What makes The Hard and the Easy by Great Big Sea notable?

This album is notable for its commercial success, peaking at number 8 on the Canadian Albums Chart and receiving a Juno Award nomination for Best Roots & Traditional Album. It further established Great Big Sea’s influence on Canadian folk music and showcased their ability to infuse traditional songs with a modern energy that resonated with diverse audiences. The Hard and the Easy is Great Big Sea's sixth studio album, released in 2005 during their peak popularity following the success of their 2003 album, Sea of No Cares. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as key figures in the Celtic rock genre, blending contemporary instrumentation with traditional maritime themes.

Who is The Hard and the Easy for?

The Hard and the Easy works well if you're into lively sing-alongs with friends, short bursts of joyful energy and warmth of shared traditions.

How many songs are on The Hard and the Easy?

The Hard and the Easy has 24 tracks, running approximately 91 minutes.

The Hard and the Easy

Great Big Sea · 2005

91 min · 24 tracks · Celtic rock

A lively blend of traditional folk melodies and energetic rock rhythms that captures the spirit of Newfoundland's cultural heritage.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The River Driver — This track exemplifies the band's ability to transform a traditional song into an energetic anthem, showcasing their signature fusion of rock and folk elements.
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Come and I Will Sing You (The Twelve Apostles) — With its engaging storytelling and uplifting melody, this opener sets the tone for the album's celebration of maritime culture.
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Captain Kidd — This rendition of a classic tale about piracy captures both humor and historical context, highlighting the band's knack for storytelling through music.
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Graceful & Charming (Sweet Forget Me Not) — This track blends nostalgia with rich harmonies, demonstrating Great Big Sea's ability to evoke deep emotions through traditional lyrics.

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 blends traditional folk with rock elements effectively, though it has some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a traditional folk melody that transitions into a lively rock rhythm, setting an energetic tone.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that invites listener participation.
The use of various traditional instruments, such as fiddles and accordions, is prominent throughout the record, enhancing its folk authenticity.
The pacing varies significantly; while most tracks maintain an upbeat tempo, there are moments of slower ballads that provide contrast.

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: 5/10

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

lively sing-alongs with friends
short bursts of joyful energy
warmth of shared traditions
celebratory tunes for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seek lengthy, introspective pieces
prefer subdued, quiet backgrounds

Where this album fits

Career context: The Hard and the Easy is Great Big Sea's sixth studio album, released in 2005 during their peak popularity following the success of their 2003 album, Sea of No Cares. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as key figures in the Celtic rock genre, blending contemporary instrumentation with traditional maritime themes.
Stylistic neighbors: The Pogues· Flogging Molly· Altan