Crann Úll cover

Crann Úll

Clannad · 1980

31 min · 9 tracks · new age music

Lush harmonies intertwine with traditional Irish instrumentation, creating an ethereal soundscape that evokes the mystique of rural Ireland.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Last Rose of Summer — This track stands out with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics that evoke themes of loss and nostalgia, showcasing Clannad's ability to convey deep emotion through their music.
  • →
    Crann Úll — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, merging traditional Irish storytelling with lush vocal harmonies and instrumental textures that define Clannad's signature sound.
  • →
    Gathering Mushrooms — This track features playful rhythms and bright melodies, highlighting the band's connection to nature while contrasting with the more somber tones present elsewhere on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Crann Úll showcases a unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, creating an ethereal listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a traditional Irish tune featuring layered vocals that create a rich harmonic texture.
  • The instrumentation frequently alternates between acoustic guitar, harp, and synthesizers, blending organic and electronic sounds.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • ethereal harmonies inviting introspection
  • steady pacing for quiet moments
  • short tracks for reflection
  • consistent melodic journey throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy engagement
  • prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Marked a shift to contemporary sound, gaining wider recognition in Europe.
Career context
Released in 1980, Crann Úll was Clannad's third album and marked a significant step in their transition from traditional folk to a more contemporary sound. This release followed their previous album, Dúlamán, which had begun to introduce elements of new age music, setting the stage for their future explorations in this genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Enya· Loreena McKennitt· Secret Garden

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Ar a Ghabháil 'n a 'Chuain Damh 3:26
  • 2 The Last Rose of Summer 4:14
  • 3 Crúiscín Lán 2:32
  • 4 Bacach Shíle Andai 2:32
  • 5 Lá Coimhthióch Fán Dtuath (A Strange Day in the Countryside) 3:48
  • 6 Crann Úll 3:44
  • 7 Gathering Mushrooms 2:37
  • 8 An Buinnéan Buí 4:14
  • 9 Planxty Browne 4:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata