"The Black Album" is the fourth studio album by the English punk rock band the Damned, released on November 3, 1980, by Chiswick as a double album. It features "Curtain Call" on side 3 and live tracks recorded at Shepperton Studios for Damned fan club members on side 4. The album peaked at No. 29 on the UK Charts.
The Black Album marked a significant change in the band's sound, with critic Ned Raggett noting that while some tracks followed the original punk vein, the band was exploring a wider range of musical styles. He described songs like "Wait for the Blackout" as a blend of psych and punk with goth elements, while "Drinking About My Baby" was seen as goofy yet enjoyable. Captain Sensible pointed out the darker direction of Dave Vanian's vocals, acknowledging the goth influences present in the music. The song "13th Floor Vendetta" paid homage to the film The Abominable Dr. Phibes, opening with a line referencing the movie.
After the acquisition of the Damned's Chiswick back catalogue by Big Beat in 1981, The Black Album was reissued in August 1982 as a single album, omitting "Curtain Call" and the live tracks. The reissue's artwork parodied The Beatles' The White Album, and while Vanian insisted it wasn't directly related to the Beatles, Scabies acknowledged the intention behind the plain black sleeve. The live tracks were later released separately as Live Shepperton 1980, with additional content.
The first CD reissue reinstated "Curtain Call" and the original artwork, with a 2005 double-CD reissue bringing back the live tracks. The album was supported by a 28-date UK tour starting in November 1980, featuring the reformed punk band the Straps as support.
