Tribal
Imelda May · 2014
40 min · 12 tracks · rockabilly
A vibrant blend of rockabilly and pop, driven by infectious rhythms and Imelda May's dynamic vocal presence.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wild Woman — This track captures the album's spirited energy with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, embodying May's defiance and empowerment.
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Gypsy in Me — With its rich instrumentation and storytelling, this song reflects on identity and wanderlust, showcasing May's lyrical depth.
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I Wanna Dance — This upbeat anthem invites listeners to celebrate life through movement, perfectly highlighting the album’s joyful and vibrant essence.
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 energetic performances, but its cohesion dips slightly due to varied pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that sets a lively tempo, followed by several tracks that maintain a consistent upbeat energy.
- Several songs incorporate traditional rockabilly instrumentation, such as upright bass and vintage guitar tones, while also blending in modern pop elements.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 dance energy
- uplifting anthems for celebration
- vibrant sing-alongs with friends
- playful rhythms for lively gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking slow, introspective moments
- prefer standalone single tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Tribal marked Imelda May's third studio album, following her successful sophomore effort, Mayhem. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the rockabilly revival, showcasing both commercial appeal and artistic growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Duffy· Amy Winehouse· Laura Marling
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Ghost of Love
The bridge introduces a reflective tone that shifts from nostalgia to acceptance about past love.
This moment marks a tonal shift within the song, moving from longing to resolution, emphasizing the complexity of emotional growth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Tribal 3:00
- 2 Wild Woman 2:32
- 3 It’s Good to Be Alive 3:50
- 4 Gypsy in Me 4:35
- 5 Little Pixie 3:38
- 6 Hellfire Club 3:26
- 7 Five Good Men 2:42
- 8 Ghost of Love 3:39
- 9 Wicked Way 3:51
- 10 Round the Bend 3:07
- 11 I Wanna Dance 2:53
- 12 Right Amount of Wrong 3:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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