The Essential Chieftains cover

Released 20 years ago

The Essential Chieftains

The Chieftains · 2006

144 min · 35 tracks · folk

A rich tapestry of Irish folk traditions woven with melodic instrumentation and heartfelt storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with varied tempos
  • heartfelt storytelling through melody
  • for leisurely afternoons
  • engaging background for gatherings
  • nostalgic reflections on tradition

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'The Essential Chieftains' was released in 2006, The Chieftains had already established themselves as pioneers of Irish music, with a career spanning over four decades. This compilation underscores their journey, showcasing their evolution from traditional folk musicians to influential ambassadors of Irish culture on the global stage.
Stylistic neighbors
The Bothy Band· Altan· Lúnasa

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Lots of Drops of Brandy 3:43
  • 2 O’Sullivan’s March 3:59
  • 3 An Poc Ar Buile / The Dingle Set 5:57
  • 4 Carolan’s Concerto 3:05
  • 5 The Wind That Shakes the Barley / The Reel With the Beryle 2:51
  • 6 Sea Image 6:11
  • 7 Boil the Breakfast Early 3:55
  • 8 The Women of Ireland (The Love Theme From Barry Lyndon) / Morning Dew 5:15
  • 9 Full of Joy 2:31
  • 10 The Green Fields of America 5:39
  • 11 Santiago de Cuba 3:39
  • 12 The Donegal Set 5:46
  • 13 Jabadaw 3:06
  • 14 The Bells of Dublin / Christmas Eve 3:06
  • 15 The French March 4:51
  • 16 The Stone 6:23
  • 17 The Munster Cloak / Tabhair dom do Lamh (Give Me Your Hand) 4:29
  • 18 Chasing the Fox 3:26

Disc 2

  • 1 I Know My Love 3:53
  • 2 Shenandoah 3:52
  • 3 Country Blues 3:13
  • 4 Ladies Pantalettes / Belles of Blackville / First House in Connaught 4:14
  • 5 The Foggy Dew 5:20
  • 6 Red Is the Rose 3:25
  • 7 The Squid Jiggin’ Ground / Larry O’Gaff 3:16
  • 8 Lambs in the Greenfields 3:21
  • 9 Guadalupe 2:51
  • 10 Mo Ghile Mear (Our Hero) 3:20
  • 11 Cotton‐Eyed Joe 2:42
  • 12 Molly Bán (Bawn) 4:45
  • 13 Long Journey Home (Anthem) 4:17
  • 14 Love Is Teasin’ 4:37
  • 15 The Rebel Jesus 3:49
  • 16 Il est né / Ca Berger 5:19
  • 17 Jimmy Mó Mhíle Stór 4:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata