The Chieftains 9: Boil the Breakfast Early
The Chieftains · 1980
39 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies woven with lively rhythms and heartfelt instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Boil the Breakfast Early Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its energetic tempo and playful melodies, showcasing the band's mastery of traditional instrumentation.
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Chase Around the Windmill: Toss the Feathers / Ballinasloe Fair / Cailleach an Airgid / Cúil Aodha Slide / The Pretty Girl — This medley beautifully highlights the band’s virtuosity, seamlessly transitioning between tunes that illustrate a rich narrative of Irish musical heritage.
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When a Man’s in Love — This track features poignant lyrics paired with traditional melodies, providing a reflective contrast to the more upbeat selections on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional Irish melodies with lively rhythms, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness.
What we noticed
- The final track is a medley that combines multiple traditional tunes, highlighting the band's ability to weave different melodies seamlessly.
- 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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5/10
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
- lively tunes for morning energy
- heartfelt melodies for gatherings
- steady pacing for focused listening
- traditional sounds with intricate details
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer standalone single hits
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped popularize Irish traditional music globally, enhancing their recognition.
- Themes
- Irish musical heritage· traditional instrumentation· rural celebrations
- Career context
- The Chieftains released 'Boil the Breakfast Early' as their ninth studio album in 1980, following their acclaimed 'Another Country' from 1976. This period marked their ascent as leading figures in the revival of Irish folk music, blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences and expanding their international audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bothy Band· Altan· Lúnasa
Tracklist
- 1 Boil the Breakfast Early Start here 3:57
- 2 Mrs. Judge 3:43
- 3 March From Oscar and Malvina 4:15
- 4 When a Man’s in Love 3:38
- 5 Bealach an Doirín 3:48
- 6 Ag Taisteal na Blárnan 3:22
- 7 Carolan’s Welcome 2:56
- 8 Up Against the Buachalawns 4:07
- 9 Gol na mBan san Ár 4:22
- 10 Chase Around the Windmill: Toss the Feathers / Ballinasloe Fair / Cailleach an Airgid / Cúil Aodha Slide / The Pretty Girl 5:01
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Island Angel
Altan
Shares vibrant traditional Irish melodies with a rich instrumental backdrop and celebratory spirit.
Magical Ring
Clannad
Combines Irish folk roots with lush arrangements, maintaining an evocative and heartfelt atmosphere.
Lúnasa
Lúnasa
Features intricate instrumental interplay and lively rhythms that echo the energy of traditional Irish music.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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