The Chieftains

The Chieftains

Ireland Est. 1963

"Rooted in rhythmic pulse and melodic intricacy, their music dances between spirited jigs and melancholic airs, allowing moments of tension to give way to joyous release."

Start here

Begin with The Chieftains…

The Chieftains 5

The Chieftains 5

1975
Play this

Career Arc

The Chieftains's discography from 1963 to 2012

1963 1987 2012
The Chieftains (1963) The Chieftains 2 (1969) The Chieftains 3 (1971) The Chieftains 4 (1973) The Chieftains 5 (1975) The Chieftains 6: Bonapar... (1976) The Chieftains 7 (1977) The Chieftains Live! (1977) The Chieftains 8 (1978) The Chieftains 9: Boil th... (1980) The Chieftains 10: Cotton... (1981) The Year of the French (1983) The Chieftains in China (1985) Ballad of the Irish Horse (1986) Celtic Wedding (1987) Irish Heartbeat (1988) I'll Tell Me Ma (1988) A Chieftains Celebration (1989) The Bells of Dublin (1991) Another Country (1992)
The Chieftains are a cornerstone of modern folk music, reshaping the perception and appreciation of traditional Irish sounds within a contemporary framework.
The Chieftains are a cornerstone of modern folk music, reshaping the perception and appreciation of traditional Irish sounds within a contemporary framework. Their influence has extended beyond music, fostering a deeper cultural exchange that invites audiences to explore the rich tapestry of Irish heritage while bridging gaps between genres and traditions. By elevating traditional instruments and melodies to new heights, they have inspired countless musicians to embrace and adapt their own cultural roots. Their innovative approach lies in their ability to weave authentic folk elements with modern sensibilities, creating a sound that feels both timeless and immediate. The Chieftains often collaborate with artists from various backgrounds, seamlessly blending diverse idioms and styles, which not only expands their sonic palette but also enriches the listening experience. This cross-pollination of genres creates a space where listeners can find familiar comfort while being introduced to the unfamiliar. Lyrically, The Chieftains frequently delve into themes of love, loss, and the joys of life, drawing from a well of storytelling that is both sincere and evocative. Their writing often embodies a conversational tone, inviting listeners into intimate narratives that resonate on personal levels. Through a mix of heartfelt sincerity and playful irony, they create an emotional landscape that feels accessible yet profound.

Full discography

The Chieftains's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

35 releases • 33 albums • 1963–2012
Type:

Albums ()

Voice of Ages album by The Chieftains

Voice of Ages

2012

San Patricio album by The Chieftains

San Patricio

2010

The Essential Chieftains album by The Chieftains

The Essential Chieftains

2006

Live from Dublin: A Tribute to Derek Bell album by The Chieftains

Live from Dublin: A Tribute to Derek Bell

2005

Further Down the Old Plank Road album by The Chieftains

Further Down the Old Plank Road

2003

The Wide World Over – A 40 Year Celebration album by The Chieftains

The Wide World Over – A 40 Year Celebration

2002

Down the Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions album by The Chieftains

Down the Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions

2002

Tears of Stone album by The Chieftains

Tears of Stone

1999

Fire in the Kitchen album by The Chieftains

Fire in the Kitchen

1998

Santiago album by The Chieftains

Santiago

1996

Film Cuts album by The Chieftains

Film Cuts

1996

The Long Black Veil album by The Chieftains

The Long Black Veil

1995

Another Country album by The Chieftains

Another Country

1992

The Bells of Dublin album by The Chieftains

The Bells of Dublin

1991

A Chieftains Celebration album by The Chieftains

A Chieftains Celebration

1989

Irish Heartbeat album by The Chieftains

Irish Heartbeat

1988

Celtic Wedding album by The Chieftains

Celtic Wedding

1987

Ballad of the Irish Horse album by The Chieftains

Ballad of the Irish Horse

1986

The Chieftains in China album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains in China

1985

The Year of the French album by The Chieftains

The Year of the French

1983

The Chieftains 10: Cotton-Eyed Joe album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains 10: Cotton-Eyed Joe

1981

The Chieftains 9: Boil the Breakfast Early album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains 9: Boil the Breakfast Early

1980

The Chieftains 8 album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains 8

1978

The Chieftains 7 album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains 7

1977

The Chieftains Live! album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains Live!

