Released 20 years ago
The Road of Tears
Battlefield Band · 2006
71 min · 17 tracks · traditional folk music
A rich tapestry of Celtic melodies interwoven with poignant narratives of migration and loss, echoing the struggles of displaced peoples.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Emigrant — This track encapsulates the emotional weight of leaving one's homeland, presenting a personal narrative that resonates deeply with themes of longing and identity.
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The Slave's Lament — Through its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, this song addresses the harsh realities of slavery and loss, making it a powerful statement on human suffering.
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Take Me to the Sea — With its vibrant rhythms and evocative imagery, this track invites listeners to embrace the freedom and beauty of the sea while yearning for a distant home.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album intertwines rich narratives with traditional melodies, showcasing strong craftsmanship and thematic cohesion.
What we noticed
- Several tracks transition seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous flow that enhances the storytelling aspect of the music.
- The lyrics focus on themes of migration and loss, with each song presenting a distinct narrative that reflects historical experiences.
- Instrumental interludes are frequent, allowing for moments of reflection between lyrical pieces.
- 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
- heartfelt narratives of migration
- reflective moments of loss
- rich storytelling through melody
- engaging group sing-alongs
- transportive journeys across landscapes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone radio hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2006, Battlefield Band had established themselves as a leading force in traditional Scottish folk music, having released over a dozen albums since their formation in 1969. 'The Road of Tears' marked their continued commitment to blending authentic folk traditions with contemporary themes, following their acclaimed 2004 release 'Sings of the Times'.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Altan· Lúnasa· The Chieftains
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Road of Tears 4:22
- 2 Ely Parker / Miss Martin's Wedding / The Primrose Lassies / Mr. Galloway Goes to Washington 4:27
- 3 The Emigrant 4:33
- 4 The Highlander's Farewell to Ireland / Farewell to Ireland / Put Me in the Big Chest (Cur Dhan Chiste Mhor Mi) 3:15
- 5 The Slave's Lament 3:34
- 6 The Moleskin Kilt / The Empty Glen 3:27
- 7 Out in Australia at Last 3:25
- 8 The Patagonia Islanders / The Low Country Dance / Don Juan McKenna's Jig 4:07
- 9 Haro Strait 4:48
- 10 To a Mouse 4:16
- 11 Take Me to the Sea 3:23
- 12 Plane Wreck at Los Gatos 6:10
- 13 Sweet Molly / The Symmetry / The Boat Leaks 3:47
- 14 I Cried 3:19
- 15 Mary's Dream / The Mountain Dairy Maid / The Nameless Migrant 4:28
- 16 Five Bridges to Cross 5:03
- 17 The Green and the Blue 5:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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