A Turn of the Wheel
Rawlins Cross · 1989
32 min · 10 tracks · Celtic rock
Celtic rock rhythms intertwine with folk melodies, creating a vibrant tapestry of storytelling and musical energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Turn of the Wheel — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of change and journey, featuring a catchy melody that blends traditional folk elements with contemporary rock.
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Wild Rose — Opening the album, this track sets an energetic tone with its infectious rhythm and lyrical imagery that reflects on love and nature.
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Ghost of Love — This song showcases emotional depth through its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, illustrating the band's ability to convey complex feelings within a lively arrangement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends Celtic melodies with rock rhythms effectively but lacks the depth for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, upbeat track that sets a lively tone, followed by a medley that combines traditional reels with rock elements.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including fiddles and guitars, creating a rich soundscape that highlights both folk and rock influences.
- The running time is just over 40 minutes, with most tracks averaging around three to four minutes, allowing for concise storytelling without overstaying their welcome.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- vibrant storytelling through music
- energetic tunes for gatherings
- short bursts of lively rhythms
- playful melodies for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek heavy, dark themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1989, A Turn of the Wheel is Rawlins Cross's debut album, marking their entrance into the Canadian music scene. At this point, the band was solidifying its unique blend of rock and traditional Celtic influences, setting the foundation for their future work and live performances.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Great Big Sea· The Pogues· Flogging Molly
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wild Rose 3:31
- 2 Farmer's Daughter / High Reel 2:22
- 3 A Turn of the Wheel 3:43
- 4 Mountainside 2:48
- 5 MacPherson's Lament 3:33
- 6 Colleen 4:03
- 7 Mac's Fancy / Give Me a Drink of Water 2:59
- 8 Shaken Up 3:01
- 9 Ghost of Love 3:14
- 10 Sleepy Maggie / Gravel Walk / Little Beggarman 2:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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