From Amazon.com
A huge disappointment
Album Rating: (1 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: I finally gave Muireann a try with this album because it kept coming up in Amazon's recommendations. Frankly, it's $18 I wish I could get back. She'd got a good voice, but the songs here go back and forth between solid Celtic and what might as well be Texas folk. This is a style that seems to crop up periodically amongst female Irish singers, as if some of them secretly wish they were Eliza Gylkison or Nanci Griggith, and can't be happy with who they are.
The one-third of the album that is truly Celtic is fine (not great, but okay), the rest is atrocious. Long, rambling lyrics matched with a total lack of melodic sensibility, as if Muireann had written some sappy 70s poetry and then threw notes on it during the recording session.
I'm not quite sure why she is getting such high recommendations. My vote, go back to Deanta or Capercaillie and leave this one in the dustbin.
Irish at its best
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: This album from Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, singer from top Irish band Danu, is pure delight. Featuring an excellent cast of musicians including guitar whiz Gerry O'Beirne who wrote two of the songs including the ever-popular Western Highway, Muireann's gentle voice beguiles in a mostly traditional selection in English and Gaelic. The renditions of the well-known Banks of the Nile and The Parting Glass as well as lesser-known numbers like Isle of Malachy and Emigrant's Farewell are all unpretentious and in true traditional style. Her version of Western Highway will be hard to beat. The album also features a couple of stirring instrumentals for variety. Only one contemporary styled track, Persuasion, seems a little out of place.
The warm recording allow Muireann's voice to shine, even if the microphone placement varies a little from track to track. With fine arrangements, this is really first-class music-making, recommended for serious lovers of Irish folk music.
Daybreak is Ground Breaking and Heart Breaking
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: This debut album features a fantastic mix of traditional tunes, modern covers and mournful ballads. Having seen Muireann in concert with Danu, I purchased the album anticipating the heart rendering vocals and furiously fast whistling she brought to that band, but her range and song list far surpassed my expectations. Plus, there's stand in apperances by Shane McGowan (Guitar) and Oisin McAuley (Fiddle/Backing Vocals). Excellent tunes, a must have.
Muireann is wonderful
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: This CD is wonderful. From new music to traditional, Muireann (pronounced Mwi-ren) puts her own touch on it. I have listened to the entire CD perhaps 20 times and never tire of her delightful voice. The tunes go through my head all day long some days. Her tin whistle is amazing as well.
wonderful voice
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Muireann has one of those amazing Celtic voices. Her songs seem a bit more energetic with Danu, rather than solo, but this CD has a wonderful mix of songs. If you like her, also consider music by Deante.
Purchases
1 Western Highway
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