Wild Rover
The Dubliners · 2011
27 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A vibrant collection of traditional Irish folk tunes, rich with storytelling and spirited instrumentation that evokes the heart of Dublin.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wild Rover Start here — This titular track is a quintessential drinking song that encapsulates the spirit of camaraderie and revelry, making it an anthem for gatherings.
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Dublin Fusiliers — This track stands out for its evocative storytelling, recounting tales of soldiers from Dublin, resonating with themes of loyalty and sacrifice.
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I'll Tell My Ma — This lively song exemplifies traditional Irish call-and-response style, engaging listeners and inviting them into the joyous narrative of youthful courtship.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases traditional arrangements and vocal harmonies typical of Irish folk music but lacks standout originality.
What we noticed
- The album features traditional Irish folk songs, each with a distinct arrangement that highlights different instruments like the flute and fiddle.
- Vocals are often layered in harmonies, with call-and-response patterns prevalent in several tracks, creating a communal feel.
- The tempo varies across tracks, with some maintaining a lively pace while others slow down for more reflective moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- short bursts of lively energy
- sing-along moments with friends
- playful storytelling and humor
- quick, upbeat listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive albums
- want slow, introspective tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in their catalog, but not widely recognized as essential for new listeners.
- Themes
- Dublin nightlife· spirited camaraderie· military loyalty stories
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Wild Rover marked a significant moment for The Dubliners as it was their first album after a decade-long hiatus. At this stage in their career, the band aimed to reinvigorate their legacy within the Irish folk scene while introducing classic tunes to a new generation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Clancy Brothers· The Chieftains· Planxty
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Wild Rover
The refrain emphasizes a commitment to never return to a life of excess and regret.
By repeating this promise, the song builds a sense of collective resolution among singers and listeners alike, reinforcing the community aspect of the performance.
Tracklist
- 1 Wild Rover Start here 3:13
- 2 The Old Orange Flute 2:45
- 3 Off to Dublin in the Green 2:26
- 4 Hot Asphalt 3:28
- 5 Dublin Fusiliers 2:44
- 6 The Twang Man 1:49
- 7 Roisin Dubh 4:02
- 8 Peggy Lettermore 1:53
- 9 Tramps and Hawkers 3:09
- 10 I'll Tell My Ma 2:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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