The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Loreena McKennitt · 2010
45 min · 9 tracks · world music
A haunting blend of traditional Celtic melodies and contemporary arrangements, evoking the spirit of Irish folklore.
Top tracks — play these first
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As I Roved Out Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Wind That Shakes the Barley — This title track encapsulates the album's theme of loss and longing, weaving together poignant melodies with rich historical context related to Ireland's struggles.
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The Parting Glass — As a traditional farewell song, this track highlights the album's emotional depth, showcasing McKennitt's vocal prowess and ability to convey sorrow and reflection.
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Down by the Sally Gardens — This interpretation of a classic Irish poem transforms into a haunting melody that illustrates McKennitt’s skill in blending lyrical storytelling with ethereal instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends traditional melodies with contemporary arrangements, creating a cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- Each track maintains a consistent tempo, with several pieces transitioning seamlessly into one another, creating a flowing narrative.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in tracks like 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley' and 'The Parting Glass.'
- 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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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- steady melodic journey throughout
- haunting vocals for introspection
- evocative tunes for quiet moments
- timeless connection to tradition
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy engagement
- prefer standalone chart singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and connection to Irish culture in her later career.
- Career context
- When Loreena McKennitt released The Wind That Shakes the Barley in 2010, she was already an established figure in the world music scene, known for her unique fusion of Celtic sounds and poetic storytelling. This album followed her 2006 release, An Ancient Muse, marking a continued exploration of folk traditions and themes of loss and heritage.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Enya· Clannad· Lisa Gerrard
Tracklist
- 1 As I Roved Out Start here 4:59
- 2 On a Bright May Morning 5:08
- 3 Brian Boru’s March 3:51
- 4 Down by the Sally Gardens 5:39
- 5 The Star of the County Down 3:34
- 6 The Wind That Shakes the Barley 6:01
- 7 The Death of Queen Jane 6:04
- 8 The Emigration Tunes 4:42
- 9 The Parting Glass 5:13
What to play next
An Ancient Muse
2006
Continues the blend of Celtic themes with rich instrumentation and storytelling.
A Mediterranean Odyssey
2009
Sets up the exploration of world music influences leading into the current album.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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