Hit Parade
Spirit of the West · 1999
75 min · 18 tracks · folk rock
A vibrant tapestry of folk rock, blending buoyant melodies with introspective lyrics and a distinctly Canadian spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Home for a Rest — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its infectious chorus and themes of nostalgia and belonging, resonating deeply with listeners across Canada.
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D for Democracy — With its sharp lyrics addressing political themes, this song reflects the band's commitment to social issues while maintaining an upbeat folk-rock sound.
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And If Venice Is Sinking — The reflective nature of this track combines poignant imagery with a haunting melody, highlighting Spirit of the West's lyrical depth and musical versatility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid songwriting but uneven cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lively track that sets a buoyant tone, followed by several songs that incorporate both upbeat and reflective moments.
- Many tracks feature layered instrumentation, with prominent use of acoustic guitars and fiddles, creating a rich folk rock sound.
- The lyrics often address social themes and personal narratives, inviting listeners to engage with the content on a deeper level.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Canadian Skye 2:50
- 2 Rites of Man 5:06
- 3 Wishing Line 3:51
- 4 Unplugged 3:14
- 5 Williamson's Garage 3:44
- 6 Sadness Grows 3:04
- 7 5 Free Minutes 4:01
- 8 Bone of Contention 5:39
- 9 D for Democracy 4:38
- 10 Goodbye Grace 5:57
- 11 Puttin' Up With The Joneses 4:29
- 12 And If Venice Is Sinking 3:52
- 13 Save This House 2:55
- 14 Home for a Rest 4:35
- 15 Political 4:33
- 16 That's Amore 3:43
- 17 And If Venice Is Sinking 4:38
- 18 The Crawl 4:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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