The Táin
Horslips · 1973
42 min · 14 tracks · Celtic rock
A vibrant fusion of traditional Irish melodies and rock rhythms, creating a mythical soundscape steeped in Celtic lore.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Dearg Doom — This track epitomizes the album's fusion of hard rock with traditional Irish instrumentation, showcasing powerful guitar riffs alongside haunting melodies that encapsulate the album's mythical essence.
-
→
Ferdia’s Song — A poignant moment on the album, this track intertwines narrative storytelling with lush arrangements, highlighting the band's skill in translating folklore into compelling music.
-
→
Cu Chulainn’s Lament — With its emotional weight and evocative lyrics, this song serves as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary hero Cu Chulainn, illustrating the album's thematic depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The Táin blends traditional Irish melodies with rock elements, establishing a unique sound that resonates within Celtic rock.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, with some moving from soft, melodic passages to more aggressive rock sections.
- The lyrics draw heavily on Irish mythology, with narrative storytelling present in multiple songs, enhancing the thematic depth of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- mythical narratives through vibrant sound
- short tracks for quick engagement
- energetic rhythms for lively gatherings
- playful melodies with storytelling flair
- cathartic crescendos in dynamic moments
Maybe skip if you
- long, drawn-out listening experiences
- slow tempos and reflective moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1973, The Táin was Horslips' debut album, marking their entry into the music scene with a unique blend of Celtic rock. At this point, the band was establishing its identity, weaving ancient Irish mythology into contemporary music and setting the stage for future projects.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Pogues· Clannad· Planxty
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Setanta 1:55
- 2 Maeve’s Court 1:41
- 3 Charolais 4:03
- 4 The March 1:34
- 5 You Can’t Fool the Beast 3:42
- 6 Dearg Doom 3:07
- 7 Ferdia’s Song 2:44
- 8 Gae Bolga 1:15
- 9 Cu Chulainn’s Lament 3:07
- 10 Faster Than the Hound 5:39
- 11 Silver Spear 2:06
- 12 More Than You Can Chew 3:18
- 13 The Morrigan’s Dream 3:25
- 14 Time to Kill! 5:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.