Artist: Dropkick Murphys Album: The Meanest of Times

Year: 2007
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Dropkick Murphys' The Meanest of Times

The Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys has been a staple in the punk music scene for over 20 years. Their sixth album, The Meanest of Times, was released in 2007 and is considered one of their best works to date. This album features 19 tracks blending traditional Irish folk music and punk rock. In this critical review, I will dive into the history of Dropkick Murphys, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and my overall critique of The Meanest of Times.

Dropkick Murphys was formed in 1996 in Quincy, Massachusetts. The band started by playing in small clubs around the Boston area and eventually gained recognition for their blend of Celtic folk music and punk rock. Their music is heavily influenced by Irish culture, with instruments such as bagpipes and mandolins blended with punk rock elements. The Meanest of Times is a showcase of this combination of styles, with the songs ranging from fast-paced punk rock to slower folk ballads.

The genre of The Meanest of Times can be described as Celtic punk. This genre has gained popularity over the years, with bands such as Flogging Molly and The Pogues also utilizing traditional Irish music in their punk rock sound. The album's songs have a distinct Irish influence, with lyrics about Irish history, culture, and the struggles of Irish immigrants in the United States. This unique blend of genres creates an infectious and upbeat sound that is hard not to tap your foot to.

The album has several standout songs, with The State of Massachusetts being one of the most recognizable to fans of the band. The song tells the story of a young girl in a reform school and features a catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. Other notable songs include Fairmount Hill, which tells the story of a man returning home to Ireland, and Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya, a traditional folk song with added punk rock elements. Each song on the album showcases the band's musical talents and unique style.

One of the most innovative parts of The Meanest of Times is the band's use of different instruments throughout the album. In addition to the traditional guitar, bass, and drums, the band incorporates bagpipes, accordion, and tin whistle into their songs. This creates a distinct sound that sets them apart from other punk rock bands. The band's use of gang vocals, where multiple band members sing together, also adds to the album's overall sound and feel.

My overall critique of The Meanest of Times is that it is a standout album for the band. The blend of traditional Irish folk music and punk rock elements creates a unique and infectious sound that is hard not to love. The album's lyrics are also a standout, with songs about Irish history and culture that resonate with listeners. The only downside to the album is its length; with 19 songs, it can be overwhelming to listen to in one sitting. However, this is only a minor issue and does not detract from the overall quality of the album.

Dropkick Murphys' The Meanest of Times is a must-listen for fans of Celtic punk music. The band's unique blend of traditional Irish folk music and punk rock elements creates an infectious sound that is hard not to love. The album's standout songs, innovative use of different instruments, and powerful lyrics make it a standout in the band's discography. While it may be a bit overwhelming to listen to in one sitting due to its length, this is only a minor issue. Overall, The Meanest of Times is a standout album that showcases the band's musical talents and unique style.