The Waterboys: The Good, The Bad, and The Controversial

As a Scottish rock band, The Waterboys sailed in to the 80s with their debut album ‘The Waterboys’ and captured the hearts of many listeners. Though controversy followed the group around about their tempos and lyrical depth, there is no denying that they have produced some of Scotland’s greatest music over the years. To this day, fans both old and new can enjoy timeless classics like “The Whole Of The Moon” from 1985. But what are some of The Waterboy's weaker songs? What were some missteps taken by the band throughout their career? Read on as we explore both sides – something critical and something positive – regarding one of Scotland's most popular groups!

As a Scottish rock band, The Waterboys were one of the most influential groups to come out of the UK in the 80s. They captured the hearts of many listeners with their debut album ‘The Waterboys.' Throughout their career, the band also faced criticism and controversy, particularly around their lyrics and tempos. However, there is no denying that they have produced some of Scotland's greatest music over the years. Fans of all ages can appreciate timeless classics like “The Whole Of The Moon,” but what are some of their weaker songs? What were some missteps taken by the band throughout their career? This blog post will explore both sides - the critical and the positive - regarding one of Scotland's most popular groups.

Let's start with the good. The Waterboys are known for their unique blend of rock, folk, and Celtic music. They produced iconic tracks that are still being played today, including “The Whole Of The Moon,” “Fisherman's Blues,” and “Don't Bang The Drum.” They also had a knack for creating songs that were both poetic and powerful, which can be seen in tracks like “The Pan Within” and “This Is The Sea.” Additionally, they had a reputation for putting on electric live performances that thrilled audiences across the world.

However, like any band, The Waterboys also produced some weaker songs. One example is “The Return Of Jackie And Judy,” which was a cover of a classic Ramones song. While the original was straight punk rock, The Waterboys tried to add some of their Celtic flair to it, which didn't quite work. Another misstep was the remix of “And A Bang On The Ear” that was released in 1991. The original version was a beautiful, folky tune. Still, the remix was more dance-oriented, and the change didn't sit well with some fans.

That said, controversy also followed The Waterboys around. Some fans and music critics felt that the band's lyrics were often too cryptic or nonsensical, making them difficult to understand. In contrast, others praised the band for their poetry and metaphorical language. Then, there was the criticism about their tempos. Some felt that The Waterboys played too fast, while others appreciated the energy that the band brought to their music.

In conclusion, The Waterboys are a band that evokes a wide range of emotions and opinions from fans and critics alike. They have produced some of Scotland's greatest music over the years, delivering timeless classics like “The Whole Of The Moon” and “Fisherman's Blues,” but also had their share of missteps, producing weaker tunes. It's essential to note that, regardless of any criticism or controversy, The Waterboys will always be remembered for their unique sound and contributions to the rock and folk genres.