The thing that got Babyshambles to headline festivals before the band even had a record out is the thing that, unfairly, has led to the group being all but abandoned by music fans in recent years. It was notoriety and free press that made the world interested in Pete Doherty’s post-Libertines band the first time round, sure.
But, I reckon that it’s genuine talent that still makes Babyshambles one of the greatest indie rock bands of all time. Here’s how I try to prove this, through ten, often sensational songs.
The Greatest 10 Songs by Babyshambles
10. ”French Dog Blues”
Talent is a magical thing. But it’s also the first thing that leaves artists who don’t look out for it.
Plenty of people disliked seeing Pete Doherty’s mug in the papers during the 2000s. But, few could deny that, at one time, great lines and songs just came to him. “French Dog Blues” sounds like a tune written quickly, but also like one that proved Doherty’s ability to continue his career even when the print in the magazines had dried up.
9. ”Killamangiro”
Before you knew it, Doherty was in jail, cast out of The Libertines, and singing “Killamangiro” on Top of the Pops. And, of course, the press went mad for the fact that Doherty and Carl Barât, former partner in The Libertines, were issuing messages to each other through songs.
This was the band’s second single and, yes, it’s not great on its own, I don’t think. But it is a picture postcard of a time when guitar bands were back in vogue, even if some see the title’s play on words as somewhat in bad taste, considering Doherty’s unfortunate associations.
8. ”What Katy Did Next”
Doherty knew exactly what he was doing. Sure, the image of him as a modern Lord Byron worked well. And few rockers have even worn hats better than him, certainly.
But when he wrote “What Katie Did” for The Libertines after the drug bust involving him and his former girlfriend Kate Moss, they knew audiences wanted a follow-up. “What Katy Did Next” is a worthy follow-up, this time, about love lost.
7. ”Dandy Hooligan”
Who knew Pete Doherty would still be making records in 2025, let alone with Babyshambles. I confess to hating the sound of “Dandy Hooligan” or the fact that most British indie or punk bands eventually start thinking they can play reggae.
But the lyrics are great. They’re about chubby, well-dressed English hooligans who enjoy clothes, drinks and fist fights. The Dandy Hooligan is someone who is only loyal to his own pleasures. Can’t help but think Doherty’s undergoing some therapy recently that has made him more revealing.
6. ”Picture Me in Hospital”
Contrary to popular belief, Babyshambles was (and might still be) a real band. Contrary to what you might have heard, the band’s members had their own struggles and, often fascinating, takes on life.
“Picture Me in Hospital” was written by Drew McConnell after nearly losing his life in that old rock n’ roll way of falling off a motorcycle. The song was written in the quasi-British-tourist colony of Tenerife. And, frankly, it’s one of the loveliest songs Doherty ever got the chance to sing.
5. ”Lost Art of Murder”
There’s a myth about this song being about a murder Doherty may have witnessed. But, as far as the lyrics give any clue, this might just be the rare occasion where Doherty realises all of the drug binging and ego trips will eventually make his high-profile friends skip town on him.
It’s a softly sung tune, and one that demonstrates Doherty’s greatest strengths.
4. ”Albion”
The Libertines went through many phases. They were young boys trying to take London by storm. They initially wanted to be like The Beatles. They then modelled themselves on Suede and then on Oasis.
However, the constant was their affection for a mystical land of love and freedom that they titled “Albion,” a kind of jolly British Empire re-imagined.
By the time Babyshambles tries to put the Albion back together, Doherty can’t hide his eyes from the real world. “Albion” describes a modern Britain chocked by violence, misunderstandings, and addiction. It’s a great song that shows what Doherty can do when he gets serious about things.
3. ”Fuck Forever”
Pete Doherty had two great subjects to write about – Britain and personal devastation. He already had quite a myth built up for himself by the time of “Fuck Forever,” the single meant to tell The Libertines’ faithful that the party had moved elsewhere.
Personal martyrdom aside, the song, and the entire album for that matter, is highly notable for Patrick Walden’s excellent jazz guitar stylings.
2. ”You Talk”
All the talk about Pete Doherty’s life would’ve just been a colossal waste, had he not also been able to pen some great tunes. In fact, as far as poppy indie rock singles go, “You Talk” is one of the best.
Most Babyshambles songs feel like they were written in haste and never finished. This, however, works in the song’s favour this time.
1. ”Delivery”
The Libertines thrived in times of chaos. Perhaps this is why the band, Doherty, especially amped it up. And, reminded of the heyday of British punk, the press, the NME chiefly, cheered the band on.
For “Shotter’s Nation” (“Shotter” is slang for drug dealer), Dogerty got the Clash’s Mick Jones to produce. More than any other song on the record, “Delivery” captures the nutty excitement and utter panic of being a famous, beloved rockstar who’s known not just for their music, but for their problems with the law and issues with drugs.
It’s a great single, one that, arguably, Doherty never quite managed again despite making some lovely solo albums. “Delivery” is Babyshambles’ shining moment.
