5 Things to Know About Marianne Faithfull's 'Broken English'

The album earned Faithfull her first Grammy nomination. It was nominated for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

The album marked a major artistic reinvention. Faithfull shifted from her 1960s pop image to a raw, punk-influenced sound.

The title track is a politically charged protest song. It critiques modern communication and violence with its iconic, fractured vocal delivery.

The album features a cover of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero.” Faithfull’s version strips the song to its bleak, acoustic core.

The album was released in 1979. It arrived during a period of personal turmoil for Faithfull, including addiction and homelessness.