"If I Should Fall from Grace with God" is the third studio album by The Pogues, an iconic Irish punk band. Launched on January 18, 1988, the album marks a significant shift in the band’s sound, with a daring blend of punk rock energy and traditional Irish folk music. It was produced by Steve Lillywhite, renowned for his work with U2.
The album is a true testament to the band’s versatility, featuring diverse musical styles, including jazz in "Walking In The Broad Daylight," Middle-Eastern vibes in "Turkish Song of the Damned," and Spanish influences in "Fiesta." The album is perhaps best known for "Fairytale of New York," a duet with Kirsty MacColl that has become a classic Christmas song in the UK and Ireland.
Upon its release, "If I Should Fall from Grace with God" achieved widespread acclaim and reached number 3 in the UK album charts – the highest position the band has ever achieved. The evolution in the band's sound associated with the album is often attributed to the lineup changes The Pogues underwent prior to the album's recording.
Despite past disagreements and conflicts within the band, notably with frontman Shane MacGowan, "If I Should Fall from Grace with God" is considered a high point of The Pogues' career and a seminal album within the Celtic punk genre.
