Dropkick Murphys fans rejoice! The band, probably best known for supplying the Boston Red Sox the song “Tessie” for the 2004 season, released their seventh studio album, Going Out in Style, on Tuesday, March 1st. Dropkick Murphys fans met the release of Going Out in Style with much anticipation as the album is the group’s first new studio record in three years. The bulk of the 13 tracks on Going Out in Style will leave you wanting to call your friends, grab some beers, and celebrate life.  

Going Out in Style is a concept album which follows a fictional character named Cornelius Larkin through his life’s journey. Cornelius Larkin combines characteristics from all seven band members and their families’ histories. Interestingly enough, the Cornelius Larkin character didn’t really draw me in. The album, however, still did. Perhaps I just have an overactive imagination but I found many of the songs able to stand on their own merits. These merits range from partying to political issues.

On first listen many of the songs stimulate the party vibe due to their upbeat tempos and cheerful vocal tones. The title track “Going Out in Style” garners a complete party vibe with the song’s lyrics. The chorus line “I couldn’t really give a shit, I’m going out in style!” acts as the perfect motto for anyone who wants to forget his worries and have some fun.

The Dropkick Murphys dig into the issue of meaningful relationships with tracks like “Sunday Hardcore Matinee” and “1953.” The chorus “Whoa, we have each other. Whoa, things are different today. Whoa, we still got each other and the glory never fades away. The glory never fades away!” from “Sunday Hardcore Matinee” reminds you how irreplaceable quality friends are. “1953” dives into the topic of love. The harmonious 26 second instrumental intro to “1953” acts as a perfect prelude to the song’s romantic theme. The words “When I was lost you carried on, when I was weak you kept us strong” serves as one example of how “1953” describes ideal love.

Two other tracks worth mentioning include “Climbing a Chair to Bed” and “Take ‘Em Down.” The chorus to “Climbing a Chair to Bed,” “Are you too afraid of living to make a man’s mistakes? Too afraid of dying because you fear what lies in wait. Too sad to see the truth never knowing what it takes. Are you too afraid of dying because you fear what lies in wait,” gives insight to how someone who fails a suicide attempt might have felt during the attempt. While the song’s subject matter seems rather depressing, the upbeat tempo and cheerful vocal tone gives the track a happy vibe.

The timing for Going Out in Style’s release couldn’t have been any better in regards to the song “Take ‘Em Down.” Collective bargaining and unions have become hot topics in the news. “Take ‘Em Down” offers support for unions. Lines like “When the boss comes calling don’t believe their lies” and “When the boss comes calling we got to organize” demonstrates distrust for management. The song’s message can be summed up with the lyric “We got to take the bastards down.”

Overall the Dropkick Murphys’ Going Out in Style album has a lot to offer. If you like upbeat tempo music, Going Out in Style will be a must have for you. If you enjoy the authentic Irish sound of the Dropkick Murphys, you will also want get your own copy of Going Out in Style.