Is Turn Up That Dial a good place to start with Dropkick Murphys?

Yes, Turn Up That Dial is recommended as a starting point for new Dropkick Murphys listeners. A raucous blend of Celtic melodies and punk energy, bursting with anthemic choruses and spirited instrumentation. Released in 2021, Turn Up That Dial is Dropkick Murphys' ninth studio album and follows their 2017 release, 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory. By this time, the band had solidified their status as veterans of the Celtic punk scene, blending traditional Irish influences with punk rock energy while appealing to both long-time fans and newer audiences.

Who is Turn Up That Dial for?

Turn Up That Dial works well if you're into sing-along anthems for gatherings, steady energy for road trips and celebratory resilience in every track.

How many songs are on Turn Up That Dial?

Turn Up That Dial has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Turn Up That Dial

Dropkick Murphys · 2021

39 min · 11 tracks · Celtic punk

A raucous blend of Celtic melodies and punk energy, bursting with anthemic choruses and spirited instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Turn Up That Dial Start here — The title track captures the album's spirit perfectly, presenting a rallying cry for perseverance and positivity amidst challenges. Its infectious energy sets the tone for the entire record.
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Queen of Suffolk County — This track stands out for its storytelling quality, weaving a narrative about local pride and identity through catchy hooks and spirited instrumentation. It exemplifies the band's knack for blending personal tales with broader cultural themes.
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Good as Gold — With its anthemic chorus and uplifting message, this song serves as a celebration of friendship and solidarity, resonating deeply with listeners while showcasing the band's signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic punk with Celtic influences, showcasing strong songwriting and engaging performances.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy title track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners and encourages participation.
The instrumentation prominently features traditional Celtic instruments alongside electric guitars, blending genres effectively throughout the record.

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: 6/10

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

sing-along anthems for gatherings
steady energy for road trips
celebratory resilience in every track
mid-tempo flow for group enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

seeking quiet introspective moments
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in the band's established sound.
Themes: local pride· Celtic resilience· working-class spirit
Career context: Released in 2021, Turn Up That Dial is Dropkick Murphys' ninth studio album and follows their 2017 release, 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory. By this time, the band had solidified their status as veterans of the Celtic punk scene, blending traditional Irish influences with punk rock energy while appealing to both long-time fans and newer audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Flogging Molly· The Pogues· Street Dogs