richard Boon, recorded at Eden Studios and mixed at Genetic Sound. It was initially released on vinyl in 1979 and 1980 by United Artists Records, EMI, and I.R.S. Records.
The album has seen numerous reissues, with the first CD version appearing in 1989 via I.R.S., which included the 1981 6-track promo EP. A remastered edition followed in 1992. Notably, in 2008 (Europe) and 2010 (US), EMI and Mute Records released a comprehensive 2-CD remastered version that featured the original album along with associated singles, demo recordings, and live performances from John Peel's BBC Radio 1 shows recorded in late 1978 and mid-1979. This extensive reissue highlights the album's enduring significance in the punk rock genre and its influence on subsequent musical movements.
