Rant & Roar: The Greatest Hits of Great Big Sea
/From playing at pubs for $100 and free drinks to ushering in the new millenium with a crowd 90,000 strong, the meteoric rise of Great Big Sea is indicative of the fantastic quality of their songs. Quickly garnering a reputation for their unique style - a mix of contemporary pop and modern takes on traditional Newfoundland folk tunes - their reign in the Canadian folk music scene lasted for 20 years and resulted in a grand total of 14 studio and live albums, all of which carry that distinctive style. While their traditional side has produced some excellent tunes, like Old Polina and Process Man, their modern side is where their talents truly shine through.
As a lifelong fan of theirs, I take every opportunity I can get to promote their music, with the hope that their songs will bring others as much joy as they have brought me over the years. In light of this, here are five of their catchiest, most upbeat songs to date.
Consequence Free - Turn
Wouldn't it be great
If the band just never ended
We could stay out late
And we would never hear last call
Consequence Free may not have the deepest lyrics or the most complex instrumentation, but it makes up for that by having positive waves in spades. The message it preaches is simple: cast your concerns aside and live life to the fullest, consequences be damned. With fantastic vocals from Alan Doyle and a very catchy rhythm, Consequence Free will have you moving and grooving in no time.
Sea of No Cares - Sea of No Cares
When you're in love, there's no time and no space
There's a permanent smile on your face
Your friends all complain that you're going insane
But the truth is, they're just afraid
Sea of No Cares feels like the kind of song you would listen to as you cruise along a beautiful coastline road, basking in the cool ocean breeze as the heat of the sun beats down on you. Like Consequence Free, it makes up for in catchiness and positivity what it lacks in complexity and depth. Another solid tune, perfect for road trips and ordinary days alike.
Straight to Hell - Fortune's Favour
So have a dance with the walking damned
Before my time is done
'Cause a deal is a deal
And I don't expect fire and brimstone will be much fun
Straight to Hell goes a little harder than most Great Big Sea songs, making it great for parties and nights of festivity - especially after a few drinks. Alan Doyle nails the vocals once again, which - combined with the comparatively heavy guitar riffs and the overall hectic pace - turns this tune from an average rock song into one hell of a good time.
Nothing But A Song - Safe Upon the Shore
You put on a happy face
For everybody new
But the closest to your heart
So rarely get the best of you
Nothing But A Song was reportedly written after an argument between Alan Doyle and fellow band member Sean McCann, which is why its lyrics speak of how important it is to cherish the bond that one has with the people closest to them. The song itself has an uplifting and energetic tone, which contrasts well with the serious nature of the lyrics and gives it a much stronger impact overall. Give it a listen, and you'll come away with a better appreciation of what truly matters in life.
Heart of Hearts - XX
We answered every siren's call
We watched the stars collide and fall
Stood back to back against the wall
We ran before we crawled
Heart of Hearts is a song about looking back on life and celebrating everything that one has accomplished, as well as looking to the future and whatever it may hold. Great Big Sea came to an end soon after XX was released, so while Heart of Hearts has the bittersweet distinction of being their swan song, it still holds up as a positive, versatile, catchy and overall wonderful tune.
More than 10 years after their disbandment, the legacy of Great Big Sea lives on. Having cemented their reputation as legends of the folk rock scene, their timeless tunes are still appreciated and enjoyed by people all across Canada. They came, they saw, they conquered and crumbled - in their own true way!
The Conductor
The Conductor is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. Elusive, reclusive, and an old soul through and through, he enjoys going on excursions into the wilderness, listening to classic folk music, drinking good scotch, and yelling at clouds.
