Album Review: Dropkick Murphys - 11 Short Stories Of Pain & Glory

It's been four years since the last Dropkick Murphys album dropped, but 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory was well worth the wait.

The American Celtic punk band's latest album keeps their focus on storytelling through song. Standout tracks include 4-15-13, a mournful reflection on the Boston Marathon bombing, epic album opening instrumental The Lonesome Boatman, chant-along Blood, nostalgic Sandlot and a cover of You'll Never Walk Alone (from the musical Carousel).

Dropkick Murphys' sound hasn't changed much; they're still pushing the sing-along, anthemic, bagpipe-laced punk they've perfected over nine albums — but if it works, why change it?