Unlike other punk bands, Generation X ignored some of the 'rules' and 'ideals' adopted by UK punk rock bands, taking inspiration from British pop of the 1960's.In 1977, they covered John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth", and in 1979 they teamed up with Ian Hunter who produced their second album, Valley of the Dolls.

There were differences in the group's musical direction that they struggled to resolve. They wanted to remain true to their punk roots while pursuing a heavier rock sound. Internal disagreements came to a head in late 1979 during the recording of what was to have been the third Generation X album. This was released decades later as part of the Anthology boxed set under the title Sweet Revenge.

Generation X was the eponymous first album from Generation X and was produced by Martin Rushent and released in 1978. The album contained the UK hit single "Ready Steady Go" which reached No. 47 in the chart in March 1978. The album itself peaked at No.29 on August 4. When it was originally released in the USA, it featured a different track listing, omitting three songs and adding three songs from singles and "Gimme Some Truth", a rare studio cover of a John Lennon song. The album was later remastered and re-released in 2002 with the original UK track listing, and six bonus tracks from singles. "Kiss Me Deadly" was used in the soundtrack of the 1998 movie SLC Punk.

Well there it is. Let's lay the needle down on the first Generation X album and keep one foot in the gutter an done fist in the gold!