The article revisits three notable rock songs released in 1979, arguing that the year’s music blended classic rock with punk, new wave and more experimental sounds. It highlights the songs’ lasting recognition and, in the case of Pink Floyd’s track, its criticism of harsh school discipline.

The selections are The Clash’s “London Calling”, which reached No. 11 in the UK; Talking Heads’ “Life During Wartime”, which peaked at No. 80 on the US Billboard Hot 100; and Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2”, written by Roger Waters and a protest song about abusive schooling that topped charts in several countries, including the UK and US.