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Soldier

by Iggy Pop

Released: February 19, 1980

Rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

Released in February 1980, the album features unique contributions from different musicians, including Sex Pistols' Glen Matlock and original Stooges member James Williamson. Steve New, Barry Andrews, and Simple Minds are also among the artists that lent their sound to the project. The compositions in the album revolve around themes of politics, sex, and art.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Two singles, "Loco Mosquito" and "Knocking 'Em Down…

Two singles, "Loco Mosquito" and "Knocking 'Em Down (In the City)", were released from the album.

The pressing of the album faced some issues…

The pressing of the album faced some issues which eventually led to the exclusion of one track from the first pressings in the United States.

Later, the track was included in future pressings

Later, the track was included in future pressings.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Iggy Pop - Soldier

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Then

Reception

"Soldier" is the fourth solo studio album by American rock singer Iggy Pop. The album did not bring commercial success yet managed to peak at No. 62 on the UK Albums Chart. Throughout the years, "Soldier" has gained a reputation as a unique blend of the punk rock from Iggy Pop’s past and new influences that he would continue to explore in his later works.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Soldier" is the fourth solo studio album by American rock singer Iggy Pop. Released in February 1980, the album features unique contributions from different musicians, including Sex Pistols' Glen Matlock and original Stooges member James Williamson. Steve New, Barry Andrews, and Simple Minds are also among the artists that lent their sound to the project.

The album did not bring commercial success yet managed to peak at No. 62 on the UK Albums Chart. The compositions in the album revolve around themes of politics, sex, and art. Two singles, "Loco Mosquito" and "Knocking 'Em Down (In the City)", were released from the album. The pressing of the album faced some issues which eventually led to the exclusion of one track from the first pressings in the United States. Later, the track was included in future pressings.

Throughout the years, "Soldier" has gained a reputation as a unique blend of the punk rock from Iggy Pop’s past and new influences that he would continue to explore in his later works. Despite the initial mixed critical reception, the album has since been reassessed and is often considered an important piece of Iggy Pop's discography.