"A Rock in the Weary Land" is a significant seventh studio album in the Waterboys' discography, marking their return after a seven-year hiatus. Released in 2000 by BMG International, the album continues the hard rock sound established in their previous work, "Dream Harder" (1993), while also showcasing the evolution of Mike Scott's songwriting.
The recording sessions began in early 1999, and interestingly, this was the first album Scott produced without the backing of a record label initially. Once the album was completed, his manager, Philip Tennant, secured a deal with BMG, leading Scott to release it under the Waterboys' name, transforming what was originally envisioned as a solo project into a full band effort.
The album also marks the return of Anthony Thistlethwaite, an old collaborator, which added a familiar touch to the new material. The cover photography by Steve Gullick complements the album's themes and overall vibe, capturing the spirit of the music within. The subsequent UK tour featured musicians who contributed to the album, solidifying the lineup and reinvigorating the Waterboys' presence in the music scene.
