Play
Great Big Sea · 1997
48 min · 16 tracks · Celtic rock
Joyful melodies and spirited rhythms blend traditional folk with a contemporary rock flair, creating an exuberant celebration of Canadian culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ordinary Day — This track encapsulates the album's uplifting spirit with its catchy chorus and relatable themes of finding joy in everyday life, becoming one of the band's signature songs.
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When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down) — A high-energy anthem that showcases the band's infectious rhythm and lyrical playfulness, it reflects their knack for blending folk traditions with modern sensibilities.
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The Night Pat Murphy Died — This song highlights the band's storytelling prowess through vivid imagery and humor, making it a standout track that resonates with listeners while honoring Newfoundland's rich cultural heritage.
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Haven't Seen You in a Long Time — With its reflective lyrics and melodic structure, this track balances the album's upbeat nature by delving into themes of nostalgia and connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Play combines vibrant Celtic influences with rock, creating an engaging and distinct sound that resonates well.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Ordinary Day', immediately establishing a lively tempo that persists through the first half.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel typical of folk music.
- The instrumentation prominently includes fiddles and accordions, blending traditional Celtic elements with rock arrangements.
- The last three tracks slow down the pace, providing a contrast to the earlier exuberance and allowing for reflective moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- joyful melodies for lively gatherings
- spirited rhythms that invite dancing
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- celebratory tunes for outdoor events
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- want heavy, complex arrangements
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 20, 1997, Play was Great Big Sea's third studio album, solidifying their presence in the Canadian music scene following their successful album, Up. At this point, the band was transitioning from regional success to national recognition, fueled by their energetic live performances and distinctive sound that blended Celtic influences with rock aesthetics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Pogues· Flogging Molly· Altan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ordinary Day 3:11
- 2 When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down) 3:27
- 3 The Night Pat Murphy Died 3:04
- 4 How Did We Get From Saying I Love You... 3:49
- 5 Donkey Riding 2:25
- 6 Haven't Seen You in a Long Time 2:52
- 7 End of the World 2:45
- 8 General Taylor 2:56
- 9 Seagulls 2:16
- 10 Recruiting Sargeant 3:40
- 11 Greenspond 3:08
- 12 My Apology 2:39
- 13 Jakey's Gin 2:53
- 14 Something I Should Know 2:59
- 15 Jolly Roving Tar 2:58
- 16 Rigadoon 3:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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