XX
Great Big Sea · 2012
134 min · 40 tracks · Celtic rock
A vibrant blend of traditional Celtic melodies and contemporary rock energy, celebrating a rich maritime heritage.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ordinary Day — This upbeat anthem encapsulates the band's signature sound, combining catchy lyrics with an infectious melody that celebrates life's simple joys.
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When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down) — Fusing traditional folk elements with a lively rhythm, this track exemplifies the band’s ability to create a celebratory atmosphere that resonates with audiences.
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Sea of No Cares — With its reflective lyrics and engaging instrumentation, this song captures the essence of letting go and embracing life's unpredictability, a recurring theme in their work.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- celebratory sing-alongs with friends
- short bursts of lively energy
- joyful tunes for gatherings
- feel-good tracks for road trips
- nostalgic melodies invoking maritime spirit
Maybe skip if you
- prefer serious, introspective themes
- want lengthy, immersive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2012, XX is Great Big Sea's first compilation album, marking a reflective point after nearly two decades of music-making. Following their last studio album, Safe Upon the Shore in 2010, this collection showcases their evolution while highlighting fan favorites and lesser-known tracks alike.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Pogues· Flogging Molly· Altan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down)
The chorus joyfully repeats a key phrase that emphasizes uncontainable happiness amidst life's challenges.
This repetition not only reinforces the song's optimistic message but also serves as an invitation for listeners to join in the celebration.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Born to Believe 3:45
- 2 What Are Ya' At? 3:10
- 3 Run Runaway 2:50
- 4 Goin Up 3:11
- 5 When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down) 3:23
- 6 Ordinary Day 3:09
- 7 How Did We Get From Saying "I Love You"... 3:47
- 8 Consequence Free 3:14
- 9 Feel It Turn 3:47
- 10 Boston and St. John's 3:47
- 11 Sea of No Cares 3:41
- 12 Clearest Indication 4:12
- 13 When I Am King 2:31
- 14 Something Beautiful 3:47
- 15 Love Me Tonight 4:12
- 16 Walk on the Moon 3:35
- 17 Live This Life 4:39
- 18 Nothing but a Song 3:02
- 19 Long Life (Where Did You Go?) 3:11
- 20 Let My Love Open the Door 4:18
Disc 2
- 1 Heart of Hearts 4:09
- 2 Great Big Sea / Gone by the Board 3:36
- 3 Donkey Riding 2:23
- 4 Gideon Brown 2:54
- 5 Dancing with Mrs. White 2:06
- 6 General Taylor 2:56
- 7 Come and I Will Sing You 3:44
- 8 Ferryland Sealer 3:17
- 9 Lukey 3:24
- 10 Captain Wedderburn 3:37
- 11 Captain Kidd 2:51
- 12 Le Bon Vin 3:09
- 13 England 4:45
- 14 Old Black Rum 2:29
- 15 Paddy Murphy 3:01
- 16 River Driver 3:03
- 17 Mari-Mac 2:33
- 18 Excursion Around the Bay 2:29
- 19 Josephine the Baker 4:35
- 20 Good People 2:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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