What makes The Words That Remain by Solas notable?

The album was well-received critically, earning praise for its innovative approach to Irish music, which helped spark a revival of interest in the genre among younger audiences. It is often cited as a key influence within the Celtic music movement and has been instrumental in shaping the sound of contemporary Irish folk bands. Released in 1998, The Words That Remain was Solas's debut album, marking their entry into the American folk scene. At this time, the band was forming its identity, blending traditional Irish influences with modern interpretations, setting a foundation for their future projects.

Who is The Words That Remain for?

The Words That Remain works well if you're into vibrant energy for gathering, intricate instrumentation detail hunting and playful rhythms for dancing.

How many songs are on The Words That Remain?

The Words That Remain has 12 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

The Words That Remain

Solas · 1998

57 min · 12 tracks · music of Ireland

A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish music interwoven with contemporary folk sensibilities and intricate instrumental arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Pastures of Plenty — This opening track captures the essence of the album with its lively tempo and rich harmonies, establishing Solas's unique blend of traditional and modern motifs.
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The Grey Selchie — A haunting rendition of a classic ballad that showcases the band's ability to convey deep emotion through both lyrics and instrumentation.
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I Am a Maid That Sleeps in Love — This track exemplifies Solas's skillful vocal harmonies and intricate arrangements, highlighting their commitment to preserving and reinterpreting Irish musical traditions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional Irish music with contemporary elements, showcasing strong arrangements and vocal interplay.

What we noticed

The album opens with a traditional folk song that features layered instrumentation, including fiddles and acoustic guitar, establishing a vibrant sound.
Several tracks incorporate intricate instrumental sets that blend multiple traditional Irish melodies into cohesive arrangements.
Vocals are often harmonized, with lead singers alternating between verses and choruses, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the record.
The final track features a gradual build-up of tempo and intensity, concluding the album with a lively flourish.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant energy for gathering
intricate instrumentation detail hunting
playful rhythms for dancing
nostalgic storytelling through melody

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
skip if seeking minimalism

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1998, The Words That Remain was Solas's debut album, marking their entry into the American folk scene. At this time, the band was forming its identity, blending traditional Irish influences with modern interpretations, setting a foundation for their future projects.
Stylistic neighbors: Lúnasa· Altan· The Chieftains