Scrappy Happiness
Joel Plaskett · 2012
40 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A vibrant blend of folk-infused melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lightning Bolt — Opening the album with dynamic instrumentation and infectious energy, this track encapsulates Plaskett's knack for storytelling through vivid imagery and catchy hooks.
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Harbour Boys — This song reflects on friendship and nostalgia, combining heartfelt lyrics with an upbeat melody that resonates with listeners seeking connection.
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Old Friends — A poignant reflection on relationships over time, the track’s tender lyrics and acoustic arrangement highlight Plaskett’s emotional depth and lyrical craftsmanship.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing upbeat and introspective moments effectively.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective mood.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- The album closes with a gradual fade-out on the final track, creating a sense of resolution after an emotional journey.
- 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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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
- playful anthems for group sing-alongs
- reflective storytelling for long drives
- uplifting tunes for sunny days
- quick bursts of joyful energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek darker, more serious themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Scrappy Happiness is Joel Plaskett's fifth studio album, released after his acclaimed work in the early 2000s. At this point in his career, Plaskett was solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the Canadian indie rock scene, following the success of his previous albums like Ashtray Rock (2007). This album continued to showcase his signature storytelling style while experimenting with varied musical textures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sam Roberts· The Weakerthans· Hayden
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lightning Bolt 6:34
- 2 Harbour Boys 3:32
- 3 You’re Mine 3:59
- 4 Tough Love 3:45
- 5 Slow Dance 3:50
- 6 Time Flies 3:46
- 7 Somewhere Else 2:32
- 8 Old Friends 4:09
- 9 I’m Yours 3:35
- 10 North Star 4:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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