Redwood cover

Redwood

Lúnasa · 2003

43 min · 11 tracks · music of Ireland

A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish instrumentation interwoven with contemporary arrangements that evoke both nostalgia and celebration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cregg’s Pipes — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lively pipes and rhythmic drive, encapsulating the essence of Lúnasa's energetic style.
  • →
    A Stór Mo Chroí — This track showcases the emotional depth of the album, featuring haunting melodies and rich harmonies that highlight the band’s musical prowess.
  • →
    Dublin to Dingle — With its intricate arrangements and dynamic interplay between instruments, this song exemplifies Lúnasa's ability to merge tradition with modern sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional and contemporary elements effectively, showcasing strong musicianship and composition.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lively track featuring intricate interplay between pipes and fiddle, setting a brisk pace.
  • The use of layered instrumentation allows for rich textures, with moments where the arrangement strips down to solo instruments before building back up.
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
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

  • steady melodic exploration throughout
  • intricate arrangements for attentive listening
  • lively instrumentation for social settings
  • uplifting energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone single experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Redwood' was released in 2003, Lúnasa had established themselves as a leading force in modern Irish music, following their acclaimed album 'Otherworld' in 2001. This album marked a significant moment in their career as it showcased their evolving sound and solidified their reputation within the Celtic music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Altan· The Gloaming· Planxty

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Cregg’s Pipes 3:34
  • 2 Welcome Home 3:59
  • 3 Harp and Shamrock 3:59
  • 4 Fest Noz 3:53
  • 5 Spoil the Dance 4:36
  • 6 A Stór Mo Chroí 6:21
  • 7 Dublin to Dingle 4:07
  • 8 Lady Ellen 3:10
  • 9 Cotati Nights 4:02
  • 10 Two‐Fifty to Vigo 2:37
  • 11 Temple Hill 2:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata