World Wide Rebel Songs cover

World Wide Rebel Songs

The Nightwatchman · 2011

49 min · 13 tracks · folk rock

A fervent blend of folk rock and political anthems, charged with urgency and a call for action.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Dogs of Tijuana — This track combines a catchy melody with biting lyrics about immigration and border issues, reflecting Morello's passion for social justice.
  • →
    Union Town — A tribute to labor rights, this song serves as a powerful anthem for workers' movements, showcasing Morello's dedication to activism through music.
  • →
    Save the Hammer for the Man — This track's infectious rhythm and sharp commentary on power dynamics make it a standout, encapsulating the album's rebellious spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends urgent political themes with folk rock elements, though it has some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features driving guitar riffs and urgent vocals, setting a tone of activism.
  • Several songs incorporate call-and-response structures, engaging the listener as if in a rally or protest.
  • The lyrics often reference specific social issues and historical events, providing context and urgency to the themes presented.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo, allowing for reflection after the intense political messages of earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Black Spartacus Heart Attack Machine 3:31
  • 2 The Dogs of Tijuana 3:28
  • 3 It Begins Tonight 3:01
  • 4 Save the Hammer for the Man 5:17
  • 5 The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse 4:36
  • 6 Speak and Make Lightning 3:56
  • 7 Facing Mount Kenya 4:03
  • 8 The Whirlwind 3:59
  • 9 Stray Bullets 4:03
  • 10 Branding Iron 3:51
  • 11 World Wide Rebel Songs 3:03
  • 12 God Help Us All 3:58
  • 13 Union Town 3:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata