Is Waiting for Herb a good place to start with The Pogues?

Yes, Waiting for Herb is recommended as a starting point for new The Pogues listeners. A blend of raucous punk energy and traditional Irish melodies, wrapped in a gritty, nostalgic atmosphere. Released in 1993, Waiting for Herb was The Pogues' fifth studio album, following their acclaimed 1989 release If I Should Fall from Grace with God. At this point in their career, the band faced significant lineup changes and shifts in musical direction, particularly with Shane MacGowan's departure and subsequent return, leading to a mix of established sounds and new influences.

Who is Waiting for Herb for?

Waiting for Herb works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, raucous energy for gatherings and bittersweet reflections on life.

How many songs are on Waiting for Herb?

Waiting for Herb has 12 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Waiting for Herb

The Pogues · 1993

46 min · 12 tracks · punk rock

A blend of raucous punk energy and traditional Irish melodies, wrapped in a gritty, nostalgic atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tuesday Morning Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Drunken Boat — This track encapsulates the album's spirit, combining whimsical storytelling with a raucous melody that showcases the band's signature blend of folk and punk.
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Smell of Petroleum — The song features sharp lyrics critiquing modernity and consumerism, embodying the album’s darker undertones while maintaining an infectious rhythm.
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Once Upon a Time — This track stands out for its poignant reflection on nostalgia and loss, highlighting the emotional depth that emerges throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends punk energy with Irish melodies, showcasing a mix of intensity and introspection.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that gradually builds intensity, leading into faster-paced songs that incorporate traditional Irish instrumentation.
Several tracks feature shifts in dynamics, alternating between raucous punk energy and softer, reflective moments, particularly in the latter half.
The lyrics often explore darker themes and personal struggles, with a storytelling approach that connects to the band's Irish roots.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
raucous energy for gatherings
bittersweet reflections on life
engaging storytelling with warmth

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek highly experimental sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Reflects a transitional phase and darker themes, resonating with dedicated fans.
Themes: nostalgic storytelling· Irish pub culture· modernity critique
Career context: Released in 1993, Waiting for Herb was The Pogues' fifth studio album, following their acclaimed 1989 release If I Should Fall from Grace with God. At this point in their career, the band faced significant lineup changes and shifts in musical direction, particularly with Shane MacGowan's departure and subsequent return, leading to a mix of established sounds and new influences.
Stylistic neighbors: The Dubliners· Flogging Molly· Dropkick Murphys