Make It on Time
Rawlins Cross · 1998
49 min · 14 tracks · Celtic rock
A vibrant blend of Celtic melodies and rock energy, infused with storytelling that captures the spirit of Canadian culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Boogieland — The opening track sets an upbeat tone with its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, encapsulating the album's lively spirit and inviting listeners into its world.
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You Will Always Have My Love — This poignant ballad stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and melodic depth, showcasing the band's ability to blend emotional storytelling with their signature sound.
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Rockaway — With its catchy hooks and vibrant instrumentation, this track exemplifies the band’s knack for creating memorable songs that resonate with audiences while celebrating their cultural roots.
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A Winter's Tale — This closing track reflects a more introspective side, utilizing rich imagery in its lyrics that highlights the band's lyrical prowess and emotional range.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends Celtic melodies with rock elements, showcasing strong songwriting but uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that contrasts with the preceding energy.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional Celtic instruments like fiddles and bodhráns alongside electric guitars, creating a distinct fusion sound.
- The album features multiple vocalists who share lead duties, often harmonizing in the choruses to enhance the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- 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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7/10
- 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- upbeat tracks for social gatherings
- short bursts of engaging storytelling
- feel-good melodies with energy
- celebratory vibes for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- seek extended soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Make It on Time was Rawlins Cross's fourth studio album, showcasing their established sound while pushing into new creative territories. Following the success of their previous album, 1995's Here & Away, this record further solidified their reputation in the Celtic rock genre and continued to build their audience both in Canada and internationally.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Great Big Sea· The Pogues· Flogging Molly
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You Will Always Have My Love
The verses shift from past memories to present affirmations creates an emotional anchor throughout the song.
This structural choice deepens the listener's connection by contrasting nostalgia with a commitment to enduring love.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Boogieland 3:23
- 2 Crossroad 3:47
- 3 The Near Dearly Departed 3:16
- 4 You Will Always Have My Love 2:53
- 5 Make It on Time 3:16
- 6 Some People 4:22
- 7 Where Would I Be 3:13
- 8 The French Painter / Drive'er Down 2:46
- 9 Don't Wait in Me 2:48
- 10 Rockaway 3:18
- 11 Two Islands 4:43
- 12 The Deep Blue 3:52
- 13 The Navvy on the Line / Jim Hodder's Reel 4:30
- 14 A Winter's Tale 3:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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