Is Okemah Rising a good place to start with Dropkick Murphys?

Yes, Okemah Rising is recommended as a starting point for new Dropkick Murphys listeners. A raucous blend of punk energy and Celtic melodies that captures the spirit of resilience and community. Released on May 12, 2023, Okemah Rising is Dropkick Murphys' tenth studio album, following their 2017 effort 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory. At this point in their career, the band continues to solidify their role as stalwarts of the Celtic punk genre while addressing contemporary social issues through their music.

Who is Okemah Rising for?

Okemah Rising works well if you're into concise energetic flow throughout, for upbeat gatherings and invigorating anthems for celebration.

How many songs are on Okemah Rising?

Okemah Rising has 10 tracks, running approximately 28 minutes.

Okemah Rising

Dropkick Murphys · 2023

28 min · 10 tracks · Celtic punk

A raucous blend of punk energy and Celtic melodies that captures the spirit of resilience and community.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Eyes Are Gonna Shine Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with an infectious energy and optimistic lyrics about looking forward with hope.
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Gotta Get to Peekskill — Infused with a driving rhythm, this song reflects on journeying toward personal goals, resonating with themes of determination and aspiration.
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Run Hitler Run — A politically charged anthem that combines urgency with historical reflection, it serves as a powerful commentary on contemporary societal issues.
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I’m Shipping Up to Boston (Tulsa version) — This reinterpretation of their classic hit adds fresh layers while maintaining its signature vigor, illustrating the band's evolution over time.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines punk energy with Celtic melodies, showcasing strong musicianship and engaging arrangements.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
Several songs feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners.
The instrumentation prominently includes traditional Celtic instruments alongside electric guitars, blending genres effectively.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

concise energetic flow throughout
for upbeat gatherings
invigorating anthems for celebration
quick bursts of raucous fun

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, contemplative pieces
seek mellow background sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in their sound and themes.
Themes: Oklahoma resilience· Celtic punk community· political urgency
Career context: Released on May 12, 2023, Okemah Rising is Dropkick Murphys' tenth studio album, following their 2017 effort 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory. At this point in their career, the band continues to solidify their role as stalwarts of the Celtic punk genre while addressing contemporary social issues through their music.
Stylistic neighbors: Flogging Molly· The Pogues· Street Dogs