Is Now a good place to start with The Dubliners?

Yes, Now is recommended as a starting point for new The Dubliners listeners. Traditional Irish melodies intertwine with lively instrumentation, evoking a sense of communal storytelling and rich cultural heritage. In 1975, The Dubliners were already well-established as leading figures in the Irish folk revival. 'Now' marked their seventh studio album, following the success of 'Finnegan Wakes' in 1970, showcasing their continued evolution in sound and storytelling.

Now works well if you're into short bursts of lively storytelling, nostalgic reflections on heritage and joyful sing-alongs with friends.

How many songs are on Now?

Now has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Now

The Dubliners · 1975

41 min · 12 tracks · folk music

Traditional Irish melodies intertwine with lively instrumentation, evoking a sense of communal storytelling and rich cultural heritage.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Farewell to Carlingford Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Carrickfergus — This track stands out for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics that reflect longing and nostalgia for home, emblematic of Irish identity.
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Lord of the Dance — A vibrant retelling of the classic dance song, this track showcases the group’s ability to blend storytelling with irresistible rhythm and energy.
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The Unquiet Grave — This folk ballad is noted for its somber tone and evocative imagery, highlighting themes of love and loss that resonate deeply within Irish folklore.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Foothills

Higher than 20% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional and original folk music with strong group harmonies, though it lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

Vocals are predominantly shared among the group, with harmonies layered throughout the tracks, creating a rich vocal texture.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, particularly in 'Lord of the Dance' and 'The Old Triangle', engaging listeners to participate.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

short bursts of lively storytelling
nostalgic reflections on heritage
joyful sing-alongs with friends
melancholic tunes for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, immersive albums
want contemporary production styles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases the band's sound but isn't a standout in terms of recognition.
Themes: Irish identity· nostalgic longing· communal storytelling
Career context: In 1975, The Dubliners were already well-established as leading figures in the Irish folk revival. 'Now' marked their seventh studio album, following the success of 'Finnegan Wakes' in 1970, showcasing their continued evolution in sound and storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors: The Clancy Brothers· The Chieftains· Planxty