Clannad in Concert cover

Clannad in Concert

Clannad · 1979

36 min · 8 tracks · new age music

Ethereal harmonies intertwine with traditional Celtic melodies, creating a serene soundscape that transports listeners to the heart of Ireland.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bhean a Tí — This track opens the album with haunting vocals and instrumental depth, setting a tone that reflects Clannad's roots while showcasing their atmospheric sound.
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    Down by the Sally Gardens — A beautiful reinterpretation of a traditional Irish poem, this track highlights the band's ability to blend lyrical storytelling with lush instrumentation.
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    Níl Sé Ina Lá — Clocking in at over eleven minutes, this piece is an epic demonstration of the band's range and emotional depth, encapsulating the essence of their live performance energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album captures Clannad's unique blend of Celtic melodies and harmonies, establishing their sound in the new age genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features live recordings that capture the audience's reactions, adding a layer of intimacy to the performance.
  • Each track blends traditional Irish instrumentation with ethereal vocal harmonies, creating a cohesive sound throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • ethereal melodies for quiet evenings
  • live performance energy and warmth
  • dynamic progression with emotional peaks
  • hauntingly beautiful reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced immediate satisfaction
  • seek standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Showcased live performances, solidifying their reputation and gaining wider recognition.
Career context
Released in 1979, Clannad in Concert marked a pivotal moment for the group as their first live album, showcasing their growing popularity and establishing their unique sound. At this time, Clannad was transitioning from traditional Irish music into more contemporary realms, gaining attention beyond Ireland and laying the groundwork for future successes.
Stylistic neighbors
Enya· Loreena McKennitt· Secret Garden

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Bhean a Tí 3:45
  • 2 Fairies Hornpipe Off to California 3:34
  • 3 A Neansaí Mhíle Grá 4:58
  • 4 Mhaire Bruineall 1:22
  • 5 Planxty Burke 4:26
  • 6 An GioBóg 2:30
  • 7 Down by the Sally Gardens 4:48
  • 8 Níl Sé Ina Lá 11:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata