What makes Rise Above by Oysterband notable?

'Rise Above' was well-received critically, showcasing Oysterband's ability to blend traditional folk elements with modern sensibilities. The album's standout track, 'Shouting About Jerusalem', became an anthem for social activism and resonated within various movements during its release, further solidifying the band's place in both the folk genre and cultural discourse. By the time 'Rise Above' was released in 2002, Oysterband had established themselves as significant figures in the UK folk rock scene, following their acclaimed 1993 album 'Here I Stand'. This record marked a continuation of their exploration into politically charged themes while embracing a more polished sound, reflecting their evolution over nearly two decades in the music industry.

Who is Rise Above for?

Rise Above works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, reflective moments for contemplation and spirited energy for road trips.

How many songs are on Rise Above?

Rise Above has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Rise Above

Oysterband · 2002

39 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant blend of contemporary folk rock infused with spirited melodies and socially conscious lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shouting About Jerusalem — This track stands out for its anthemic quality and powerful call to action, capturing the band's commitment to social justice through compelling lyrics and energetic instrumentation.
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Everybody's Leaving Home — The song poignantly addresses themes of displacement and longing, showcasing the band's lyrical prowess and ability to evoke deep emotional responses.
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Rise Above — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and hope, blending uplifting melodies with a strong message of perseverance.

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 rock with socially conscious themes, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinct melodies.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including strings and percussion, enhancing the folk rock sound without overwhelming the vocals.
The lyrics often address social issues directly, with 'Shouting About Jerusalem' serving as a prominent example of this thematic focus.

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 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

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
reflective moments for contemplation
spirited energy for road trips
uplifting tunes for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced tracks
want standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Well-received and showcases the band's blend of folk and modern sensibilities.
Career context: By the time 'Rise Above' was released in 2002, Oysterband had established themselves as significant figures in the UK folk rock scene, following their acclaimed 1993 album 'Here I Stand'. This record marked a continuation of their exploration into politically charged themes while embracing a more polished sound, reflecting their evolution over nearly two decades in the music industry.
Stylistic neighbors: Show of Hands· Bellowhead· Seth Lakeman