Keep on Doing cover

Keep on Doing

The Roches · 1982

38 min · 10 tracks · folk music

Harmonious folk melodies intertwine with witty lyrics, showcasing the Roches' unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sex Is for Children — This track exemplifies the Roches' signature wit and social commentary, addressing themes of innocence and maturity through a playful yet serious lens.
  • →
    Losing True — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song captures a moment of vulnerability that showcases the group's emotional depth.
  • →
    The Hallelujah Chorus — A clever reimagining of a classic piece, this track highlights the Roches' ability to blend humor with musical tradition while maintaining their unique voice.

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

The Roches' unique harmonies and clever lyrics create a distinctive folk sound that stands out in their genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate vocal harmonies, with the three sisters often singing in close intervals that create a rich texture.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt shifts in tempo and key, which challenge traditional folk forms.
  • The lyrics blend humor with poignant storytelling, often using irony and wit to convey deeper messages about relationships and society.
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

  • witty storytelling with charm
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • lighthearted vibes for gatherings
  • humorous reflections on relationships

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of deep introspection
  • prefer long, immersive pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1982, Keep on Doing is the Roches' third studio album, following their acclaimed self-titled debut and the sophomore effort, Nurds. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the folk-rock scene, known for their intricate harmonies and clever lyrical content.
Stylistic neighbors
Simon & Garfunkel· The Waifs· First Aid Kit

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Hallelujah Chorus 3:32
  • 2 Losing True 4:55
  • 3 Steady With the Maestro 3:44
  • 4 The Largest Elizabeth in the World 3:23
  • 5 On the Road to Fairfax County 4:46
  • 6 I Fell in Love 4:19
  • 7 The Scorpion Lament 3:33
  • 8 Want Not Want Not 2:55
  • 9 Sex Is for Children 3:37
  • 10 Keep On Doing What You Do/Jerks on the Loose 3:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata