The album was well received by critics and fans, making much more of an impact than the group's previous effort Rock Art and the X-Ray Style.

The title track, "Global A Go-Go", features backing vocals from longtime friend of Strummer, Roger Daltrey.

[6] The lead track and album's only single, "Johnny Appleseed" was the opening theme to the HBO show John from Cincinnati.

The "Minstrel Boy" track is also known as the "Worldcom Dirge" after being featured in a commercial by the soon-to be-bankrupt telecommunications company.

[7] All lyrics are written by Joe Strummer, except for "Minstrel Boy"; all music is composed by Joe Strummer, Martin Slattery, Pablo Cook, Scott Shields and Tymon Dogg, except where notedThe song "Johnny Appleseed" was used as the theme to the short-lived HBO series John from Cincinnati.