The prodigal sons of Scotland return with an album to get you through all stages of a drunken night out with the lads or lassies. What Freddie Mercury and Queen did for Englishmen, the Proclaimers have done for Scots. A host of anthems which are often belted out in a crowded macho pub on a Saturday night have been delicately mixed with slower more slushy numbers for the point when the alcohol takes over and men are sobbing into their pints. 

Opening with the soon to be released single ‘Life With You’ your feet don’t stop moving and you find yourself turning the stereo up louder and louder as it makes its way through 13 tracks.  A second CD has been included which boasts seven live tracks from a Hogmanay concert in Glasgow in 2003. Thankfully they have steered clear of the temptation to include ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)’ as it is such a huge anthem for the guys and although it has now become their first UK number one with help of Comic Relief, they are so much bigger than that one hit.

This album is an excellent CD for both new and old fans with upbeat sing-a-long lyrics that wouldn’t feel out of place at a wedding or at a football match where their tracks are so often sung. Go on, try a little tartan

(5/5)