What makes The First Hurrah! by The Clancy Brothers notable?

The First Hurrah! is significant for its impact on the folk music revival of the 1960s, introducing audiences to traditional Irish songs that would become staples in the genre. The album contributed to the resurgence of interest in Celtic music and helped establish The Clancy Brothers as leading figures in the folk movement, influencing countless artists that followed. Released in 1964, The First Hurrah! was The Clancy Brothers' debut album, marking their entry into the American folk revival scene. At this point, they were already gaining popularity through live performances and television appearances, setting the stage for their influential role in popularizing Irish folk music abroad.

How many songs are on The First Hurrah!?

The First Hurrah! has 12 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

The First Hurrah!

The Clancy Brothers · 1964

31 min · 12 tracks · Celtic music

A spirited collection of traditional Irish folk songs, infused with infectious harmonies and lively instrumentation that captures the essence of Celtic music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Leaving of Liverpool — This track opens the album with a poignant sense of nostalgia, showcasing the group's harmonious vocals and storytelling tradition that defines the record.
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Rocky Road to Dublin — With its energetic tempo and vivid narrative, this track exemplifies the playful yet profound connection to Irish cultural heritage that permeates the album.
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Carrickfergus — This ballad highlights the emotional depth of the group’s vocal harmonies, capturing themes of longing and place that resonate throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album captures traditional Irish folk elements well but doesn't fully innovate within the genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of traditional Irish instruments such as the bodhrán and tin whistle, creating an authentic folk sound.
The tempo varies across tracks, with several songs maintaining a lively pace while others slow down for reflective moments.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
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 The Leaving of Liverpool 2:48
2 The Mermaid 3:16
3 Rocky Road to Dublin 2:25
4 Johnny Todd 2:05
5 Rosin the Bow 2:41
6 The West's Awake 3:18
7 Row, Bullies, Row 1:38
8 Gallant Forty-Twa 2:28
9 An Poc Ar Buile (The Mad Goat) 2:24
10 Carrickfergus 2:26
11 Bonny Charlie 3:27
12 Kelly, the Boy From Killanne 2:33

What to play next

Listen next

Recorded Live in Ireland

1965

Go back to

In Person at Carnegie Hall

1963

Full The Clancy Brothers discography Artists like The Clancy Brothers

Celtic music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata