Fisherman's Blues

Fine album, has some good songs, but no bangers

3.7 I really thought this was going to be one of the unbearable author entries from some GB/Irish band that no one has ever heard of, and a double album (at least on Spotify) to boot. Gotta say the first few songs really hooked me in and were better than expected. E Street Band, but with a violin instead of a saxophone. I will check out some of their other records

Great opener. Driving violin. Driving rhythm too for epic Lovers. These long tunes are great. I imagine myself at a concert just swaying away lost. Maybe not two cds worth and not sure essential. 4 verging toward 3 but the good feelings push to 4. By the way, if you haven't looked it up, a "bang on the ear" is a fond greeting. Laid back driving--make sense?

I remember this one from long ago, and while I never returned to it, this is a powerful and engaging record. Unfortunately I wasn't able to really sit and listen in one go, I caught a few songs here and there, but I made sure to get through the whole thing. Excellent stuff.

Surprisingly good listen. Kind of like a more Irish-sounding Band of Heathens…? Again, wish I could give a 3.5.

This violin is so good

Frábært stöff. Mjög smooth og skemmtilegt.

Enjoyed this!

It was good rainy day album.

I quite enjoyed this on. It's probably a 3.5 for me, but I'll round up, feeling good today.

Great combination of traditional instruments and folk/rock songs. Van Morrison is a clear influence.

This album was exceptionally good. My internet was down the whole day but I listened to it whenever I could. “We Will Not Be Lovers” might’ve been the best track I’ve gotten on this project. So close to a 5 for me.

One review I read said that this is Dave Matthews meets Celtic rock...I can see that on the track We Will Not Be Lovers, it's got that DMB early galloping violin action going. I hear a lot of different things going on in this album, some Bowie influences, some wannabe Springsteen, the aforementioned DMB. It all works really well, mostly, until the Blackbird breakdown in the middle of Sweet Thing. It's not awful, it's just not necessary...there's no one other than The Waterboys who thought "Hey, know what? This song of ours totally calls for us to inject a classic Beatles song right in the middle." I'm giving this a 4. I feel like a 3 is too harsh, and a 5 is me saying "I can't believe I haven't heard this before and it's now it's an essential part of my music collection." I'm only listening to the first side only as I'm not a collector and I don't feel the need to keep listening to whatever outtakes/alternate versions/live versions are on side 2. 4 sits right in the middle. 4 is, hey, this is pretty cool, I'm glad I listened to it, I might come back to it...and I can also recommend this to a friend who might appreciate it more than I do. 4 sits right in there.

I get that’s it’s a bit lazy comparing any Irish band to the biggest one (surely U know who I’m alluding 2), but there’s a healthy dose of Rattle And Hum in the first half of this record, and the back half is comprised of compelling tavern tales that would make their country and inspirations proud.

Cooles Album

Very lovely!!

I absolutely love "We Will Not Be Lovers." I love the bassline combined with the folk instruments, especially that fiddle, and the momentum it carries throughout. Like much of the first half of this album, it expertly mixes Celtic folk into rock songs. When they're not as tight as that one, they're loose and free, like the "Sweet Thing" cover. There's real longing and emotion in the title track and "Strange Boat," which recalls The Pogues' "Thousands are Sailing." The second half is much more straightforward folk, and for a stretch of three or four songs loses what made the first half interesting. "The Stolen Child" recovers things at the end though, bringing back the lush sound and emotional atmosphere. While there are a few songs that could be trimmed, the range of folk sounds really helps to sell this as an homage to a land's traditions.

This is pretty damn good! Surprised I’ve never heard of it, as it sounds like Wilco - drawing on Bob Dylan, Springsteen and the Pogues.

Love this one! #musicsky #albumsky 4/5

I knew the name, but not much else. In fact, I was mixing them up with The Wallflowers. I was listening, enjoying the mix of traditional folk, strongly influenced by and including Celtic sounds, when I decided to read up a bit - I had no idea of the connections between The Waterboys and other artists I enjoy, namely Karl Wallinger and, most of all, Kevin Wilkinson of China Crisis. This album was a little all over the place stylistically, but a good listen. Strong Van the Man vibes at multiple points. I’m going with my gut and landing on 4 stars for this one.

I don't know much about The Waterboys and their apparent genre shift with this album. What I hear sounds very nice and is a solid, approachable folk sound with slight rock elements.

Have to admit to being a big Waterboys fan for many years. So I find it a little hard to believe that this album made the top 1001 list. Their first three albums were magnificent and portrayed The Big Music sound that Mike Scott was always talking about and seeking to find. Looking on back on those three albums, I still view them as works of art. This album, their fourth, marked a turning point in the history of the band. To be fair, the first few songs (up to and including World Party), could have made it onto previous albums. However, after that, things shift into an Irish folk phase which was later followed by a “just found God” phase. While I still have fond memories of buying this album and listening to it over and over, it always seemed to be the end of the beginning of the band and they never again reached the level of their earlier work. So overall, enjoyable for a few of the songs, but if you want to hear the real Waterboys then listen to the first three albums. Wonder if any of them made the list….

Nice mix of British isles folk and 80s British indies rock, like it. 3.75 sStar

I like it. Did not expect such fire music

SO much fun, those strings are incredible

Like an extraordinarily pleasant road trip this album covers a lot of territory.

Interesting mix of Classic Rock, Country, Punk, and Irish/Scottish Folk

Well hot damn. I'd never heard of The Waterboys before, but I rather enjoyed this Irish folk stuff. 4.1

The second Fisherman's Blues started I felt warm. This is very genuine feeling and I love the strings on this. I don't know if it's a masterpiece but I really enjoyed listening to it and it was consistent. Could this go somewhere more? I hope it did and I hear more from them someday. I'm not going to look for it - I'm just going to keep living and see if we find each other.

Having the blood of fisherman in my veins and a love of the Blues, this has caught my interest. The opening track has my expectations up. Some pretty solid music for the 1980s. We Will Not Be Lovers didn't bother me being 7 minutes. The Sweet Thing cover with the Blackbird cover stuck in it had some interesting bits but over stayed it's welcome. Same with Bang on the Ear. I'm a fan of Hank Williams not so much of this tribute song. The instrumentals are fine but the vocals ain't it. I appreciate the inclusion of the traditional folk song When Will We Be Married? Dunford's Fancy, *chefs kiss* The Stolen Child is a cool concept, could grow on me but has some 1980s stank on it. I liked the overall vibe but could be tightened up for a more kitchen party energy. Snappy danceable drinking songs.

I really, really enjoyed this album. This is an album my dad and I would've listened to together while drinking beers and playing cribbage. Great stuff.

I actually kinda liked this. I wasn't expecting to, but the mix of Irish folk and rock worked in a way that made this fun and interesting. 4/5

What banger the album opens up with, the title track really starts things off with a rollicking bang of Celtic folk rock. It almost starts off too hot since no other track really lives up to the same standard. Nonetheless, it’s still a very solid record with true to form Irish/Scottish traditional music. Now I’m not sure I’ll ever return to this, aside from the title track, I’m almost certain I won’t but for today, I enjoyed it for what it is. 4 stars

Dexy's Midnight Runners' cousins. 8.5/10

This is silly to me but it’s fun. Low 4

That was good shit. Like celtic folk rock. Some great dissonant fiddle playing. Side 1, and especially the first couple tracks, were the best. But I enjoyed all of it.

A good solid album of resistance and folkloric lovesongs. Good for a hootenanny or two

Fisherman’s Blues is the sound of a band cracking their knuckles and throwing out the rulebook, for better and for occasionally worse. It’s a sprawling, shambling blend of folk, rock, and Celtic soul that sometimes feels like a drunken jam session in a pub at closing time—and I don’t mean that as an insult. When it works, it really works. The title track and “And a Bang on the Ear” are joyous and rich, full of fiddles, longing, and big open-hearted energy. I do think the looseness of the record works both for and against it. There are moments of real magic, but also patches that drift or feel like they belong on a different record entirely. It’s like a treasure hunt, but some of the gold turns out to be just pretty convincing brass. Still, it never fully loses its charm. For me, this album lives in that middle zone of being great company, even if it’s not always sharp. It’s a grower, not a showstopper, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

Probably 4/5 seems pretty good

Lots of fiddle, honestly sounds like it could have been 2000s-2010s alternative. Enjoyed it, especially the more instrumental pieces 4*

First thing I’ve been served I had never heard of before. I really enjoyed it! I’d I could do half stars it would be a 4.5

I bought this album when it came out — not sure if I ever listened to it, which is a shame because this was pretty solid from start to finish.

This was a treat. Heard of but never really listened before. Like the vibe

4/5

Me sorprendió mucho la verdad. Es un album medio country rock con influencias irish scottish folk type shit. Banqué muchísimo we will not be lovers y world party me gustó mucho tmb. Pero en general muy buenos temas y muy divertidos. Esas strings casi siempre presentes le añaden mucho al album.

What a revelation. A wonderful mix of Irish trad and rock elements, with a very different sound to the Pogues, the other leaders in this domain. Listened to while cleaning the apartment and went out to try to buy it straight away. Despite the website saying they had it, and my best efforts to make it across Paris with superhuman speed, turns out the FNAC did not have it. Only returned to a month later or so. Still sounds great, but not quite the 5* listen I thought the first time. High 4*, will be returning many a-time (these ratings are just an indication of one's appreciation, you know...)

I liked this and would happily listen to this very long double album several times before listening to any more country music. The music still seems fresh today. Whoever said it’s like being at a ceilidh hasn’t ever been to a ceilidh. It’s like being in an Irish pub with a warm fire. Lovely.

I love this stuff, but I recognize it’s not for everyone. Hell of a good time though.

Might be the least me album i can come up with. But I kinda love it. Im not sure how many of these songs I'll be spinning for years to come but damn. They can play and sing. The fiddle is top tier. When its in the mix im happy. And when its other things im also pretty satisfied. Just a great folk cleric thing. Idk what even it is but at the end of the day I enjoyed my time here

I very much enjoyed this rock/folk album with heavy Scottish and Irish influence. I didn’t know what to expect at first but I heavily dug this album! I would definitely give this album a listen again and recommend it to others! The vibes were on point.

I liked this one, though I only listened to the first 13 as that was what was on the original release.

I loved this album when it first came out. I was just getting into Celtic/folk music, and this bunch of British louts was the perfect introduction.

I wish I’d sooner known we had such wonders at home.

A little long but I really enjoyed! “When will we be wed” was an unexpected bop

Surprisingly good. Love Disc 1 a ton, Disc 2 was a little unnecessary imo. Just good vibes all around though. 4 stars fs fs.

This was so much better than I expected. Not perfect, and not an album I would revisit often, but I'm actually glad to have heard it. It does feel a little weird that this was from 1988, like they happened to be 20 years behind in Scotland/Ireland, but I chalk that up to being basically "pub music" (in a good way). Yeah, this was not the height of fashion, but I bet they had fun playing at local pubs for years before releasing their albums. Overall, enjoyable, even if I'm not adding it to my personal library.

actually really enjoyed this one

Liked the beginning a lot. Love the fiddle.

This is a very good album. First time listening to its entirety. Great voice and infectious music.

Growing up surrounded by Celtic music as the brother of a world championship Irish dancer, not to mention a significant amount of time spent at the Irish cultural centre, I have a very large soft spot in my heart for this album. Also given that I know how it feels to sail on a strange boat, headed for a strange shore, I also feel a level of affinity on a different level for both this album and that song in particular. This is a fun album that makes me want to drink rum in an old pub while eating a steak and Guinness pie. I really enjoy the mix of traditional Irish music, folks and occasionally some rock n roll peppered in. I like this a lot and it’ll continue to get the occasional listen, I’m sure. 4*

A band I could get into. I plan on exploring more of their stuff.

this really won me over by the end

Not bad. Got some bluegrass, rock, country, Irish folk.

Enjoyed

Irish folk with punk vibes

Really good all around - writing, vocals, style, variety, a little like the Lumineers mashed up with a bit 'o Dylan. I believe I heard tones of Great Big Sea as well. A few dead spots, but mostly a good listen.

I'm not familiar with The Waterboys and apparently this style is not their usual, but considering this album was Irish-style folk, country and rock, I actually really liked it which was unexpected!

A surprisingly good romp. Very confident in every decision it makes.

Truth be told, after reading a few blurbs about this album, I wasn’t expecting to click with it much, if at all. And as long as I’m being honest, I’ll confess I don’t have much of an affinity for Celtic music. In my (admittedly few) attempts to understand this niche, I’ve often come away with a begrudging respect for the musicality and raucous energy, but rarely has the music connected with me on a core level. Enter Fisherman’s Blues. From the moment Steve Wickham’s fiddle soars over the title track’s opening strum, there’s an undeniable sense of warmth, like stepping into a dimly lit pub just as the best kind of night is beginning. The album walks the line between Celtic folk and folk-rock with remarkable balance—traditional instruments aren’t there as a gimmick but as an essential part of the songwriting. “We Will Not Be Lovers” simmers with an almost hypnotic intensity, the violin spiraling into a controlled frenzy, while “And a Bang on the Ear” unfurls like a sprawling, bittersweet fireside tale, growing richer with each passing verse. Songs stretch out for what seems like an eternity, yet they never overstay their welcome—like an old friend you meet for a quick coffee and somehow end up spending the whole night with. The rawness of these recordings only adds to their charm. You can hear it in “Sweet Thing”, where Mike Scott loses himself completely in the song’s rolling momentum, weaving seamlessly into a snippet of “Blackbird” as if the music itself is carrying him forward. He sings with an everyman charm, but there’s also something enigmatic about his delivery—he’s both the storyteller and the spellcaster, fully immersed in the world he’s creating. And despite the infamous 100 songs recorded during these sessions, the album itself feels incredibly cohesive. There’s no sense of overindulgence, no sprawling missteps—just an organic, lived-in sound that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly communal. I didn’t expect Fisherman’s Blues to resonate with me, but it did. And maybe that’s the magic of it—it doesn’t demand your love, but by the time you reach the end, it feels like an old companion you were always meant to find.

Hard one to rate. All the songs are 2s or 3s, except two. And A Bang On The Ear was great, the story was funny and it flowed really well. The Stolen Child was boring and dull. But taken as a whole, I just had a blast. As the album went on, I kept wanting to hear more and more. Their use of violins and saxophones is just pure fun. Good album, enjoyed it a lot. Best song: And A Bang On The Ear

I'm generally only mildly pro the Waterboys, but this album hit me on just the right day. On a weekend, in no hurry, feeling a bit reflective, trying to avoid the news.

3.5, rounded up

good folk

Feel that the group has been harsh on the Waterboys so far! Way better than a 1 or a 2 for me. I wasn't sure I knew them, but I think I probably heard a fair bit of this in my house growing up..... My dad went through an embracing his Irish heritage phase for a good few years and reckon the Waterboys were involved. "The stolen child" was very familiar to me. I do think the second disk is not as good, but good wasn't part of the original release. Fisherman's blues and "a bang on the ear" were the other highlights. 3.5, but 4 to correct the groups previous wrongdoings

This was kinda cool for me, and a bit of a surprise. Not a 5-star surprise but I would put this on again for sure. There was some Springsteen in there and probably this is an influence for Mumford & Sons. Def caught some Gordon Lightfoot sound as well. Folky and rock-y and melodic and interesting.

This album is soooo freakin' good. I don't know if it's because it's early March and this is prep for St Patrick's day or just good clean fun traditional music. Regardless, my only criticism is being the Waterboys are/were a rock band dipping their toes into the traditional music pond, a more traditional band like the Wolftones, the Dubliners, or the Chieftains would have done a better job in this slot. 4.5/5

Four stars for Fisherman's Blues alone. Skipped through the rest of the album without listening closely but overall like the feel of it.

At first seems quite long at 1hour 42 but after checking that the original album is disc 1 only and that this is all that needs listening to. Quite enjoyed this and got quite nostalgic about hearing this in various student venues frequented in late 80s liverpool. Some big hits, Fisherman blues but also enjoyed Hank Wlliams song and strange ship. Didn't like the van morrison cover sweet thing so much.

I'm a sucker for the fiddle. I liked listening to this while working, reading, fiddling around the house. Nice variety on the album.

I enjoyed this one. Heavily influenced by Irish tunes, with some Scottish and other regional influences, but nicely balanced with a modern rock element and not tiresome.

Better than I was expecting.

Kinda cool, kinda cringe.

Creo que no hay blues pero sí hay pescadores, y eso me gustó. Las canciones tienen mucha onda y me hicieron sentir como un granjero gringo disfrutando el atardecer después de un día pesado. Me gustaron.

Another great one :)

Loved it, shockingly, given there are few words that spark more skepticism in me re: music than 'celtic'. The first two tracks and Sweet Thing are all so great. I felt moved to tears at times.

I put this one off for a long while but it was a very pleasant surprise. Starts off strong and strident, first two tracks are my faves. It's got a folky style I usually don't like but I appreciated this.

Violin gets a bit too unnerving at times but overall I enjoyed this quite a bit.

The musical expression of many Scots' not so secret wish that they were Irish.

Great album. Loved the Celtic-fused sound - being from Eastern Canada, those sounds kinda speak right to my soul. Fisherman's Blues and We Will Not Be Lovers are great and are on the playlist going forward! Solid 4/5.

I like this. Really cool Folk. Carolan's Welcome stood out.

Really dig it. Dylan, Springsteen, DMB, little Irish Rovers. Great combination.

I think This Is The Sea is their magnum opus and had a niggle that I didn't like this at the time - too much violin. We also covered Fisherman's Blues and I used to drum one handed whilst smoking with the other as I found it so boring. Now, listening back, I'm really drawn in. I think he's a very good songwriter. I'm a sucker for the production at that time and the drums really ring. I like this a lot.

An interesting fun and enjoyable album that I'm keen to dig into further. Faves: World Party, Killing My Heart

If this were "A Pagan Place" I'd give it a 5 in a heartbeat, but I'm less fond of this one. I still enjoy their schtick overall, though, and some of the individual tracks are 5 worthy. This brand of earnestness can sometimes turn me right off, but The Waterboys make it land. Fave tracks - "Fisherman's Blues" is great - wish more of the album shared that energy. "And A Bang On The Ear" was also great.

Fisherman’s Blues ist ein Album, das sich nicht in Kategorien zwängen lässt. Es wirkt zeitlos, ehrlich und von einem echten Entdeckergeist geprägt. Wer die Mischung aus traditionellem Folk und modernen Einflüssen schätzt, wird hier reichlich belohnt. Für Fans von authentischer, handgemachter Musik ist dieses Werk ein Schatz – und selbst, wenn man nicht jedem Song etwas abgewinnen kann, bleibt das Album ein Genuss für Momente, in denen man einfach mal die Seele baumeln lassen will.

Never heard or seen of this band before. This is a real treat though! Every time people on here complain about deluxe editions makes me want to scream. You don’t have to listen to disk 2 you morons

Quaint and a delightful listen

60s folk rock, it's actually pretty groovy and upbeat. I really like it. My issue is the album is a tad long, and some of the songs very much so.

It was an interesting combination of rock and traditional Irish instrumentals and riffs. It reminded me a little of U2, but better. I really enjoyed this album, but also don't see myself listening to it much in the future.

A few of the songs go on longer then needed or wanted but boy do I love this band’s sound.

No my favorite, but not a 3 either.

Liked this better than I thought I would but I stopped it after the original first disc, didn’t do the bonus stuff.

Folky fun.

I didn't know this rock band had a folk album. Gives me Neil Young vibes.

Brings back memories of seeing them live in Dublin. They sound exactly the same. Raspy, Irish rock.

will listen again

"Fisherman's Blues" is the fourth studio album by Scottish-Irish folk rock band the Waterboys. This album was change in sound, abandoning their grandiose rock sound for a mixture of Irish and Scottish music, country music and rock and roll. Former memeber Karl Wallinger left the band while violinist Steve Wickham joined the band. Lead vocalist, guitarist and pianist Mike Scott moved to Ireland from London where the band recorded over 100 songs in a two-year period with some of them landing on this album. The album received mixed reviews and, commercially, has been their best-selling album hitting #13 in the UK and #76 in the US. The self-titled "Fisherman's Blues" opens the album. Acoustic guitar and a soaring violin carrying the melody. The mandolin comes in and there's an overlayering of the melody. Vocalist Mike Scott is not stingy with the "Woahs." It's a song he wrote on a plane ride back to London from NYC after a failed meeting with his-then manager where he knew his future was going to change. "We Will Not Be Lovers" gets a great groove going with the drums, bass and violin. The mandolin enters and there's the dueling fiddle-mandolin thing going on once again. A song that at seven minutes seems too short; this could have gone forever. Continuing in that majestic style is "World Party." The addition of a piano and a bigger part for the electric guitar. More in the rock vein. Karl Wallinger was involved in the writing and he took the name for his band. The second and final released single is "And a Bang on the Ear." A violin led melody with a rock beat. There's an organ and a more traditional folk feel to this one. Scott goes through past romances where he would still gives a bang on the ear (peck on the cheek). "The Stolen Child" uses lyrics from W.B. Yeats. Acoustic guitar, violin and, yes, a flute. Scott is singing and traditional Irish vocalist Tomás Mac Eoin speaks his part. It's been awhile since I heard and this put me in a good mood. Rock, folk, country, traditional and even two waltzes. It has two of their best soaring songs matching every bit of any previous grandiose songs they had. The dueling violin-mandolin show is also a highlight. For whatever reason, I have not listened to Waterboys' music past this album. I might also be a bigger fan of their previous album "This is the Sea" but this is a very good album and definitely worth repeated listens.

this one is a really interesting one

Bra album i en genre jag gillar. Dock sparsamt med låtar som sticker ut. Hade hellre sett Levellers med Levelling the Land här.

I liked this rock and roll album. Wished they leaned more into the traditional irish stuff, but still quite enjoyable.

first listen lot of variety and it's surprising how many moments here feel like genuine americana

This is a new one for me. They seem to have a few influences so it made for an interesting listen, it's good and a few of the songs will go into the rotation.

Life is often about expectations, and I had none for this album. But I was impressed. Hard to believe this was a controversial change for them -- terrific musicianship and several different types of songs. Like a better "Mumford and Sons."

I can see listening to this a lot. Very enjoyable.

Enjoyed this more than I thought I would

Always liked this album though I haven't listened to it in years.

Overall I really enjoyed this. The Celtic folk vibes mixed with rock are awesome. I see how this group probably influenced modern bands like Flogging Molly. I also like groups like this that connect with their original roots but expand to more modern sounds. I will only give them a 4 because some songs just went a little to long, like We Will Not be Lovers or And a Bang on the Ear. They are really cool songs overall but I didn't need it to be over 5 or 6 minutes.

Makes me want to live on a farm

Great energy and melodies.

Irische Musik wunderbar gespielt. Nur zu lang. Weniger ist oft mahr. Aber trotzdem gut.

jöö ok finds bis jz cute sis huuuuuuisch iwie mega? fisherman's blues würkli na cool, de bass hebt au alles chli zemme han bis jz vill meh freud als ich denkt hett we will not be lovers het mega e schöni gitarre im hindergrund und jz ischs sochli chaotisch, au wenn d giige (oder??) immer chli d melodie biiphaltet strange boats isch chli ruhiger, find d giige extrem schön, sie isch echli weniger ghezt BASS wtf wiso isch das so guet bi sweet thing findi d drums super, wo chli nahhinket de schluss isch aber chli ahstrengend gsi de waltzer isch funny wemmers sich chli inere spelunke vorstellt, suscht aber nüt unglaublichs bang on the ear findi nöd guet und vill z eindimensional für es 9 minütigs stuck hank isch au nüt speziells funny dass sie jz chli s R rolled when will we be married isch na vill meh Folk für mich als de rest bis jz, nüt wo mier mega gfalle het aber kinda fun? hmm leider hets jz chli abgno, alles ischmer jz schochli zu folkig stolen child het aber na en coole ahfang, au d flöte hmmmm iwie hanis sehr gern, glichzitig findi die erzählerstimm recht müehsam hahahah ui nei wos denn sowie im "duett" singet und "verzelled" findis seeehr cheesy hmm jaa aso die erste 5, 6 lieder hani echt megaaa gfunde, e glungni mischig usem folkige und sochli rock? aber nachane ischsmer doch hüfig zu folkig und z lang worde, ich glauub ich gib trz es 4i will ichs ellei cool find, dass sie die "mischig" so natürlich annebracht hend

1988, and there was so much new sorts of music - Rap, Garage, House, Nu-Metal. So, a Celtic-Rocky-Folky album wasn't really going to do much. Except it did. The Waterboys created one of the best albums of the year. Fisherman's Blues so much more that the other Irish juggernaut- U2's Rattle and Hum just seemed so phoney in comparison. In hindsight, the album (particularly the Collector's Edition) would benefit from some editing, but it's well worth a listen.

## In-Depth Review of *Fisherman's Blues* by The Waterboys Released in 1988, *Fisherman's Blues* marked a significant turning point for The Waterboys, showcasing a departure from their earlier grandiose rock sound to a more organic blend of traditional Irish music, folk, country, and rock. This shift not only altered the band's musical direction but also influenced their lyrical themes and production choices. Below is a comprehensive analysis of the album, focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and overall influence. ### ****Lyrics The lyrics of *Fisherman's Blues* reflect a profound introspection and a longing for simplicity. Mike Scott's songwriting is characterized by vivid imagery and emotional depth. The title track encapsulates this sentiment beautifully: > "I wish I was a fisherman, tumblin’ on the seas / far away from dry land and its bitter memories..." This opening line evokes a sense of freedom and escape, setting the tone for the album. The lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, blending personal experiences with broader cultural references. Other notable tracks include "And A Bang On The Ear," where Scott recounts past romantic entanglements with a mix of humor and sincerity. The song's structure allows for a narrative that feels both intimate and relatable. In contrast, "The Stolen Child" adapts a poem by W.B. Yeats, showcasing Scott's ability to weave literary elements into his music, further enriching the lyrical landscape of the album. ### ****Music Musically, *Fisherman's Blues* is a rich tapestry of sounds that reflects its diverse influences. The album features: - **Traditional Irish Music**: The incorporation of fiddles and flutes creates an authentic Irish folk sound. Steve Wickham's fiddle work is particularly noteworthy throughout the album. - **Country Influences**: Tracks like "Has Anybody Here Seen Hank?" pay homage to classic country music while maintaining The Waterboys' unique style. - **Rock Elements**: Although the album moves away from the 'big music' sound of earlier works, songs like "We Will Not Be Lovers" still carry an edge with their driving rhythms and electric instrumentation. The production style is notably more stripped down compared to previous albums. Recorded primarily at Spiddal House in Ireland, the sessions emphasized live takes with minimal overdubbing. This approach allowed the musicians to interact organically, capturing the essence of their performances. ### ****Production The production of *Fisherman's Blues* plays a crucial role in its overall feel. Mike Scott and producer John Dunford aimed for an authentic sound that reflected the band's new direction. Key aspects include: - **Organic Sound**: The decision to record live with minimal studio enhancements allowed for a rawness that resonates throughout the album. This choice contrasts sharply with the polished production typical of 1980s rock. - **Instrumentation**: The use of traditional instruments alongside rock staples creates a unique sonic blend that enhances the storytelling aspect of the lyrics. - **Atmospheric Recording Locations**: Recording in Spiddal House infused the music with a sense of place that is palpable in tracks like "When Ye Go Away," which features poignant melodies that evoke Irish landscapes. ### ****Themes Thematically, *Fisherman's Blues* explores several interconnected ideas: - **Nostalgia and Longing**: Many songs reflect a yearning for simpler times or lost loves. This theme resonates deeply in tracks like "Sweet Thing" and "When Ye Go Away." - **Connection to Nature**: The title track embodies a desire to escape into nature, highlighting themes of freedom and tranquility found in natural settings. - **Cultural Identity**: By integrating traditional Irish music and poetry into their work, The Waterboys explore themes of cultural heritage and identity, particularly evident in "The Stolen Child." These themes contribute to an overall sense of introspection and emotional resonance that defines the album. ### ****Influence Upon its release, *Fisherman's Blues* received mixed reviews; however, it has since been recognized as one of The Waterboys' most significant works. Its influence can be seen in several areas: - **Musical Landscape**: The blending of folk traditions with rock paved the way for future artists exploring similar paths. Bands like Mumford & Sons and Fleet Foxes owe some inspiration to this fusion. - **Celtic Rock Revival**: The album contributed to a resurgence in interest in Celtic rock during the late 1980s and early 1990s. - **Cultural Appreciation**: By embracing traditional Irish music, The Waterboys helped elevate its status within mainstream rock culture. ### ****Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: *Fisherman's Blues* showcases a successful melding of genres that feels fresh even decades after its release. - **Emotional Depth**: The lyrics are rich with meaning and resonate on multiple levels, making them relatable across generations. - **Authenticity**: The organic production style enhances the listening experience by capturing genuine musical interactions among band members. #### Cons - **Mixed Reception Upon Release**: Some critics were disappointed by the departure from the band’s earlier sound, which may have affected initial sales. - **Pacing Issues**: Certain tracks may feel slower or less dynamic compared to more upbeat songs from previous albums, which could alienate some listeners seeking high-energy rock. - **Niche Appeal**: While beloved by many fans, the album's folk-oriented sound may not appeal to all rock enthusiasts who prefer more traditional rock formats. ### Conclusion In summary, *Fisherman's Blues* stands as a landmark album for The Waterboys, representing both a personal journey for Mike Scott and a broader exploration of musical traditions. Its lyrical richness combined with innovative musical arrangements has secured its place as one of the band's most celebrated works. Despite initial mixed reviews, its enduring influence on both fans and musicians alike underscores its significance in the evolution of alternative rock music.

Thoughts before listening: 80s pop rock band that mixes in Irish folk music sounds. I really like the title track to this album, but I don't think I have listened to the rest of it before. Review: I really like this album. These are anthemic pop rock songs that have a certain organic sound that really differentiates them from their 80s rock peers. Perhaps the utilization of traditional folk instrumentation could be interpreted as gimmicky, but I think it adds an element of authenticity missing from the more synth driven sounds of that era. The title track is a banger, but there are quite a few other songs here that I am enjoying. "We Will Not Be Lovers", "Sweet Thing", and "And a Bang on the Ear" are my favorites. 4-star album for me.

for some reason I love his voice (in a so bad it's good way?) and it fits their vibe perfectly

Odd choice. The album was not very successful in my country. It didn't chart at all, neither did any of the singles. I only knew one of their songs, Whole Of The Moon, and it's from a different album. I don't like that song very much. When I heard the first song of this album, I thought it wouldn't be for me. But it was. The bonus tracks are too much though. Favorite song: when will we be married.

I love the original sound of the Waterboys; they are like Mumford & Sons authentic old uncle. Take me to a pub somewhere with salty sea air and frothy Guinness and this band playing in the corner all night.

Nice

t the same time U2 was becoming the world’s biggest band, the Waterboys were creating music in a similar vein, so I am not sure why they didn’t find much of an audience in America. In any event I’ll be adding them to my regular rotation. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-fishermans-blues-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

I came in with no expectations at all and was blown away by the first few songs. I specially liked the instrumentation, the fiddle is great. The second half didn't interest me as much, but it was still good. Favorites: "Fisherman's Blues", "We Will Not Be Lovers", "World Party", "When Will We Be Married"

violin really adds to each song.

Pretty good.

not what I was expecting at all. we will not be lovers & sweet thing both phenomenal tracks.

I thought this was pretty good all around. I enjoyed the music, lyrics, style, and feel of this album. Something I will listen to again.

a really cool folk-rock album. it starts off with a bang with the title track, which i knew before listening to this album. the rest of the album is really interesting and pretty good, but there's not a whole lot here that meets the title track for me, at least after this listen. just a really solid, enjoyable, evocative folk record.

Definitely worth another listen.

Another most likely biased review due to this being a Scottish band, but I really enjoyed this based on disc1 alone. I don’t think disk 2 was in the orginal album so I’ll just ignore it and save my usual moan about it being too long. Love the upbeat vibe with this one, just a great feel good album. Added to my frequent rotation.

Now I want to go out and learn how to play the fiddle! It’s never sounded as cool as it does on Fisherman’s Blues This album is a brand new surprise. I’m shocked that this is so high-energy and so punk, but I think that’s part of its beauty, and its ethos. Sure, the interludes are a bit too dry, and there’s definitely some jam-band qualities here where I maybe didn’t need every song to be almost 10-minutes long, but the songs themselves are so great, so anthemic, and so seeped in culture. There’s really nothing about this record that I hate. I feel like I need to know more about this scene to know if Fisherman’s Blues is an essential listen, but I know for sure that it’s a great listen, and that’s all that matters to me.

Disk 1 is stronger than disk 2. Had they stopped at 1, I probably would have given this a five. Unfortunately, this drags post intermission in a way that could only benefit from editing. The Waterboys' embrace of their local sonic tradition is nothing but a positive for me. They are very good at the Irish rock sound, and I want more of it. Disk 1 is delightful ear-candy.

This is pretty awesome - solid folk. Makes me want a pint.

Really enjoyed a lot of this, some of it was too folky for me though.

If The Dubliners made music with Bruce Springsteen it might sound a bit like this. There is a comforting familiarity about it.

Кельтский Вор он Драгз, очень хорошо. Лучшая песня - The Stolen Child.

I've realised I really like som violin in my rock. The first hint of this was when we got "Mekons" and their very good track "Last Dance". I came to this conclusion since is also really dig "Fisherman's blues" which also is the only track I've heard from The Waterboys before. After the great "Fisherman's blues" we are treated to some nice rock and folk mix. I think they are at their best with their more uptempo songs like "Sweet Thing" and "And a Bang on the Ear". I don't get why they feel the need to do country standard like the "This land Is Your Land" and missing the political verses makes even less sense. All in all I enjoyed the album and it's a music style I really enjoyed. Weak 4.

A very good album

Big music is one of those "cheating" genres I find - the nature of it sort of forcefully makes sure I get at least some enjoyment out of it no matter what. It's all those damn layers and build-ups - it just *works*. This is a pretty ahead-of-its-time example of this, in a lot of ways, I found The Waterboys to be doing the triumphant, euphoric, violin-driven indie rock sounds nearly two decades before a band like Arcade Fire would (well equipped with a large number of members and everything!). Quite a few songs here have these endless layers of sound, with the violin being the real driver, cropping in with these tactile melodies that cut through dense oceans of sound. I can't help but sit back and enjoy this effect on songs like the title track, 'World Party' and especially 'We Will Not Be Lovers. The latter of which might be one of my favorite songs ever, like no joke, it's genuinely that beautiful - you just have to listen to it - the way it keeps building with the one constant sequenced violin melody rowing it forward is utterly mesmerizing. While it doesn't dive too deep into its Celtic identity like a band like the Pogues did (lyrically or instrumentally), it still manages to form a unique identity more or less, in a sort of folksy-pop way. I'm not as much a fan of the slower country-leaning tracks that wind the album down but I still very much enjoyed a song like 'And a Bang on the Ear' for example. Great stuff.

What a full sounding album this is, folk rock I am a fan. I knew the track Fisherman's Blues but was not familiar of the rest of the album, obviously I know 'This Land is Your Land' the Woody Guthrie classic. Stand out tracks: - Fisherman's Blues - We will not be lovers - World Party - When will we be married

- 3 because it's not like these guys can't play, they're clearly good musicians and they care about this music, ..... at a certain point, I didn't. I'm sure it's a failing on my part so +1 = 4 ... -

Great fun. That tickled a folksy fancy.

This is up my alley. Never heard of them before.

That was a great cleaning the house album.

Wouldn't have ever thought i'd like this, but i'm damn impressed.

First time listening to this band. The twangy and folky feel from this album reached me

It's no whole of the moon.

POV: you're at the county fair. Between eating shitty food, observing the irritated, underpaid workers, and wondering if rodeos are really ethical, you tune into your ears and realize "Damn, the band playing is really good!" For real though, this band slaps. There's a oddly noisy component to this album that works really well, it kind of elevates the eclectic nature of this album. They achieve this with a broader set of instruments than your usual folk group, with each section getting its own strong part to play in it all. Some songs here and there are a bit plain, but I see myself coming back to this and smiling.

Fun sound ! 4 stars

My expectations couldn't be any lower: unremarkable cover, "blues" in the title. Then without noticing I'm swaying in the bed fully immersed in the music. Immaculate vibe in the first two songs. A lot going on in the instrumentals. I think I just like fiddles

Quite nice

Great folksy album. Long. Chill. Good background noise

Nice pace of music never heard of them before but enjoy it

I really liked this album, but it was way too long, especially the last song. Fun music, though. Entertaining.

4-, te folkowe są całkiem fajne

Open the Door, hear the sound and a pint for free to all guest with Irish father and a scotch Mother. Tolles Album das einen gedanklich auf die britischen Inseln bringt. Man hört Folk ind Rockklänge die gut aufeinander abgestimmt sind. Great Songs are „And A Bang On The Ear“ and „Fisherman’s Blues“, „When We Will Be married“ (Tip) and the 2005 Bonus Track „Meet me at the Station“. will come back.

I like it fine. There are 3-4 really good tracks. 3.75

While music like this isn't something I listen to, I distinctly remember family members listening to it when I was a kid. I think it's because of that, the album feels somewhat whimsical in a way to me, with instruments played for the joy of playing. Some tracks did feel like they blended together at places, but overall it was a fun listen.

Very serene

What a monster of an album.

The first two tracks are amazing. I think The Waterboys are one of the reasons why a genre shift isn't always a terrible idea. Also, it has aged well since the 80s. Unfortunately, the overall greatness isn't always consistent throughout the album. At least "Fishermen's Blues" is better than I expected. 4 stars from me.

Liked it

This is not normally something I would listen to. But I really enjoyed this.

I love Celtic music and bands that incorporate Celtic music into rock — The Young Dubliners, The Corrs, even U2 — all my jam. The first half of this album was really good. Good pop/rock music that incorporates fiddles and other elements of Celtic music. A little less punk than The Pogues and with a much better singer. I was digging it a lot. Then there's an abrupt shift about halfway through the album where it switches entirely to traditional Celtic standards. Still pretty good songs, but man, what a weird choice. I get why this album perplexed fans and critics at the time. Taken separately, the first and second halves are both really good. But they should have either mixed the tracks together or just picked one style. I'll give it a 4/5 because it was still a fun listen, but it's probably really a 3.5 because of the jarring change in style.

Always get nervous when I see Disc 1/Disc etc. but the opening/title track is SO GOOD. Disc 1 is easily a 5/5, second half loses me (2.5), so a 4/5 it gets

This is also the music of my people, but this album doesn’t have the Dubliners on it

Good bit of folk, I guess the Irish influence can be heard from me mostly through the violin bits (very good in the second track). Very Dylan-esque first track, interesting take on Blackbird too.

it's giving..... ireland? (even though they're from the UK i looked it up)

I've heard of The Waterboys, but the only song of theirs that I'm familiar with is "The Whole Of The Moon" from the album that came out before this one (it's a badass jam, and The Killers covered it live, and that version kicks ass too). This album was a really pleasant surprise. The first half of the album was definitely better than the second half, but it was still great overall. The musical arrangements were beautiful, and I loved how the band was able to create an album that has a solid folk rock feel, but the album still has several hallmarks of music from the late eighties (ethereal backing vocals, sophisti-pop adjacent/art pop string and piano arrangements, and a few songs that were more in the vein of pop-rock). The lyrics were great, and I loved that the album ended with their brief cover of Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." I loved the fiddle playing and other string arrangements throughout the album. Those elements really set this album apart from other art-pop-esque albums from the same period. All of the songs were really unique, but the album still felt very cohesive from start to finish. This was a fun surprise, and I'd probably revisit this album.

Reminds me of Grateful dead! Super cool and loved the exploratory feel of the album. Never heard before.

Great album - some weird parts, but overall excellent.

Fisherman’s Blues” by The Waterboys was a delightful surprise. Initially hesitant due to past experiences with Celtic rock, notably The Pogues’ “If I Should Fall from Grace With God,” which felt forced and insincere, I found “Fisherman’s Blues” to be refreshingly authentic. Unlike The Pogues’ contrived attempts at creating Celtic pub anthems, The Waterboys’ album feels genuine, focusing on creating high-quality music rather than pandering to a specific pub atmosphere. While it’s undoubtedly suitable for a pub setting, it doesn’t try too hard to be rowdy pub music. Authentic Celtic music for the pub environment should naturally evoke that vibe, not force it.

I've been in some type of mood for this type of music lately. Definitely good for the occasional listen.

Irish folk influence. Sounds like Dylan in parts.

I love the Waterboys. Have several of their songs in heavy rotation but not from this album

Enjoyed this and can hear the big influence it must have had on indie/folk rock that followed it, including Freightened Rabbit (my favorite Scottish folk rock band). Loved the Van Morrison cover. The violin makes everything sound more epic. 3.5 and rounding up.

3.5

Very unique music; unlike anything I've ever heard before. The mix of rock, folk, and the twinge of sea shanty sounds make it a very fun listen. Some of the songs began to sound a bit same-y, but overall I enjoyed the album quite a bit and there were no songs that I could not listen to.

I was expecting to hate this. Like, come on, ugly green cover with the lamest dudes ever just standing there, probably some boring blues music, and it's an hour long? A recipe for disaster. So, I'm happy to report that I loved it. This is actually a really beautiful celtic folk album that brews a devious potion of farm music and Bilbo Baggins Shire "let's go on a quest"-ass music. It slaps. Even stayed for some of the bonus tracks. "Carolan's Welcome" specifically was incredible. Powerful shit. Gave me chills. Strong 4/5. Missed St. Patrick's Day by two weeks.

This really caught my attention. It is tagged as Folk Rock, and I suppose that fits. I’d be tempted to call it Americana, except it’s Irish. And a little more upbeat/rocking. And less stripped down in the sound. It reminds me a lot of a band Three O’Clock Train, and their 1987 album “Muscle In”. But that’s not helpful, since they’re pretty unknown. All that said: I really like this… a lot. Note: Spotify has a “collectors edition” with a whole second disc of material. I only listened to the original track list (disc 1 in Spotify).

I like it. It's a fun sound, bunch of songs I liked.

Never heard this one before but I really liked it. I think this band and The Alarm and Big Country got lumped in as U2 wannabees but this album, by going back to their Celtic roots, certainly stands out as unique. Solid album.

This low key ripped. Love me some Irish influenced music. Ty list for giving this to me in March ☘️

Album Nr. 71 Guter, klassischer Rock.

Very pleasant to listen to

It was like..boring? But not in a bad way. Idk man

Irish Tom Petty 80’s vibe

Damn this was pretty good! 1st listen 3.5/5

This was an interesting listen for sure

I mostly liked

A bit of a Celtic vibe (might actually be?) with some nice peppy songs sprinkled in. Was a particular fan of 'And a Bang on the Ear'!

this has some really good songs but a few forgettable songs. i really do think i have a thing for folk rock, it always sounds great in my eyes. i liked the instrumentals a lot, a lot going on in them. some songs dragged out a bit long but i had no issue with the songs themselves.

The Waterboys - Fisherman's Blues I enjoyed this one. Irish/rock/folk music. I understand that this album was a departure from their last album but hearing this one I think they were on the right path. 4/5

Loved this album, I felt like this inspired bands in America like Railroad Earth. Great blend of traditional music with rock elements

Loved it!! I knew Fisherman’s blues of course but it was a great listen all the way through. Almost a five…

I'm fish not fisherman

Oh boy, water album! The name may sound like a cough sweet, but it’s my ears that were soothed! I’ll definitely be listening again, but probably not to the somewhat problematic “And a Bang on the Ear”

The Waterboys are one John M’s favourites, so a bit of a nostalgia going here. Lovely bit of work, nice to hear a cover Sweet Thing which is one of my favourite songs. Shame it didn’t have Whole of the Moon on there, because that is a stone cold banger! Simpsons reference: No

Very nice album. Could imagine giving this an even higher rating if I listened more and got to know the tracks.

This is simply fantastic. Great musicians making great tunes. I had to get used to the singers style but after I did I felt it complimented the music very well. The mandolin is such an underutilized instrument. The later half of the album slows down a bit and leans much more into the English Folk sound, lingering just a tad. Very solid album. 8/10

Tbh, I was not expecting to like this album or music. But I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it! It felt sort of country, but without the country; maybe soft/light rock? Anyway, it felt good and was positive; reminded me a bit of O.A.R. Glad I came across this and look forward to more!

Very nice

What a treat. An hour forty-five is way too long but I’m really loving the more traditional sounding stuff on disk two so I’m not sorry it’s there.

Something about Irish/Celtic music reaches a part of my soul - not sure if this is ancestral or just how a lot of people feel about Irish melodies. The best of this album were the more traditionally leaning songs, and the worst in my opinion were the generic poppy ones. I recognized a few 80’s hits here, but the ones I didn’t recognize were the true winners. Listened to “When Will We Be Married” quite a few times on Friday and it was stuck in my head all weekend. Kind of to the point of it burning out, but my, what a song! The Waterboys found a new fan this weekend; I really enjoyed this album. Four stars.

Lots of Van Morrison vibes in that shambolic, urgent way. The WB's are always floating around in the background and I've never done them the decency of listening to a range of their catalog, as I know it varies greatly. This is one that I may not get my groove on that often, but I appreciate the songwriting complexities along with its straightforward earnestness. And a Bang on the Ear hits me hard...maybe it just took 7 tracks in to get me warmed up?

Pleasantly surprised by this one.

I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics, but the music was lovely. It's not my favorite rendition of Yeats' "The Stolen Child," though.

I used to listen to bands like The Waterboys, Silly Wizard and Planxty a lot in my youth. I'd forgotten just how much I enjoyed them all. Really enjoyed listening to them again.

ferli indzojabl

Aptly named, cohesive album. I loved the fiddle and shanty town sound. It is just too long.

A pleasant surprise. I really wasn’t sure what to make of this based on its description. But I really enjoyed it. Definitely top heavy, with the livelier, more up-tempo numbers coming in the first half. But still a good listen throughout. Very defined sound. You can tell they’d been at it for a while as a band (despite the ever changing lineup). Overall, a good time if you want a folk album reminiscent of Dylan in his prime.

Had no idea what to expect going in, so I just hit play and was immediately FLOORED by how good the first song was. Then the album continued on to be extremely good. This one is gonna spend some quality time in my ears.

Completely new to me and although I am not big on folk-rock this was a real treat. A lot of pulse, emotion and a live feel.

I thought I'd like this a lot less based off of name alone but this is a cool folk rock record. Reminds me of James but with more of a bluegrass/folk twang to it. Lots of good playing and there is an effortlessness to chemistry of the songs. This is like your favorite bar band that's played forever.

Prva stvar masu podsjeća na war on drugs odnosno obrnuto😃

I was pleasantly surprised by this album

I love the raspy vocals. Almost a Pougues “love you til the end” vibe. 2nd track a real U2 meets the chieftains vibe. I wonder if this album had any influence on Flogging Molly?

I feel like such a broken record, but this is yet another one that I enjoyed enough, but can't see myself returning to often. They're obviously talented and make incredible music, it's just not MY thing. I was incredibly amazed at how they were able to combine the folksy/bluegrass sound with the very 80s, almost synth vibe. For current listeners of red dirt or more modern bluegrass music, I think this one could become a new old favorite, but not for me.

I was pleasantly surprised by this album, an album by a British/Irish band from the 80s that I had never heard of (dammit1001 albums, just when I was starting to give up on your over representation of British bands that never made it across the pond, now I can't quit you)! The mix of traditional Irish music with rock made this album sound like it could have been plucked from the late 2000s/early 2010s indie folk revival and I am here for it. From the Wikipedia article, this album may have represented a departure from a bigger 80s rock sound but I will be checking out more of their catalogue to see if I can find more like this.

They have a calm and pleasing sound and hadn’t heard of them before

Someone gave me a Waterboys album once and I was a bit confused as to why. However, surprisingly I LOVED the first few songs on this, they have this very late 80s vibe that feels very nostalgic for me. Definitely going on my playlist. Also enjoy the Mike Scott's shortened 'whoo-' vocal tic.

Nice Album...

01) Fisherman's Blues - 10,0 02) We Will Not Be Lovers - 8,0 03) Strange Boat - 8,0 04) World Party - 7,5 05) Sweet Girl - 7,5 06) Jimmy Hickey's Waltz - 8,0 07) And a Bang on the Ear - 8,5 08) Has Anybody Here Seen Hank? - 7,5 09) When Will We Be Married? - 7,0 10) When Ye Go Away - 7,5 11) Dunford's Fancy - 6,0 12) The Stolen Child - 8,0 13) This Land Is Your Land - 6,0 TOTAL: 7,65 (77/100) I love track #1 "Fisherman's Blues". The rest of the album is also good, very pleasant listening, unlike some albums on this list :-)

Lots of fun!

Fisherman's Blues - enjoyable. I love the way We Will Not Be Lovers starts - this instrumentation combo is super cool, strings and drums, bass. This is the sort of music Bruce Springsteen would've made if he was Irish. That song was really great. Strange Boat a bit of a comedown afterwards. World Party piano almost gives me Steely Dan vibes. Hmm then goes in a very 80s direction I'm not such a fan of. Sweet Thing, Jimmy Hickey's Waltz, And a Bang on the Ear all sort of just passed me by. I really like the start of this album, but it kinda fades away and drags for me. I could give or take most of the second half. Fave Track: We Will Not Be Lovers 3.6/5

tiene violin 🦋

Love this album. Love Irish music. Good mix of rock. Not too heavy. Very folk.

Man this was a bop for how long it was

Loved it! Steeped in Irish influence and full of life. The album was super long and definitely could have benefited from being shorter, though.

A good album, it was nice to listen to while commuting to and from work. I especially like When Will We Be Married.

Very good folk rock

Well this was much better than I was expecting based on the cover and title. I like the singer... those are some real nice vocals. He doesn't sound like he should be singing in this kind of band, more like he should be in a rock/indie band or something. I like the mix of fiddles alongside the kind of upbeat rocky numbers. Some nice mandolin in there too. It turns way more traditional towards the end of the first half, which is quite a nice way to end I think. The songs are very nice. They're very tight musically and it's all solid. I was going to say it was way too long, until I realised the original album is just the effective first half of the special edition. That makes it a much more appetising package I think and means it doesn't outstay its welcome.

It's funny. In my youth I listened a lot to The Levellers. I even listened to World Party a fair bit. But I never listened to this. Why? The title track is just absolutely joyous. The second is much more of that full sounding 80s rock, reminds me somewhat of Simple Minds, but with a pulsating bass and fiddle driving it ever forward. The next couple of tracks don't grab me. Ah ok this is where Karl Wallinger first used the World Party name. I actually want a full album of the first track please, just inject that in to my veins. I think I do get a bit tired of it as it goes along but it's an enjoyable listen. My second favourite was probably When ye Go Away though, and the Keats tracks is quite sweet. I definitely want an album full of that first track, which is probably why I listened to The Levellers so much.

Pretty good

Unknown to me previously, but I love me some folk rock. Great album. The Van Morrisson cover took it over the top for me. That song is not easy to cover. Acoustic instruments and Celtic flourishes throughout, epic subject matter, vaguely religious overtones. Excellent.

