Go Climb a Tree cover

Go Climb a Tree

Gaelic Storm · 2017

46 min · 12 tracks · Celtic music

A lively blend of traditional Celtic melodies infused with contemporary folk energy and playful storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Beer Song — This track captures the band's trademark humor and energy, setting a celebratory tone that resonates with fans of Celtic revelry. Its infectious chorus invites participation, making it a highlight during live shows.
  • →
    Already Home — This song highlights the emotional depth of the album, blending poignant lyrics with uplifting melodies. It reflects on themes of belonging and nostalgia, showcasing the band's lyrical maturity.
  • →
    Shine On — A standout track that combines rich harmonies with an engaging rhythm, conveying a message of perseverance. Its hopeful tone makes it a memorable component of the album's narrative arc.

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 traditional and modern elements well, creating an engaging experience while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a rousing track that features a prominent fiddle and accordion, setting a lively tone for the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel typical of Celtic music.
  • The instrumentation varies significantly across tracks, with some featuring traditional Irish instruments like the bodhrán and others leaning into contemporary folk arrangements.
  • The final track closes with a gradual fade-out, allowing the energy to dissipate rather than ending abruptly.
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 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

  • playful storytelling with friends
  • steady pacing for social gatherings
  • mid-tempo flow for easy listening
  • lively tunes for celebration
  • catchy choruses that invite singing

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking introspective deep dives
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Go Climb a Tree is Gaelic Storm's sixth studio album, released during a period of sustained popularity following their breakthrough in the late 1990s. By this time, they had established themselves as a staple in the Celtic music scene, known for their engaging live performances and diverse musical influences.
Stylistic neighbors
The High Kings· Lúnasa· Altan

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Beer Song 3:23
  • 2 Shanghai Kelly 2:45
  • 3 Green, White, and Orange 4:38
  • 4 Monday Morning Girl 3:56
  • 5 The Night of Tomfoolery 3:37
  • 6 Shine On 4:14
  • 7 Already Home 4:12
  • 8 Back to the Pub 2:52
  • 9 The Galician Dinky 3:56
  • 10 Weeping Willow 4:53
  • 11 Damn Near Died in Killalde 4:35
  • 12 Go Climb a Tree 3:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata