Released 30 years ago
Lore
Clannad · 1996
74 min · 17 tracks · new age music
Ethereal harmonies intertwine with traditional Irish instrumentation, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape steeped in nostalgia.
Top tracks — play these first
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Theme From Harry's Game — This track exemplifies Clannad's ability to weave atmospheric soundscapes with emotive melodies, capturing the essence of their style and solidifying their place in cinematic music.
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In a Lifetime — A collaboration featuring Bono, this track highlights the band's crossover appeal and lyrical depth, melding haunting vocals with poignant themes of connection.
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Broken Pieces — The song stands out with its introspective lyrics and lush arrangements, showcasing Clannad's signature blend of sadness and beauty that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Lore blends traditional and contemporary sounds effectively, creating a distinct and immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered vocal harmonies that create an ethereal atmosphere throughout its tracks.
- Traditional Irish instruments like the harp and flute are prominently featured, often interweaving with contemporary synths.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements or narrative themes, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the music.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- immersive soundscapes for reflection
- steady pacing for quiet moments
- haunting melodies for introspection
- ethereal harmonies in solitude
- balanced flow with gradual peaks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party atmosphere
- wanting instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Marked a shift to a more ethereal sound, diverging from earlier folk influences.
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Lore marked Clannad's transition from their earlier folk-inspired sound towards a more ethereal new age direction. This album followed their successful foray into film music, including the notable 'Theme From Harry's Game', solidifying their reputation in both popular and world music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Enya· Loreena McKennitt· Secret Garden
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Croí Cróga 5:00
- 2 Seanchas 4:56
- 3 A Bridge (That Carries Us Over) 4:32
- 4 From Your Heart 5:14
- 5 Alasdair Maccolla 2:14
- 6 Broken Pieces 4:53
- 7 Tráthnóna Beag Aréir 6:38
- 8 Trail of Tears 5:17
- 9 Dealramh Go Deo 5:05
- 10 Farewell Love 4:44
- 11 Fonn Mhárta 3:33
Disc 2
- 1 Theme From Harry's Game 2:30
- 2 Robin (The Hooded Man) 2:50
- 3 In a Lifetime 3:09
- 4 I Will Find You 5:17
- 5 Something to Believe In 4:47
- 6 NewGrange 4:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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