Marauder cover

Marauder

Blackfoot · 1981

37 min · 9 tracks · Southern rock

A gritty blend of Southern rock infused with bluesy riffs and anthemic choruses that evoke the spirit of American resilience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Too Hard to Handle — This track embodies the album's energetic spirit with its infectious chorus and driving rhythm, capturing the essence of Southern rock exuberance.
  • →
    Diary of a Workingman — A poignant reflection on blue-collar life, this song stands out for its narrative structure and relatable themes, resonating deeply with working-class listeners.
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    Fire of the Dragon — With its fiery guitar solos and dynamic tempo shifts, this track showcases Blackfoot's musicianship while invoking imagery of struggle and determination.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Marauder showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that are interwoven with vocal lines, emphasizing the band's Southern rock roots.
  • The lyrics often reflect themes of hard work and resilience, aligning with the gritty sound of the instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
5/10

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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • reflective storytelling moments
  • mid-tempo background listening
  • balanced emotional landscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1981, Marauder was Blackfoot's fourth studio album and followed their successful prior release, Tomcattin'. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation in the Southern rock genre after experiencing commercial success, particularly with their hit single 'Highway Song.' This album represents a continuation of their exploration into more melodic and mainstream rock sounds.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Good Morning 3:34
  • 2 Payin' for It 3:35
  • 3 Diary of a Workingman 5:33
  • 4 Too Hard to Handle 4:00
  • 5 Fly Away 2:56
  • 6 Dry County 3:42
  • 7 Fire of the Dragon 4:03
  • 8 Rattlesnake Rock 'N' Roller 4:00
  • 9 Searchin' 5:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata