What makes Don't Be Fooled by the Name by Geordie notable?

This album is notable for its cover of House of the Rising Sun, which contributed to the band's increasing recognition. The album's blend of hard rock and theatricality influenced subsequent British rock acts, cementing Geordie’s role in the early 70s rock landscape. Released in January 1974, Don't Be Fooled by the Name was Geordie's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was transitioning from local popularity to a wider audience in the UK rock scene, showcasing a more polished sound while retaining their raw energy.

How many songs are on Don't Be Fooled by the Name?

Don't Be Fooled by the Name has 8 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Don't Be Fooled by the Name

Geordie · 1974

40 min · 8 tracks · rock and roll

A gritty fusion of bluesy rock and anthemic melodies, punctuated by powerful vocals and driving rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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House of the Rising Sun — Geordie's rendition transforms this classic folk song into a powerful rock anthem, highlighting their vocal intensity and dynamic instrumentation.
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Goin’ Down — This track exemplifies the band's energetic style with its driving beat and catchy hooks, making it a quintessential Geordie song.
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Mercenary Man — With its darker lyrical themes and complex arrangements, this track showcases the band's range and depth beyond standard rock formulas.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic rock with theatrical elements, but lacks standout compositions throughout.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Goin’ Down', which sets a fast pace that is maintained through the first half.
The final three tracks gradually decrease in tempo, creating a sense of closure as the album concludes.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Goin’ Down 3:35
2 House of the Rising Sun 4:57
3 So What 4:12
4 Mercenary Man 7:38
5 Ten Feet Tall 6:44
6 Got to Know 3:23
7 Little Boy 4:42
8 Look at Me 5:02

What to play next

Listen next

Geordie – Masters of Rock

1974

Go back to

Hope You Like It

1973

Full Geordie discography Artists like Geordie

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata