What makes The Bairns by The Unthanks notable?

The Bairns received critical acclaim, earning a nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2008, which significantly raised the band's profile. Its unique reinterpretations of folk standards have influenced a resurgence of interest in British folk music, inspiring both audiences and contemporary artists alike. Released in 2007, The Bairns was The Unthanks' second studio album, following their debut. By this time, they had started to establish themselves within the UK folk scene, gaining attention for their innovative approach to traditional music.

How many songs are on The Bairns?

The Bairns has 15 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

The Bairns

The Unthanks · 2007

65 min · 15 tracks · traditional folk music

A haunting blend of traditional folk melodies and contemporary arrangements that evoke deep emotional landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Felton Lonnin — This opening track showcases the band's ability to intertwine rich harmonies with evocative storytelling, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Blue Bleezing Blind Drunk — This song exemplifies The Unthanks' skill in transforming a traditional narrative into a compelling modern interpretation with haunting vocal arrangements.
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Sea Song — Featuring a lush arrangement and poignant lyrics, this track highlights the band’s talent for creating immersive soundscapes that resonate deeply with listeners.
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My Donald — The emotional depth in this rendition reflects the album's themes of love and loss, showcasing the duo's powerful vocal interplay.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The Bairns blends traditional folk with modern elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and emotional depth.

What we noticed

The album features a series of traditional folk songs reinterpreted with contemporary arrangements, blending vocal harmonies and instrumental textures.
Several tracks incorporate lullabies that create a soothing atmosphere, while others introduce more dynamic instrumentation and tempo shifts.
The use of layered vocals creates a rich soundscape, often with one voice leading while others provide harmonies or counter-melodies.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Felton Lonnin 7:23
2 Lull I 1:23
3 Blue Bleezing Blind Drunk 5:13
4 I Wish 6:24
5 Blue's Gaen Oot O' the Fashion 4:30
6 Lull II: My Lad's a Canny Lad 0:23
7 Blackbird 2:53
8 Lull III: A Minor Place 0:22
9 Sea Song 6:19
10 Whitethorn 6:04
11 Lull IV: Can't Stop It Raining 1:45
12 My Donald 8:06
13 Ma Bonny Lad 1:57
14 Fareweel Regality 6:20
15 Newcastle Lullaby 6:23

What to play next

Listen next

Here's the Tender Coming

2009

Go back to

Cruel Sister

2005

Full The Unthanks discography Artists like The Unthanks

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata