Too-Rye-Ay

Now, listen. I’m not a monster, and I’m not an idiot either. I love “Come On, Eileen.” And this belongs on here. That’s what I know. It’s foundational Irish rock, foundational 80s pop rock, it has one of the best pop rock songs of all time on it, and yet…

Ehhh. It’s fine. The highlights are highlights but they’re few and far between in all honesty. I don’t care for most of the songs, other than the charming opener which I enjoy plenty, the main attraction, that being “Eileen,” and “Plan B/Show Me,” which by any measure is a pretty alright song.

I don’t really know what to say. I don’t love it, but I don’t dislike it. Maybe I don’t like it. Maybe I won’t think of it. What I know is it’s listenable, and you should hear its biggest song. That’s good enough for me.
6.2/10
DOES IT BELONG ON THE LIST: YES
REASON: foundational, fun, charming, has “Come On Eileen” on it.

Compared to its predecessor, 𝘛𝘰𝘰-𝘙𝘺𝘦-𝘈𝘺 leans much more heavily into soul. Unfortunately, that doesn’t exactly help its chances with me, as blue-eyed soul and I still haven’t become particularly good friends. There’s certainly some charm to the album, and I can understand why people enjoy this kind of sound, even if it doesn’t always click with me. It’s not a bad record by any means, just one that doesn’t quite match my personal taste.

The obvious exception is 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝗻 𝗘𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗻, which is easily the highlight of the album. It’s ridiculously catchy, full of energy, and one of those songs that are almost impossible not to enjoy. The rest of the record is perfectly enjoyable in places, but nothing else really comes close to that level of excitement. Overall, a solid album with some undeniable charm, even if it hasn’t convinced me to join the blue-eyed soul fan club just yet.

Fun theatrical energy.

Over two years ago, I was pleasantly surprised by the band’s first album in this project. At the time, I wondered if I should change my negative opinion of the band. Now that I’ve listened to this album, I know I was right. The album was pretty boring. “Come On Eileen” has a certain appeal for me for nostalgic reasons. But that appeal only lasts until the first chorus—then I’ve had enough. I won’t be listening to that again. 2/5

I admire their commitment to a sound, I just don't like the sound that much. And Come On Eileen, as good as it is, I don't ever listen to on purpose.

I liked this for the most part. Not super exciting or interesting, but had some songs that were fun to listen to. 3/5

I mean yeah, the singer gets goofy with it as usual, but the mood the music sets is nothing but carefree and fun, so in the end it all comes together pretty nicely.

Standouts: Let's Make This Precious • Old • Until I Believe In My Soul • Come On Eileen

Let's be real here.

frfr, if you will.

It has suck that you favourite band is condemned to be 'one hit wonders' by the masses.

DMR are clearly more than that (I'm looking at you Deee-Lite)

But three (3) entries on this list (before you die, you say?) is just silly.

Do I really need to relitigate who isn't here?

Gøy og fint! Og avslutter med en banger med gigantisk B.

Little bit sitcom

Can’t believe I missed out on this hidden gem for so long.

Come On Eileen is that song I became obsessed with the first time I heard it and then grew sick of when it became overplayed. Well, I wrongly assumed it’d be their only good song because this was fantastic and so fun. The gorgeous track ‘Old’ is my new favorite discovery.

Let this be a reminder to look past the ‘one hit wonder’ reputation, you’ll never know what you’re missing out on.

4.5

Top tracks: Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile), Old, Liars A to E

Entertaining. Even the tracks not called Come on Eileen... ;) The mixture of early 80's british angst, a little whininess, and a healthy dose of irish folk make for a fun trip and at least one song that will live in infamy. 3

No more dexy no more pleasr. Some better songs on this one especially I the first half but come on Eileen is a unredeemable contribution to humankind
2.5

Вже слухали цей гурт в рамках 1001 альбому, але я коли побачив обкладинку Too Rye Ay, то одразу згадав що колись цей альбом слухав. Пам'ять не підвела - знайшов пару скробблів аж у 2011му.

Що сказати - знов класний британський поп-рок-альбом, блю айд соул, трохи фолку і оце все. Є прям хіти - перша пісня наприклад і звісно ж Come On Eileen.

Коротше знов сподобалось, класний гурт.

More ska than expected, which was alright. Van Morrison cover was absolutely not needed. A lot of these songs are rather unimpressive- production is sort of flat, singing doesn't really elevate the (often too chipper) material. However, the "title track?" that everyone knows is one of the greatest 80s songs ever.

It's like if The Cure had 70% less talent but still got lucky enough to write a hit.

I hadn't heard of Dexys Midnight Runners before, even though I naturally recognized “Come On Eileen” (like everyone who grew up on this side of the moon).
Up until now, albums around the one-hit wonders of the 1980s have tended to be rather disappointing, but “Too Rye Ay” is definitely worth listening to in its entirety: folk-influenced, at times even swinging pop-rock (in their own words, “Celtic Soul”) with varied arrangements, produced to a professional standard. Opinions will likely always be divided on Kevin Rowland’s sometimes rather over-the-top voice, and I, too, waver between enthusiasm and cringing.
Nevertheless, as mentioned, I recommend listening to this album in its entirety at least once in your life - so it rightfully belongs on this list.

Massive hit in this album with Come on Eileen. but the rest is kind of whatever.

This website has a knack for recommending one hit wonders and then knocking me out of the park with a surprise. Too Rye Aye was one of the most wacky listens I've heard on the list, and it sure never bored me start to finish. An aspect to dwell on first would be the interesting vocal approach, which surprisingly I really like. Kevin Rowland's yiddish style makes the album very entertaining, and it's very fitting for the material I'd say. Every song is packed with versatile instruments and orchestrations, sporting whimsy and silliness while also exploring emotional bridges to credit the genius of the band. Of course Come On Eileen is one of my favorite songs of all time, but these other tracks are 100% up to par with it. Essentially, it doesn't stick out awkwardly in quality which was what I expected the album to be like. The folky horn jams in the back of the album are also insane. This album could definitely be shorter, but it's never boring. Not my cup of tea to say but it was a fun listen.

Ale banger