Listened Before? No Album Art: 1 / 5 (as far as creative decisions go, this is not one of them) Two songs in, this is fine, but I don't really care about it too much. It feels kind of like Tracy Chapman mixed with Dave Matthew's Band with more traditional folk elements infused. It's fine, for what it is, I just don't love it. The longer I listen, the more I'm pulled into this album's orbit. I've enjoyed it being there in the background even if it hasn't reached out and grabbed my full attention. Production is quality and song writing on a few songs really is quite nice. Okay, I have been oddly swept away by this one. At first I got DMB vibes, but the more I listen, the more I see a common thread to The Decemberists and other similar artists. This isn't something I will go out of my way to listen to, but I enjoyed it a hell of a lot more than I would have expected. Really enjoy the dense arrangements and the calls back to traditional elements of Irish folk music that is intermixed with more standard pop-rock. 3.5 / 5 and I'll round up because I actually was enjoying this enough to listened to the bonus tracks. Added to Library? Yes Songs Added to Playlists: - When Ye Go Away (Sunny-vibes)

This band sounds like a combination of Dave Matthews Band and Widespread Panic. I am really digging it 4 songs in. Holy hell I just looked at their Wikipedia and they have like 75 past members. Not sure if the album went on too long or if it just got a bit too folky for me, but the first half was much better than the second half. Started at a sneaky 5 but fell to a 4 because I still really liked it.

Thought it would be more bluegrass, folksy stuff but was impressed.

Fun group of songs

Pleasant

Somehow I didnt expect much but this is really good

I was lucky enough to see the Waterboys in Cork in the late 80s. This is a beautiful album, made with a lot of passion

As pop or rock music, it's just OK. But the Irish folk-inspired component is great. The guys on the fiddles and the wind instrument section are great.

4/5. Another album that my father had shown me previously, but I didn’t appreciate. I love the Irish undertones and especially the song “Has Anyone Seen Hank?”

Sick

Loved it!

Fine album. Only previously heard Fisherman's Blues which I like a lot, but plenty more on here that resonates, particularly And a bang on the ear and a good cover of Van Morrison's Sweet Thing. The additional album's worth of material is okay, but this was stronger as the original single LP

Lovely album - there’s a lot to chew here - but despite the length it keeps interesting and varied and it’s gorgeous in many places.

I mean yeah this really is just beats to fish to. They understood the assignment. 4.5/5 stars

Enjoyed the Waterboys! After listening to Sinead O’Connor’s “I Do Not Want…” album, a Waterboys song played next as Spotify often chooses a related artist’s song. Well, they are Irish. And British. And Welsh. And Scots so… This album is an amalgam of Irish folk tinged rock and roll. Favorite songs with “Fisherman’s Blues” (including the alternative version) "And a Bang on the Ear". Despite being awfully long, it’s a really good album.

Very cool folk music! Loved it.

J'ai bien aimé le folk melangé avec le trad et les arrangements musicaux. Ca sonne vraiment bien. 4

This album is so uneven, but now I think it's probably part of its charm. My obvious favourite is 'We will not be lovers', which is hypnotising and has been following me for a week

Really really enjoyed this! Songs like 'You in the Sky' give off grandios Dylan's-next-door-neighbour vibes - the classic Celtic sounds peppered in made for a varied but not chaotic listening experience. Big fan!

There was a jamminess here that was very fun, but they did let it get away from themselves a little too much unfortunately. But the lead singer was so charismatic it still was pulled off anyway.

How come I did not know anything about The Waterboys before? From the very first song in this album, I was 100% in. The Waterboys is one of those bands with a distinctive, engaging sound. Charming lyrics are spread all over the song list. They have some beautiful stories to share and know how to play a variety of instruments to support their storytelling. Great album!

Still ok

Enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would!

This album sounds like the forerunner to Mumford and Son, Bon Iver and other folk rock acts. Pretty good, I'd listen again.

Pretty pretty good

Didn’t think I’d enjoy Irish folk music this much

Surprised to say I enjoyed this

It's a genre you absolutely 100% have to be into or else it comes across overblown. I can hear the quality though

A delightful reconnection the scenery of the region the musicians call home

Celtic and Folky and just wonderful. Gonna knock a star for some of the tracks that are 9 minutes long and DONT NEED TO BE.

I really enjoyed this! Its a very different style for me but I'd listen again.

Refreshingly fun.

I have to admit I enjoyed this album may more than I expected. While it's not really my musical taste, the fiddle is a bit much, and the album goes on far too long, something about it touches some deep part of me. An alternate universe version of me is completely in love with this album, and some of that comes through in this universe too.

Got into a bit of a rabbit on this one. Know the album pretty well, but things I learned afterward. 1. Scottish band 2. Karl Wallinger, of World Party was a part of the band prior to this album. He was part of the Waterboys during ‘Whole of the Moon.’ And left the band during that tour. 3. There is a song called ‘World Party’ on this album. Not sure if the timeline on all that.

Pleasant

Pleasantly surprised by this album.

Solid

Happy folk is nice folk.

This starts so strong, the title track is, to coin a phrase 'a banger', real 80/90's polished, get up and jig, Irish folk-pop at its best. But unless you're a huge fan of the genre, it's a loooooong album.

The front half of this was amazing (kinda reminds me of the levellers if any of you lot know them). The back half isn’t that good though in comparison (still quite good though) 4/5

Irish chill vibes

Album très sympa mais je connais trop peu la musique irish pour savoir si c'est une master pièce 4*

PREFS : Fisherman's Blues, We Will Not Be Lovers, World Party, Sweet Thing, And a Bang on the Ear, The Stolen Child MOINS PREF : Jimmy Hickey's Waltz

Leuke Ierse(?) folk

never even heard of the band - liked it a lot

This album is more ambitious and innovative than it sounds at first. While not every song on here is a hit, the Waterboy's have pulled off an expansive, varied and powerful record with this one. The highs on this (Fisherman's Blues, The Stolen Child, When Will Be Married, Sweet Thing) belong in the Himalaya's. The title track itself is one of the finest songs going, regardless of genre. Perhaps it's my Irish roots and familiarity with a few of these numbers but it's a great craic, pour me a big creamy guiness please Mike.

Wowzas, they're more than just the whole of the moon. This is a god damn masterpiece. I was tasting notes of rod Stewart, cranberries, U2 all topped off with some frenetic fiddling that only a fully fit Brian gleeson could match. We will not be lovers absolute banger, plenty of slower tunes to keep a lovely flow. Pair this with a glass of Campo rioja and you've got yourself an evening to remember. Kudos.

80's Scottish folk-rock. I think it is pretty dang good. I would probably pick this over U2 most days. My wife got me one of their records for my birthday a few years ago and now whenever I listen to them I think about her. That alone makes this album a 4-5 stars.

This was a great listen, Loads of good stuff going on. I imagine The Waterboys would have been a hoot live.

I have never heard of this band, but this record was quite enjoyable.

A deeply beautiful record.

If you had told me this album was released within the last 10 years, I would have believed you. It still has a very relevant sound that many indie bands are trying to evoke. It has a fun energy and I'm a sucker for fiddle, so I really enjoyed this.

Well, I was going to complain that this album was way too long, but I accidentally listened to most of a deluxe version. I kinda don’t regret it, though. My thought process going into this, having seen the (incorrect) long running time, was "Dimery, this better damn well be good!" But it didn't disappoint! I preferred the first half of the album with more of the rock vibes, but the more traditional Irish and Scottish stuff was pretty good, too. The first few tracks reminded me of early U2. I LOVED “We Will Not Be Lovers” and listened to it numerous times already.

Folk rock is a good choice. This is a great album at first. I've actually heard Strange Boat before. As it goes on, it gets a bit further into the weeds. Still interesting, but less folk rock and more generic irish.

Unapologetically loved it. Love me some Celtic vibes

Very good album. Nice listening experience

Thoroughly original and consistently enjoyable, can't wait to revisit. Also the album is only 12 songs long, everyone heard the collectors edition and was shocked when it had more songs. A great record.

A suave businessman named Peter once told me to eat all my vegetables, so I ate a disabled baby alive.