It opens with “The Lonesome Boatman,” which is comprised of soothing melodies, and it is followed by the uptempo and aggressive “Rebels with a Cause” and “Blood,” the latter of which is one massive vocal celebration.
They show their fans how to have a good time on the upbeat and youthful “Sandlot,” which has a liberating vibe and it immediately breaks into “First Class Loser” and the infectious “Paying My Way,” which stands out as one of the album’s best tracks. It continues with the spitfire “I Had a Hat” and equally fun is “Kicked to the Curb.”
Their cover of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a track that was made to be played in large venues and arenas, while “4-15-13” is a poignant tribute to the Boston Marathon bombing. Their CD closes with “Until the Next Time,” which is a great song for them to perform in their live shows as their closing tune.
On March 12, Dropkick Murphys will be playing a show at The Paramount in Huntington on Long Island.
The Verdict
Overall, there is a lot of variety on Dropkick Murphys latest studio album, 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory, which has an equal balance of up-tempo and nonchalant tracks. It is worth more than just a passing glance. This band sure knows how to rock.
To learn more about Dropkick Murphys, their concerts and new album, check out their official website.