REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys - For The People

The Boston based celtic punks Dropkick Murphys are back with album number 13. Whilst this number may be unlucky for some, their new album For The People is a record meant to draw you into a punk musical embrace at a time when the political landscape feels bleak, and the world seems to be in a fragile state.

The opening song ‘Who’ll Stand With Us?’ Is a call to arms fuelled with a sense of anger and righteousness that everyone; both fans and casual listeners will be hooked by. With sweeping pipes, loud guitars, and gang vocals, this song that pays tribute to the working class earns it’s rightful place as the start of this musical journey.

The album is full of songs that make you feel like you are at a rebellion. Drink in hand, ready to change the world one song at a time. The energy from each song truly coarse through your veins and is a testament to their nearly 30 years of being together. You can see how each song weaves into a story that showcases each members craft to create something rather extraordinary and special.

Whilst most of the songs are there to fuel the fire in listeners bellies, some songs allow you to take a step back and truly focus on the poignant nature of the lyrics. ‘Chesterfield’s and Aftershave’ pays tribute to those lost and was truly a touching raise your glass moment. Similarly, ‘Streetlights’ is a nostalgic look at the life that was had before loss. It’s an incredible juxtaposition from the rousing party-like nature of most of the album, with each of these softer moments feeling perfectly placed on the emotional rollercoaster that is the track listing.

There are five collaborations across the whole album, which is testament to the inspiration, talent, and family like nature of the band themselves. ‘Bury the Bones’ features The Mary Wallopers and with an opening few lines of “It’s time to unite. It’s time to be true to a cause. It’s time to do what’s right and rip the power back from their claws” you can sense the anger at the few that have power over the many. After time out of the band, vocalist Al Barr makes a short return to the band in the song ‘The Vultures Circle High’ and this feels like a brilliant return for him in this rockier number laced with growls and menace. Whilst this may not be a full return to the band, it felt like a family reunion on the track with the hope of things to come.

Closing out the album is ‘One Last Goodbye’ featuring The Scratch. A tribute to the late Shane MacGowan, this softer Irish song closes the album with a fitting sendoff to fallen frontman and feels perfectly placed to end this musical voyage.

For The People is an album that is true to it’s title. It’s truly for the people. It’s an anthem filled album to unite in some of the darkest of times. Allowing the audience to feel strength and drive in each song, reflect on the world around us both now and in the past, and feel roused to instigate change in the future. It feels like this emotion rousing album has appeared at the perfect time to truly inspire listeners new and old and this feels like a nostalgic yet modern Dropkick Murphys album that truly places them firmly on top form.

Score: 8/10

For The People was released on July 4th 2025.

Words: Laura Davies

Photos: Dropkick Murphys