Released 10 years ago
Upon a Winter's Night
Cara Dillon · 2016
40 min · 11 tracks · Irish folk music
A serene blend of traditional carols and original compositions, weaving delicate melodies with rich, emotive vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Wexford Carol — This track exemplifies Dillon's ability to breathe new life into traditional carols, showcasing her hauntingly beautiful voice over a gentle instrumental backdrop that captures the essence of the season.
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O Holy Night — Dillon's rendition transforms this classic into an emotionally charged experience, highlighted by her soaring vocals that convey both reverence and warmth.
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Standing by My Christmas Tree — This original composition stands out for its poignant lyrics and modern arrangement, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective on holiday themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends traditional and original pieces, showcasing Dillon's vocal strength and thoughtful arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered harmonies and a slow build, setting a contemplative mood for the following songs.
- Each of the traditional carols is arranged with minimal instrumentation, allowing Dillon's vocals to remain at the forefront.
- Several tracks feature a call-and-response structure, particularly in the original compositions, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- serene winter evening warmth
- introspective moments by the fire
- gentle melodies for reflection
- soothing background for holiday gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- wanting fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon a Winter's Night is Cara Dillon's first studio album since her acclaimed 2013 release, A Thousand Hearts. By 2016, Dillon had established herself as a prominent voice in Irish folk music, known for her ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary sensibilities, making this seasonal offering a significant addition to her discography.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Hannigan· Kate Rusby· Clannad
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Upon a Winter's Night 3:25
- 2 The Wexford Carol 4:40
- 3 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly 3:47
- 4 The Holly and the Ivy 4:29
- 5 O Come, O Come Emmanuel 3:00
- 6 Standing by My Christmas Tree 4:21
- 7 O Holy Night 3:16
- 8 Rug Muire Mac Do Dhia 3:09
- 9 The Darkest Midnight 3:07
- 10 The Huntsman 3:04
- 11 Mother Mary 3:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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