Book of Lightning
The Waterboys · 2007
45 min · 10 tracks · folk rock
A vibrant blend of folk rock and Celtic influences, infused with poetic lyricism and rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Love Will Shoot You Down — This track features an infectious melody paired with sharp lyrics about the unpredictability of love, encapsulating the album's emotional core.
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Nobody's Baby Anymore — An introspective ballad that explores themes of loss and longing, this song stands out for its haunting arrangement and poignant delivery.
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You in the Sky — This track showcases a lush soundscape and ethereal vocals, reflecting the album’s spiritual undertones while resonating deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk rock with Celtic influences, showcasing strong songwriting and rich arrangements.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more varied rhythm with shifting dynamics.
- Several songs incorporate layered instrumentation, including strings and brass, which adds depth to the arrangements.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and storytelling, with a focus on personal and emotional themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- poetic storytelling with lush instrumentation
- reflective moments for introspective listening
- vibrant sound for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, predictable tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album blends traditional and contemporary elements, marking a departure from earlier styles.
- Career context
- In 2007, The Waterboys were in a period of artistic exploration following their 2003 album 'Universal Hall'. 'Book of Lightning' marked a return to their roots while incorporating new elements, showcasing Mike Scott's continued evolution as a songwriter. This album followed a five-year gap, during which the band redefined their sound and vision.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Pogues· Fairport Convention· Clannad
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Crash of Angel Wings 4:02
- 2 Love Will Shoot You Down 4:34
- 3 Nobody's Baby Anymore 4:44
- 4 Strange Arrangement 3:34
- 5 She Tried to Hold Me 7:19
- 6 It's Gonna Rain 3:05
- 7 Sustain 3:22
- 8 You in the Sky 4:39
- 9 Everybody Takes a Tumble 7:08
- 10 The Man With the Wind at His Heels 3:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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