This Is the Story
The Proclaimers · 1987
40 min · 13 tracks · folk rock
Joyful melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling, capturing the essence of working-class life and love in Scotland.
Top tracks — play these first
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Throw the ‘R’ Away Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Letter From America (band version) — This track serves as a powerful commentary on emigration and identity, resonating deeply with audiences both in Scotland and abroad. Its catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics helped solidify The Proclaimers' place in popular music.
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Over and Done With — With its driving rhythm and infectious melody, this song encapsulates youthful optimism while exploring themes of love and loss. It showcases the duo's knack for blending upbeat tones with reflective lyrics.
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(I’m Gonna) Burn Your Playhouse Down — This track stands out for its raw energy and rebellious spirit, perfectly illustrating the band's punk-infused folk rock style. Its dynamic composition highlights their versatility and willingness to push musical boundaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The Proclaimers blend folk influences with strong storytelling, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with their themes.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brisk tempo and maintains a lively pace through the first half, before slowing down in the latter tracks.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal harmonies, emphasizing the duo's interplay and storytelling.
- The use of acoustic guitar and simple arrangements allows the lyrics to take center stage, particularly in narrative-driven songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- steady mid-tempo journey
- heartfelt storytelling focus
- consistent emotional resonance
- short immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album established The Proclaimers' reputation with their distinctive sound and hit single.
- Career context
- Released on April 27, 1987, This Is the Story marked The Proclaimers' debut album, introducing their distinctive sound characterized by rich harmonies and folk influences. At this point, the duo was establishing themselves within the burgeoning Celtic rock scene, leading to a series of successful albums in the following years.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Saw Doctors· The Waterboys· Runrig
Tracklist
- 1 Throw the ‘R’ Away Start here 2:44
- 2 Over and Done With 2:47
- 3 Misty Blue 3:35
- 4 The Part That Really Matters 2:42
- 5 (I’m Gonna) Burn Your Playhouse Down 1:59
- 6 Letter From America (acoustic version) 4:03
- 7 Sky Takes the Soul 2:22
- 8 It Broke My Heart 2:25
- 9 The First Attack 3:58
- 10 Make My Heart Fly 2:28
- 11 Beautiful Truth 4:26
- 12 The Joyful Kilmarnock Blues 3:04
- 13 Letter From America (band version) 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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