When I saw the Dropkick Murphys in March of 2000, they played a new song called “Good Rats.” I absolutely loved the song and was psyched when I saw that it was a track on Punk-O-Rama Volume 5. Recently I bought the new album so I could hear the rest of the songs that I had been looking forward to for so long.

The album was awesome and lived up to the high standards of the Dropkick Murphys. Ironically, the only song I was not impressed with was the new version of “Good Rats.” Shane McGowan slurs the lyrics and actually sounds bored. I guess he's supposed to be sounding drunk, but it just doesn't work well on the song.

But the rest of “Sing Loud, Sing Proud” does not disappoint. It opens with “For Boston,” which I of course love since I am a Masshole as well as a fan of Boston sports. The rest of the album continues to effectively weave Celtic sounds (tin whistle, bagpipes, bodhran, mandolin, accordion) into rocking punk tunes. Rockingest of all is “The Gauntlet,” a fast-paced song that should have been an easy pick for radio play. It's the perfect rowdy rally cry with its chorus of "Stand up and fight! And I'll stand up with you! We shall succeed!"

As usual, the Murphys put their own punk spin on traditional Irish songs. This time they cover “The Rocky Road to Dublin” and “The Wild Rover.” It is nearly impossible to keep from singing along to the chorus of “No, nay, never! No, nay never, no more!”

Along with fun tunes, the Murphys also convey serious messages in their songs as well. "The New American Way" talks about putting your best foot forward even when the rest of the world doesn't want to do the same. "The Torch" tells the story of an ignorant, hateful old man who passes the torch of bitterness to the younger generation. But sad songs are few on this album. The Murphys would rather be cheerful, especially on the absolutely beautiful "Forever": "Inspired me truly you did from the start/ To not be afraid and to follow my heart/ There's a piece of you with me they can't tear apart/ Forever."

The album wraps up with the “Spicy McHaggis Jig,” a fun song about their bagpipe player’s fetish for large women. The Jig has my vote for one of the most fun songs ever.

This album is fun for any fan of punk and/or Irish music. But if you want a better version of “Good Rats” I suggest downloading it or purchasing Punk-O-Rama Vol. 5.



Also from the Dropkick Murphys:

Do Or Die
The Gang's All Here
Blackout
The Warrior’s Code
The Meanest of Times
Live On St. Patrick's Day
Tessie
The Singles Collection Vol. 2
Concert Review
Warped Tour
On the Road With the Dropkick Murphys



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends