Top 10 Songs From The Waterboys

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Our top 10 songs list from The Waterboys showcases a distinguished folk-rock ensemble, drawing members primarily from Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales. Mike Scott, the group’s founder, who also served as a singer, pianist, and guitarist, initiated The Waterboys during his tenure with Another Pretty Face. Initially, Scott was the sole member, engaging in solo recordings at Redshop Studio. His venture, Red and the Black, though short-lived, brought together saxophonist Anthony Thistlewaite and drummer Kevin Wilkinson, both of whom became instrumental in the formation of The Waterboys.

The early sound of the band, encapsulated in “The Big Music” from their album A Pagan Place, symbolized a spirited embrace of paganism, drawing inspiration from bands known for their anthemic qualities. The Waterboys’ musical direction took a significant turn towards folk influences, enriching their repertoire with notable songs before circling back to their rock roots. A hiatus ensued in 1993 when Mike Scott ventured into a solo career, only for The Waterboys to reconvene seven years later. Scott remarked upon the reunion that he perceived little distinction between his solo work and the band’s identity. Throughout the band’s evolution, Mike Scott has been the steadfast figure amidst numerous lineup changes, particularly before the turn of the millennium. This top 10 compilation captures the essence of The Waterboys, a band whose legacy is marked by a fusion of rock and folk influences.

# 10 – World Party

Kicking off our top 10 songs from The Waterboys is “World Party” from their acclaimed fourth studio album, Fisherman’s Blues. The collaboration of Mike Scott, Karl Wallinger, and Trevor Hutchinson breathed life into the song, drawing lyrical inspiration from the global music event, Live Aid. The standout fiddle and piano melodies within “World Party” have captivated folk-rock enthusiasts, contributing significantly to the song’s positive reception. Moreover, the track holds a special place as it marked Karl Wallinger’s departure from The Waterboys to form his own band, aptly named after this very song, serving as a memorable send-off.

# 9 – Don’t Bang The Drum

Featured on the band’s third studio album, This is the Sea, “Don’t Bang the Drum” stands out as an exceptional opening track, showcasing the remarkable songwriting talents of Mike Scott and Karl Wallinger. Roddy Lorimer’s exceptional trumpet solo sets a captivating tone right from the start, drawing listeners in with its allure. The song is renowned for its heartfelt appeal to the listeners, urging them to embrace their unique brilliance and eccentricities.

# 8 – We Will Not Be Lovers

Securing the eighth spot in our Top 10 songs from The Waterboys list is “We Will Not Be Lovers.” The song makes a compelling entrance with its foreboding fiddle melodies, which stand out amidst the ensemble, enriching the track with a pronounced folk flair. Accompanied by the mandolin, the arrangement is further bolstered by dynamic drum and bass lines, lending the song a potent rock edge. At its core, the song’s narrative is a forthright refusal of a romantic relationship, communicated through straightforward and impactful lyrics.

# 7 – The Soul Singer

Occupying the seventh position in our Top 10 songs from The Waterboys list is the vibrant “The Soul Singer.” This track stands out as a remarkable R&B number, echoing a sound that feels like it could have emerged straight out of Motown in 1967. The horn lines are particularly captivating, adding a rich layer to this standout track. The arrangement of the horns brings to mind the work of Steven Van Zandt with Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes during the 1970s, showcasing a similar blend of soulful energy and musical sophistication. “The Soul Singer” is featured on the album Good Luck, Seeker, which was unveiled in 2020, adding a modern classic to The Waterboys’ discography.

#6 – Strange Boat

Included in our top 10 songs from The Waterboys list is “Strange Boat” from the album Fisherman’s Blues. This track stands out for its poetic depiction of a journey, initially by boat and subsequently by car, using the voyage as a metaphor for a challenging yet marvelous expedition. Mike Scott, the band’s lead vocalist, has revealed an intriguing dual meaning behind the use of “boat” in the song, with the second interpretation relating to the band members themselves. Furthermore, “Strange Boat” delves into The Waterboys’ reflections on their sudden rise to fame and success, making it a significant and introspective piece in their catalog.

# 5 – A Man Is In Love

“A Man is in Love” from The Waterboys’ 1990 album, Room to Roam, beautifully encapsulates the nuances of love in its brief runtime. The song elegantly portrays how a man in love might act, from openly expressing his feelings to the more intimate gesture of softly murmuring the name of his beloved with his eyes shut. These subtle yet profound behaviors serve as indicators of a man’s deep emotional connection and affection.

#4 – And a Bang on the Ear

“And a Bang on the Ear,” a standout folk-rock track from The Waterboys’ acclaimed album Fisherman’s Blues, showcases the songwriting prowess of Mike Scott. The song’s excellence propelled it to the top of the charts in Ireland and ensured its significant presence on the UK Singles Chart. For Mike Scott, this track represented the breakthrough he had long aspired to achieve with The Waterboys. Indeed, the song’s success affirmed its status as a hit, with some considering it a genuine folk anthem that perfectly encapsulates the band’s embraced heritage.

# 3 – Fisherman’s Blue

Topping our list of The Waterboys’ songs is “Fisherman’s Blues” from their celebrated 1988 album of the same name. This standout track played a significant role in establishing Fisherman’s Blues as the band’s most beloved and top-selling album. The inspiration behind “Fisherman’s Blues” stemmed from Mike Scott’s personal turmoil during a challenging period after a relationship breakup. Additionally, Scott drew lyrical inspiration from W.H. Auden’s poem “The Night Mail,” which he had encountered during his school days. The song also signifies The Waterboys’ musical transition, moving away from their earlier ‘big music’ style to embrace a more pronounced folk influence, marking a pivotal point in their artistic evolution.

# 2 – The Return Of Pan

“The Return of Pan,” from The Waterboys’ 1993 album Dream Harder, secures a prominent position on our list. Crafted by lead member Mike Scott and produced alongside Bill Price, this leading single achieved notable success, reaching No. 24 in the UK Singles Chart and No. 10 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Serving as The Waterboys’ continued homage to the Greek deity Pan, this song follows the thematic footsteps of “The Pan Within” from their 1985 album, This Is the Sea. It underscores the band’s enduring engagement with mythological themes and enriches their narrative tapestry.

# 1 – The Whole of The Moon

“The Whole of The Moon” stands out as the pinnacle track on The Waterboys’ 1985 album, This is the Sea. Penned by Scott at the age of 26, the song serves as a reflection on the vastness of knowledge that lies beyond our current understanding. The phrase ‘whole of the moon’ metaphorically represents a broader perspective, one that requires a special kind of insight to perceive fully. Although the song was not completed during the recording sessions for their 1985 album, it eventually outshone all other ballads on the album to become its most acclaimed release.