What makes Kiss the Tears Away by Silly Wizard notable?

Kiss the Tears Away received critical acclaim for its intricate arrangements and heartfelt lyrics, contributing to the resurgence of interest in Celtic music during the early 1980s. The album features notable tracks that have since become staples in the folk genre, influencing numerous artists and helping to elevate the profile of traditional Scottish music worldwide. Released in 1983, Kiss the Tears Away marked Silly Wizard's fifth studio album, solidifying their status as a leading force in Scottish folk music. This album arrived after their successful record, Live in America, which had further expanded their audience and showcased their energetic live performances.

How many songs are on Kiss the Tears Away?

Kiss the Tears Away has 9 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Kiss the Tears Away

Silly Wizard · 1983

36 min · 9 tracks · Celtic music

Joyful melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling, blending traditional Celtic influences with contemporary folk sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Queen of Argyll — This track stands out for its captivating melody and rich historical narrative, encapsulating the essence of Scottish storytelling through song.
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Golden, Golden — With its engaging rhythm and lush harmonies, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary folk influences.
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The Loch Tay Boat Song — A poignant tribute to Scotland's natural beauty, this track showcases emotional vocal delivery paired with a hauntingly beautiful arrangement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong storytelling and intricate arrangements, marking it as a notable entry in Celtic music.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong narrative-driven track, 'The Queen of Argyll', which sets a storytelling tone that persists throughout.
Several tracks feature intricate instrumental arrangements, particularly in the medley 'The Greenfields of Glentown / The Galtee Reel / Bobby Casey's Number Two / Wing Commander Donald MacKenzie's Re…
The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks like 'Sweet Dublin Bay' offering a slower, reflective mood, while others maintain a lively tempo.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Queen of Argyll 3:28
2 Golden, Golden 3:55
3 Finlay M. MacRae 3:34
4 The Banks of the Lee 4:29
5 Sweet Dublin Bay 3:31
6 Mo Nighean Donn, Grádh Mo Chridhe (My Brown Haired Maiden, Love of My Heart) 4:18
7 Banks of the Bann 3:28
8 The Greenfields of Glentown / The Galtee Reel / Bobby Casey's Number Two / Wing Commander Donald MacKenzie's Reel 4:39
9 The Loch Tay Boat Song 5:04

What to play next

Listen next

The Best of Silly Wizard

1985

Go back to

Wild & Beautiful

1981

Full Silly Wizard discography Artists like Silly Wizard

Celtic music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata