Listen
Christy Moore · 2009
45 min · 13 tracks · Celtic music
A poignant blend of traditional Celtic melodies and contemporary storytelling, resonating with the spirit of Irish folk music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Listen Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Does This Train Stop on Merseyside? — This cover transforms a classic into a poignant reflection on longing and displacement, showcasing Moore's emotive vocal delivery.
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The Ballad of Ruby Walsh — An evocative tribute that highlights Moore's storytelling prowess, capturing the spirit of a legendary jockey and the love for horse racing in Ireland.
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The Disappeared (Los desaparecidos) — Its powerful commentary on human rights issues connects with listeners through both its lyrical depth and haunting melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional and contemporary elements effectively, showcasing strong storytelling through its lyrics.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, layering vocals and instrumentation gradually over its duration.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional Irish instruments like the bodhrán and fiddle, creating an authentic folk sound.
- The lyrical content often reflects on historical themes, with songs like 'Duffy's Cut' featuring narrative storytelling that connects to Irish heritage.
- The pacing varies significantly; some tracks maintain a steady rhythm while others shift to more reflective tempos, particularly in the latter half.
- 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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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- heartfelt storytelling experience
- reflective moments of nostalgia
- gentle melodies for contemplation
- meaningful lyrics to ponder
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reinforces Moore's status with contemporary relevance in Irish folk music.
- Career context
- By the time 'Listen' was released in 2009, Christy Moore had established himself as a revered figure in Irish folk music, with a career spanning over four decades. This album arrived after his critically acclaimed work 'Burning Times' (2005) and continued to showcase his ability to reinterpret traditional songs while addressing contemporary themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Luka Bloom· Damien Dempsey· Andy Irvine
Tracklist
- 1 Listen Start here 2:48
- 2 Does This Train Stop on Merseyside? 3:32
- 3 Shine On You Crazy Diamond 5:06
- 4 The Ballad of Ruby Walsh 3:38
- 5 China Waltz 3:10
- 6 Barrowland 3:15
- 7 Duffy's Cut 3:30
- 8 The Disappeared (Los desaparecidos) 3:19
- 9 Ridin' the High Stool 3:04
- 10 Gortatagort 3:42
- 11 I Will 3:04
- 12 John o Dreams 3:06
- 13 Rory Is Gone 3:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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