1977

The Chieftains 6: Bonaparte's Retreat album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains 6: Bonaparte's Retreat

1976

The Chieftains 5 album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains 5

1975

The Chieftains 4 album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains 4

1973

The Chieftains 3 album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains 3

1971

The Best of the Chieftains album by The Chieftains

The Best of the Chieftains

1992

An Irish Evening album by The Chieftains

An Irish Evening

The Chieftains 2 album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains 2

1969

The Chieftains album by The Chieftains

The Chieftains

1963

Singles ()

I Know My Love album by The Chieftains

I Know My Love

1999

I'll Tell Me Ma album by The Chieftains

I'll Tell Me Ma

1988

No releases match the current filters.

Like The Chieftains? Try these next

Similar artists with their own starting points

Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

The Chieftains
The Chieftains (1963)
The Chieftains 2
The Chieftains 2 (1969)
The Chieftains 3
The Chieftains 3 (1971)
The Chieftains 4
The Chieftains 4 (1973)
The Chieftains 5
The Chieftains 5 (1975)
The Chieftains 6: Bonaparte's Retreat
The Chieftains 6: Bo... (1976)
The Chieftains 7
The Chieftains 7 (1977)
The Chieftains Live!
The Chieftains Live! (1977)
The Chieftains 8
The Chieftains 8 (1978)
The Chieftains 9: Boil the Breakfast Early
The Chieftains 9: Bo... (1980)
The Chieftains 10: Cotton-Eyed Joe
The Chieftains 10: C... (1981)
The Year of the French
The Year of the Fren... (1983)
The Chieftains in China
The Chieftains in Ch... (1985)
Ballad of the Irish Horse
Ballad of the Irish... (1986)
Celtic Wedding
Celtic Wedding (1987)
Irish Heartbeat
Irish Heartbeat (1988)
A Chieftains Celebration
A Chieftains Celebra... (1989)
The Bells of Dublin
The Bells of Dublin (1991)
Another Country
Another Country (1992)
The Best of the Chieftains
The Best of the Chie... (1992)
The Long Black Veil
The Long Black Veil (1995)
Santiago
Santiago (1996)
Film Cuts
Film Cuts (1996)
Fire in the Kitchen
Fire in the Kitchen (1998)
Tears of Stone
Tears of Stone (1999)
The Wide World Over – A 40 Year Celebration
The Wide World Over... (2002)
Down the Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions
Down the Old Plank R... (2002)
Further Down the Old Plank Road
Further Down the Old... (2003)
Live from Dublin: A Tribute to Derek Bell
Live from Dublin: A... (2005)
The Essential Chieftains
The Essential Chieft... (2006)
San Patricio
San Patricio (2010)
Voice of Ages
Voice of Ages (2012)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Chieftains sound like?

Rooted in rhythmic pulse and melodic intricacy, their music dances between spirited jigs and melancholic airs, allowing moments of tension to give way to joyous release. Rooted in folk. Start with Irish Heartbeat.

What is the best The Chieftains album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Irish Heartbeat" (1988). It's the most representative of what makes The Chieftains worth hearing.

Who is The Chieftains for?

If you're into folk, The Chieftains is worth your time. Rooted in rhythmic pulse and melodic intricacy, their music dances between spirited jigs and melancholic airs, allowing moments of tension to give way to joyous release.

How many albums does The Chieftains have?

The Chieftains has 35 releases in their discography, including 33 albums.

Apple Music Spotify Website Facebook Twitter Wikipedia