Henry Rollins and Billy Idol both singled out the Ramones’ 1977 album *Rocket to Russia* as the band’s finest work. Their agreement is notable because the two musicians came from different punk scenes and careers, while the year also produced landmark records by acts including the Sex Pistols, The Clash and Wire.

Rollins called the album the Ramones’ most concise statement, praising drummer Tommy Ramone and describing the band’s first four albums as “magical”; he also noted that guitarist Johnny Ramone favoured *Rocket to Russia*. The article says the group’s third album combined a fuller sound and sharper pop craft, with songs such as ‘Sheena Is a Punk Rocker’, ‘Cretin Hop’ and ‘Teenage Lobotomy’ illustrating its appeal.