Altan
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh · 1987
46 min · 13 tracks · music of Ireland
Joyful traditional Irish melodies intertwine with intricate arrangements, showcasing both virtuosity and cultural depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tá Mo Chleamhnas a Dhéanamh — This track features a hauntingly beautiful melody that highlights Ní Mhaonaigh's emotive vocal style and serves as a key representation of the album's lyrical depth.
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The Highlandman / The Cliffs of Glencolumbkille / Old Cuffe Street — Opening the album, this medley sets the tone with energetic rhythms and showcases the band's tight instrumental interplay, making it an immediate highlight.
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Ceol a’Phíobaire — The song is notable for its intricate piping arrangements that honor traditional playing techniques while demonstrating the band's technical skill and cohesion.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional melodies with skilled arrangements, marking a significant moment in the revival of Irish music.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include extended instrumental sections where the fiddle and accordion engage in call-and-response patterns.
- The tempo varies significantly across the tracklist, with some pieces maintaining a lively pace while others slow down for reflective moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic journey throughout
- rich harmonies for reflective moments
- ideal for intimate gatherings
- evocative traditional storytelling feel
- engaging instrumental interplay
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer modern production styles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Altan marked Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh's debut album as a leading force in the revival of Irish traditional music. Released in 1987, it established her as a prominent figure following her early years performing with various folk ensembles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Clannad· Altan· Lisa Hannigan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Highlandman / The Cliffs of Glencolumbkille / Old Cuffe Street 3:16
- 2 An tSeanchailleach Gallda / Dermot Byrne’s 3:08
- 3 Tá Mo Chleamhnas a Dhéanamh 5:16
- 4 The Cat That Ate the Candle / Over the Water to Bessie 3:14
- 5 Ceol a’Phíobaire 3:54
- 6 Tommy Peoples’ / Loch Altan / Danny Meehan’s 3:29
- 7 Rogha an Ghabha / Charlie O’Donnell’s 2:44
- 8 The Sunset 3:42
- 9 Thug Mé Rúide 4:26
- 10 Humours of Whiskey / The Fairy Jig / Humours of Whiskey 3:20
- 11 Jimmy Lyon’s / Leslie’s Reel 2:23
- 12 Cití na gCumann 3:59
- 13 Con Cassidy’s Highland / Neilly O’Boyle’s Highland & Reel 3:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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