Rally Cry
Arkells · 2018
36 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Anthemic melodies and spirited lyrics intertwine with a vibrant indie rock sound that invites collective celebration.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hand Me Downs — This opening track combines catchy hooks with introspective lyrics about generational legacy, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
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People’s Champ — With its infectious chorus, this track captures the spirit of resilience and community, resonating deeply with listeners striving for empowerment.
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Eyes on the Prize — This song's uplifting message and driving rhythm reflect the album's overarching themes of hope and perseverance in challenging times.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances energetic anthems with reflective moments, inviting listener engagement throughout.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a celebratory tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo through the first half.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, encouraging listener participation and enhancing the communal feel.
- The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier anthemic energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
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
- collective celebration with friends
- spirited anthems for gatherings
- uplifting energy for road trips
- invigorating sound for workouts
Maybe skip if you
- seeking introspective, quiet moments
- prefer longer, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2018, Arkells released 'Rally Cry' as their fourth studio album, following the success of 'Morning Report' which had solidified their presence in the Canadian music scene. By this point, they had already established a reputation for energetic live performances and socially conscious lyrics, making this album a continuation of their evolving artistic identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Strumbellas· Said the Whale· Hey Rosetta!
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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American Screams
The bridge shifts into a direct call to action, challenging listeners to confront societal issues head-on without hesitation.
This moment marks a pivotal turn in the song where passive reflection becomes an urgent appeal for engagement, amplifying its thematic intensity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hand Me Downs 4:18
- 2 American Screams 3:02
- 3 Relentless 3:25
- 4 Only for a Moment 3:48
- 5 Show Me Don’t Tell Me 4:04
- 6 People’s Champ 3:07
- 7 Eyes on the Prize 4:07
- 8 Saturday Night 3:21
- 9 Company Man 3:29
- 10 Don’t Be a Stranger 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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