NME reported that a court in Malta had halted sales of the album because the lyrics of "Religion" offended public morals and decency. Upon its release, Public Image: First Issue received a 2- (out of 5) star review in Sounds. Reviewer Pete Silverton said that the single is the "Only wholly worthwhile track on the album." He dubbed the rest of the songs as "morbid directionless sounds with Rotten's poetry running just behind it." Nick Kent of NME was similarly negative, quipping that "unfortunately the 'image', public or otherwise, is a good deal less limited than many of the more practical factors involved in this venture." However, the album is now considered a groundbreaking post-punk classic. AllMusic critic Uncle Dave Lewis stated that the record "helped set the pace" for the post-punk genre, adding that it was "among a select few 1978 albums that had something lasting to say about the future of rock music." Pitchforks Stuart Berman wrote, "First Issue's industrial-strength stompers anticipate the scabrous art-punk of the Jesus Lizard and Slint, while Levene's guitar curlicues on 'Public Image' are the stuff Daydream Nations are made of." Public Image: First Issue is, along with Metal Box, included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Track listing Personnel Public Image Limited John Lydon – vocals, piano Keith Levene – guitar, synthesiser Jah Wobble – bass, vocals and fire extinguisher on "Fodderstompf" Jim Walker – drums Charts References Public Image Ltd albums 1978 debut albums Virgin Records albums