The End of History cover

Released 20 years ago

The End of History

Fionn Regan · 2006

49 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music

Delicate acoustic arrangements intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an ethereal soundscape steeped in folk traditions.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Be Good or Be Gone — This opening track introduces listeners to Regan's poignant storytelling and intricate guitar work, setting the tone for the album's reflective nature.
  • →
    The Underwood Typewriter — This song features vivid imagery and a playful narrative that showcases Regan's lyrical prowess while maintaining a gentle melodic flow.
  • →
    Snowy Atlas Mountains — With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, this track encapsulates themes of longing and adventure, becoming a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate melodies and cohesive arrangements, establishing a strong debut in folk music.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that establish a delicate acoustic atmosphere.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, enhancing the ethereal quality of the arrangements.
  • The album closes with a gradual fade-out on the final track, creating a sense of unresolved longing.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • introspective moments of reflection
  • wave-like pacing with emotional crescendos
  • delicate melodies for quiet evenings
  • gradual build toward emotional climax

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • need high-energy party music

Where this album fits

Career context
The End of History marked Fionn Regan's debut album, released in January 2006. At this point, he was emerging from the Dublin music scene, having gained recognition for his unique voice and songwriting style. This album set the foundation for his career, showcasing his blend of traditional folk influences with modern sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Nick Drake

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Be Good or Be Gone 3:19
  • 2 The Underwood Typewriter 3:02
  • 3 Hunters Map 3:08
  • 4 Hey Rabbit 3:32
  • 5 Black Water Child 3:00
  • 6 Put a Penny in the Slot 4:02
  • 7 The Cowshed 3:31
  • 8 Snowy Atlas Mountains 4:14
  • 9 Noah (Ghost in a Sheet) 3:40
  • 10 The End of History 4:39
  • 11 Abacus 2:35
  • 12 Bunker or Basement 10:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata