Up and Rolling cover

Released 7 years ago this October

Up and Rolling

North Mississippi Allstars · 2019

44 min · 12 tracks · Southern rock

A vibrant blend of Southern rock and blues, infused with raw energy and heartfelt storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Up and Rolling — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit, blending upbeat rhythms with a sense of freedom that reflects the band's commitment to live performance energy.
  • →
    Mean Old World — This cover transforms a classic blues lament into an exuberant celebration, showcasing the band's ability to breathe new life into traditional material while maintaining emotional depth.
  • →
    Take My Hand, Precious Lord — This poignant rendition highlights the band's spiritual roots, featuring soulful harmonies that resonate profoundly, marking a standout moment on the album for its heartfelt sincerity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, but its familiarity within the genre limits its distinctiveness.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving rhythm and layered guitar riffs that set a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first half.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, emphasizing the communal aspect of the music.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, introducing more reflective themes and acoustic instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady groove for road trips
  • heartfelt storytelling through songs
  • vibrant energy for gatherings
  • cathartic moments of release

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'Up and Rolling' was released in 2019, the North Mississippi Allstars were celebrating over two decades of musical evolution since their debut album in 1998. This album marked a continuation of their exploration into roots music while also incorporating contemporary influences, showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Call That Gone 4:44
  • 2 Up and Rolling 5:03
  • 3 What You Gonna Do? 3:21
  • 4 Drunk Outdoors 3:37
  • 5 Peaches 5:17
  • 6 Mean Old World 6:32
  • 7 Out on the Road 2:18
  • 8 Lonesome in My Home 3:06
  • 9 Bump That Mutha 3:11
  • 10 Living Free 3:56
  • 11 Take My Hand, Precious Lord 3:07
  • 12 Otha’s Bye Bye Baby 0:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata