"Songs the Lord Taught Us" is the debut studio album of the American punk rock band, The Cramps. It was released in 1980 under the record label I.R.S Records. The album was produced by Alex Chilton, a member of the power pop band Big Star and a solo artist, marking an unconventional collaboration in the punk rock scene.
The album showcases the eclectic style of The Cramps, fusing elements of garage punk and rockabilly, with a unique goth twist. Noteworthy for its defining influence on the psychobilly subgenre, the songs on the album embodied wild and high-energy performances, which were hallmarks of the band's style.
"Songs the Lord Taught Us" contains a mix of original tunes and covers. One of the standout tracks from the album is a cover of Ricky Nelson's "Lonesome Town". Other notable tracks include "TV Set," "I Was a Teenage Werewolf," and "The Mad Daddy."
The band members during the release of the album included Lux Interior (lead vocals), Poison Ivy Rorschach (lead guitar), Bryan Gregory (guitar), and Nick Knox (drums).
Over the years, the album has received positive appraisal from critics, and its influence has been recognized in the punk and goth scene. Despite its niche appeal, "Songs the Lord Taught Us" paved the way for alternative bands and affirmed The Cramps' status as a unique and influential act on the punk rock landscape.
