Clannad 2 cover

Clannad 2

Clannad · 1975

42 min · 11 tracks · new age music

A serene blend of traditional Irish melodies and haunting harmonies evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and tranquility.

Top tracks — play these first

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    An Gabhar Bán — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its gentle instrumentation and evocative melodies, showcasing Clannad's ability to blend traditional Irish music with a contemporary sensibility.
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    Eleanor Plunkett — A standout piece featuring intricate harp arrangements, this song highlights the band's mastery of melody and instrumental arrangement while paying tribute to traditional Irish storytelling.
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    By Chance It Was — The rich vocal harmonies and lyrical imagery in this track provide a captivating exploration of fate and love, encapsulating the emotional depth that characterizes much of Clannad's work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album effectively combines traditional Irish melodies with contemporary elements, creating a distinct sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of traditional Irish instruments, such as the harp and flute, creating a rich, layered sound throughout.
  • Tracks often blend vocal harmonies with instrumental interludes, allowing for moments of serene reflection between lyrical passages.
  • Several songs incorporate repetitive melodic motifs that evoke a sense of nostalgia, enhancing the thematic focus on memory and myth.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with serene flow
  • ethereal harmonies for relaxation
  • traditional melodies with contemporary touch
  • intimate listening for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

  • fast-paced instant gratification seekers
  • fans of high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Helped popularize Celtic music and established Clannad's reputation in the genre.
Career context
Released in 1975, Clannad 2 was the band's sophomore album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, Clannad was beginning to carve out a niche in the burgeoning new age music scene, infusing traditional Irish sounds with contemporary elements that would define their future work.
Stylistic neighbors
Enya· Loreena McKennitt· Secret Garden

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 An Gabhar Bán 3:14
  • 2 Eleanor Plunkett 2:49
  • 3 Coinleach Glas an Fhómhair 5:46
  • 4 Rince Philib a'Cheoil 1:50
  • 5 By Chance It Was 5:40
  • 6 Rince Briotánach 3:14
  • 7 Dhéanainn Súgradh 5:38
  • 8 Gaoth Barra na dTonn 2:32
  • 9 Teidhir Abhaile Riú 2:48
  • 10 Fairly Shot of Her 2:20
  • 11 Chuaigh Mé 'na Rosann 6:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata