All Souls Hill cover

All Souls Hill

The Waterboys · 2022

40 min · 9 tracks · folk rock

A rich tapestry of folk rock and Celtic melodies woven with introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    All Souls Hill Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and longing, showcasing Mike Scott's poetic lyricism against a haunting instrumental backdrop.
  • →
    Once Were Brothers — This track offers a poignant exploration of camaraderie and nostalgia, blending rich storytelling with evocative melodies that resonate throughout the album.
  • →
    Hollywood Blues — With its bluesy undertones and sharp commentary on fame, this song stands out for its rhythmic complexity and lyrical wit, illustrating the band's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship and solid composition.

What we noticed

  • The opening track features layered instrumentation that builds gradually, introducing various folk elements before the vocals enter.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • steady pacing with gradual build
  • introspective moments for deep reflection
  • suitable for evening relaxation
  • lush soundscapes inviting exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat party music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and revisits signature sound after several years.
Career context
Released in 2022, All Souls Hill is The Waterboys' first album since 2017's Out of All This Blue, marking a return to their signature sound. The band continues to evolve while revisiting the lyrical depth that characterized their earlier work, now infused with reflections on time and memory.
Stylistic neighbors
The Pogues· Fairport Convention· Clannad

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Southern Moon

    The imagery shifts from night skies to personal memories, creating a vivid sense of place interwoven with emotion.

    This moment uses sensory detail to ground abstract feelings in concrete experiences, enhancing the listener's connection to the narrative.

Tracklist

  • 1 All Souls Hill Start here 2:55
  • 2 The Liar 3:28
  • 3 The Southern Moon 4:23
  • 4 Blackberry Girl 2:36
  • 5 Hollywood Blues 5:26
  • 6 In My Dreams 3:19
  • 7 Once Were Brothers 5:30
  • 8 Here We Go Again 4:02
  • 9 Passing Through 9:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata