The Well Below the Valley
Planxty · 1973
45 min · 12 tracks · music of Ireland
A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies interwoven with contemporary folk sensibilities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Cúnla — This track opens the album with an enchanting melody that encapsulates Planxty's signature blend of instrumentation and lyrical storytelling, drawing listeners into their musical world.
-
→
The Well Below the Valley — The title track serves as a centerpiece, showcasing intricate arrangements and poignant lyrics that reflect themes of nature and nostalgia, embodying the album's essence.
-
→
As I Roved Out — This song highlights the band's ability to convey deep emotional narratives through its storytelling, combining traditional music elements with contemporary flair.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines traditional melodies with modern sensibilities, establishing a unique sound in the Irish folk scene.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate medleys, seamlessly transitioning between different traditional tunes, which showcases the group's musicianship.
- The vocal arrangements often include harmonies that complement the lead singer, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- 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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing experience
- rich cultural tapestry exploration
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1973, The Well Below the Valley marked Planxty's debut album, establishing them as a significant force in the Irish folk revival. At this time, the group was composed of influential members like Christy Moore and Andy Irvine, who were pivotal in blending traditional Irish music with modern arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Chieftains· Altan· Lúnasa
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cúnla 3:58
- 2 Pat Reilly 3:19
- 3 Slip Jigs: The Kid on the Mountain / An Phis Fhliuch 3:52
- 4 As I Roved Out 5:21
- 5 Reels: The Dogs Among the Bushes / Jenny's Wedding 2:40
- 6 The Well Below the Valley 5:35
- 7 Hewlett 2:34
- 8 Bean Pháidín 3:46
- 9 Hornpipes: Fisherman's Lilt / Cronin's Hornpipe 3:18
- 10 As I Roved Out 3:52
- 11 Solo Jig: Humours of Ballyloughlin 2:14
- 12 Time Will Cure Me 5:26
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.