Float cover

Float

Flogging Molly · 2008

39 min · 11 tracks · punk rock

A lively blend of punk rock energy and Celtic folk melodies that captures a spirit of resilience and celebration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Requiem for a Dying Song — This opening track sets a poignant tone for the album with its haunting lyrics about loss and resilience, encapsulating the overarching themes present throughout.
  • →
    (No More) Paddy’s Lament — A reimagining of the classic lament, this song combines traditional Irish instrumentation with modern punk energy, showcasing the band's ability to bridge past and present musical styles.
  • →
    Float — The title track serves as an anthem of perseverance, blending uplifting melodies with introspective lyrics that encourage listeners to rise above challenges.
  • →
    Punch Drunk Grinning Soul — This track stands out for its infectious energy and catchy chorus, representing the band's knack for creating sing-along moments that resonate well in live performances.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Float combines punk rock with Celtic influences, showcasing strong songwriting and energetic performances.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow build, layering strings and vocals before launching into a fast-paced punk rhythm.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals between the lead singer and backing harmonies, enhancing the communal feel.
  • The album includes traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle and accordion, which are woven into the punk arrangements rather than being separate interludes.
  • The last two tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier high energy.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context
Float is Flogging Molly's fifth studio album, released in 2008 during a period of growing popularity following their breakout success with 2002's Drunken Lullabies. By this time, the band had solidified their unique sound, combining traditional Irish music with punk rock intensity, establishing themselves as leaders in the Celtic punk genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Dropkick Murphys· The Pogues· The Mahones

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Story So Far

    The narrative shifts from collective experiences to personal reflections, highlighting individual struggles amidst broader societal issues.

    By narrowing the focus at this point in the song, it deepens the emotional impact and connects listeners on a more intimate level.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Requiem for a Dying Song 3:31
  • 2 (No More) Paddy’s Lament 3:25
  • 3 Float 4:53
  • 4 You Won’t Make a Fool Out of Me 2:43
  • 5 The Lightning Storm 3:30
  • 6 Punch Drunk Grinning Soul 4:21
  • 7 Us of Lesser Gods 3:20
  • 8 Between a Man and a Woman 3:21
  • 9 From the Back of a Broken Dream 3:21
  • 10 Man With No Country 3:04
  • 11 The Story So Far 4:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata