Poetry of the Deed cover

Poetry of the Deed

Frank Turner · 2009

47 min · 13 tracks · traditional folk music

Energetic folk-punk anthems blend storytelling and introspection within a vibrant acoustic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Live Fast Die Old Start here — This opening track encapsulates the album's spirit with its urgent tempo and themes of living life to the fullest, capturing Turner's signature blend of optimism and realism.
  • →
    Try This at Home — A rallying cry for aspiring musicians, this song highlights Turner's storytelling prowess while encouraging authenticity and perseverance in pursuing one’s passion.
  • →
    Isabel — With its poignant narrative about love and longing, this track showcases Turner's ability to weave personal stories into universally relatable experiences.

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 blends energetic folk-punk with storytelling, showcasing strong lyrical content and varied tempos.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half includes more introspective songs that slow down the pace.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the anthemic quality of the music.
  • The lyrics often tell personal stories or reflect on broader themes, with a focus on narrative structure and emotional resonance.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • communal sing-along moments
  • thoughtful reflective listening
  • spirited, energetic engagement
  • short, impactful tracks
  • narrative-driven storytelling

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Frank Turner's reputation in the UK folk-punk scene.
Themes
British folk revival· DIY music culture· working-class resilience
Career context
By the time 'Poetry of the Deed' was released in 2009, Frank Turner had established himself as a prominent figure in the UK folk-punk scene following the success of his previous album, 'Love Ire & Song'. This record marked his third studio release, showcasing his growth as a lyricist and his ability to engage with broader themes of identity and resilience.
Stylistic neighbors
Chuck Ragan· Billy Bragg· The Gaslight Anthem

Tracklist

  • 1 Live Fast Die Old Start here 4:15
  • 2 Try This at Home 1:52
  • 3 Dan’s Song 1:56
  • 4 Poetry of the Deed 3:25
  • 5 Isabel 4:06
  • 6 The Fastest Way Back Home 3:26
  • 7 Sons of Liberty 4:28
  • 8 The Road 3:57
  • 9 Faithful Son 3:34
  • 10 Richard Divine 3:48
  • 11 Sunday Nights 4:04
  • 12 Our Lady of the Campfires 3:59
  • 13 Journey of the Magi 4:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata