Going Back Home
Wilko Johnson · 2014
34 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock
A raw blend of rhythm and blues with punk energy, capturing the essence of a seasoned rock veteran's final statement.
Top tracks — play these first
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Going Back Home — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and longing, featuring Johnson's signature guitar riffs paired with emotionally charged vocals.
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Ice on the Motorway — This track highlights Johnson’s ability to fuse storytelling with catchy melodies, presenting a vivid picture of life’s uncertainties.
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Everybody's Carrying a Gun — 'Everybody's Carrying a Gun' stands out for its socio-political commentary wrapped in an infectious groove, showcasing Johnson’s lyrical depth and musicality.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic performances with strong guitar work, making it a notable return for Johnson.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm and maintains a consistent tempo across its first five tracks, creating a sense of urgency.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing the raw energy and engagement with the listener.
- The final track closes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of reflection after the preceding energetic performances.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- short bursts of raw energy
- nostalgic reflections on life
- invigorating sing-along moments
- for road trip vibes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, immersive albums
- seek polished production values
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 25, 2014, 'Going Back Home' is Wilko Johnson's first album after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. This record marks a poignant return to music following his hiatus since 2011, showcasing his iconic guitar work and songwriting prowess in a powerful farewell.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dr. Feelgood· The Blockheads· Graham Parker
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Going Back Home 3:59
- 2 Ice on the Motorway 2:48
- 3 I Keep It to Myself 3:21
- 4 Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window 3:37
- 5 Turned 21 3:07
- 6 Keep On Loving You 2:59
- 7 Some Kind of Hero 2:26
- 8 Sneaking Suspicion 3:46
- 9 Keep It Out of Sight 2:44
- 10 Everybody's Carrying a Gun 2:55
- 11 All Through the City 2:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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