What makes Union Town by The Nightwatchman notable?

Union Town gained recognition for its timely exploration of labor rights, resonating during the Wisconsin protests against collective bargaining laws in early 2011. Critics noted its impact on contemporary folk music as a means of political expression, reinforcing The Nightwatchman's role as a voice for social change. Released in 2011, Union Town marked The Nightwatchman's third studio album. Following the politically charged songs of his previous works, this album solidified the artist's commitment to activism through music, particularly in the wake of increased labor disputes across the United States.

How many songs are on Union Town?

Union Town has 8 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Union Town

The Nightwatchman · 2011

30 min · 8 tracks · folk rock

A rallying cry of folk rock that interweaves heartfelt melodies with labor anthems and social justice themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Union Town — The title track serves as an anthem for workers' rights, blending passionate lyrics with a memorable melody that captures the spirit of solidarity.
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Solidarity Forever — This rendition of a classic labor song connects historical struggles to present-day movements, emphasizing unity among workers through its stirring arrangement.
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Which Side Are You On? — Reinterpreting this classic protest song, The Nightwatchman revitalizes its message with modern urgency, prompting listeners to consider their stance on social justice issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP combines traditional labor themes with modern arrangements, making it relevant but not.

What we noticed

The first three tracks are all anthemic, featuring strong choruses that invite audience participation.
The album includes several covers of classic labor songs, which are arranged to fit a contemporary folk rock style.
The final track is a live recording, creating a sense of immediacy and connection with the audience.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Union Town 3:07
2 Solidarity Forever 2:38
3 Which Side Are You On? 5:00
4 A Wall Against the Wind 3:16
5 16 Tons 3:35
6 This Land Is Your Land 3:39
7 I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night 3:09
8 Union Song (live in Madison, WI) 5:35

What to play next

Listen next

World Wide Rebel Songs

2011

Go back to

The Fabled City

2008

Full The Nightwatchman discography Artists like The Nightwatchman

folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata