Track Listing

1. Newgrange
2. Second Nature
3. Closer to Your Heart
4. Searchran Charin Tsiail
5. Ancient Forest
6. Now Is Here
7. Something to Believe In
8. In Search of a Heart
9. Buachaill on Eirne
10. Northern Skyline
11. Together We
12. Tá Mé 'Mo Shui
13. Blackstairs
14. Indoor
15. Thios Fa'n Chosta
16. In a Lifetime
17. Theme from Harry's Game
18. Fairy Queen
19. Journey's End

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1301021 in Music
• Released on: 1997-01-28

Amazon.com
People may argue whether or not this 19-track, 65-minute compilation qualifies as the best of Clannad, but few would argue that it showcases the Irish group's striking diversity. No question it includes some of Clannad's best-known selections, including pop-single cameos by Bruce Hornsby ("Something to Believe In") and Bono of U2 ("In a Lifetime"), plus its career-propelling "Theme From Harry's Game." It also touches on the group's beat-heavy forays into pop-rock ("In Search of a Heart," the jam-filled "Second Nature," the Fleetwood Mac-like "Northern Skyline.") The disc's most attractive feature, however, is its sampling of Clannad's varied approach to Celtic styles, performed at times with an ethereal, traditional delicacy ("Newgrange," "Ta Me Mo Shui," the Enya-like "Now Is Here"), and at other times with beguiling hints of contemporary influences (such as the faint country strains floating through "Buachaill on Eirne"). An interesting listen. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews

The Best of their early traditional years
In case you haven't figured it out, "Rogha" is Celtic for "the best", OK? And it's pronounced "Rowa" in case you want to add that to your vocabulary.

Wonderfully balanced CD, and I'll comment only on my favorites. Okay, so twelve of the nineteen are favorites!

Newgrange: Tin whistle and all to introduce you to this collection.

Seachran Charn Tsiaisl, which translates to "The Tramp of Carn tSail" (He Courts a Beautiful Woman) Ah, I love Maire's voice even when I don't understand a word she's saying.

Ancient Forest: Close your eyes and you'll see the forest.

Something To Believe In: vocal by Bruce Hornsby

In Search of a Heart: Celtic/pop blend,

Buachaill on Eirne which translates to "Boy From Ireland" (Coaxing a Young Girl) and a tender type, wooing type, ballad.

Ta 'Me Mo Shui "I'm sitting, thinking" (By the fire, deeply in love) Maire Brennan at her very loveliest, voice wise.

Indoor: Curious name, not sure how it relates, but still a stirring piece of music.

Thios F'an Chesta: "Down by the Thios" Very traditional.

In A Lifetime: Maire and U2's Bono in a great duet, how could it be otherwise?

Theme from Harry's Game: This theme from a TV thriller made Clannad famous.

This CD will tell you little of Clannad's more recent output, but it does bring you the Celtic/jazz/pop meld that made them the well known group they are.

The best?
Let me begin by saying that there are some great tunes here: "Seachran Charn Tsiail," "In Search of a Heart," "Buachaill on Eirne" and "In a Lifetime" (featuring U2's Bono) among them. In fact, a great deal of their stellar earlier work is represented here...and that's the problem. ONLY their earlier work is represented here. Later music, such as the beautiful "I Will Find You" and "Na Laethe Bhi" are nowhere to be found.

It's a good collection...but the best? I think not.

One of the best Celtics of all time!!!
There music is so chilling. They sing me to sleep at night. "Seachran Charn Tsail" is my favorite along with "Newgrange" and "In a Lifetime." But then again, all of them are my favorites. You need this CD!!!