What makes Weights and Measures by Spirit of the West notable?

Weights and Measures received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship, particularly noted by Canadian music critics. The album's single 'Canadian Skye' became a beloved anthem in the folk rock genre, further establishing Spirit of the West's influence within the Canadian cultural landscape. Released in 1997, Weights and Measures marked Spirit of the West's sixth studio album during a period of solidifying their presence in the Canadian music scene. Following their breakthrough with Save This House in 1990, this album showcases their continued evolution, blending folk rock sensibilities with anthemic choruses and poignant narratives.

How many songs are on Weights and Measures?

Weights and Measures has 12 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Weights and Measures

Spirit of the West · 1997

51 min · 12 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant tapestry of folk rock that intertwines storytelling with melodic instrumentation and a distinctly Canadian spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Canadian Skye — This track captures the essence of the band's sound with its uplifting melody and vivid imagery that evokes Canadian landscapes, becoming an enduring favorite among fans.
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Rites of Man — With its reflective lyrics on masculinity and societal expectations, this song stands out for its thought-provoking narrative layered over rich instrumentation.
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Heavenly Angel — This track showcases a softer side of the band, blending heartfelt lyrics with a gentle melody that highlights their versatility as songwriters.
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Death of the Party — The song's clever wordplay and upbeat tempo create an ironic contrast that exemplifies the band's signature style of blending humor with serious themes.

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 album showcases solid songwriting and craftsmanship but lacks a strong cohesive narrative across its length.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.

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 Canadian Skye 2:50
2 Soldier's Boy 3:15
3 Armstrong and the Guys 4:37
4 Our Ambassador 4:45
5 Rites of Man 5:06
6 Bleeding Heart 5:06
7 Heavenly Angel 4:18
8 Waking the Lion 3:57
9 Get Down Tonight 3:25
10 Circus 3:08
11 Death of the Party 4:03
12 The Hammer and the Bell 6:47

What to play next

Listen next

Hit Parade

1999

Go back to

Open Heart Symphony

1996

Full Spirit of the West discography Artists like Spirit of the West

folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata