Essential celtic rock listening

The albums that define celtic rock.

Our picks for where to start with celtic rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The celtic rock essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss

Sinéad O'Connor

I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss

A bold blend of personal reflection and eclectic influences, wrapped in haunting melodies and O'Connor's distinctive voice.

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I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

Sinéad O'Connor

I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

A haunting blend of raw emotion and lush instrumentation that explores heartbreak and identity.

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The Lion and the Cobra

Sinéad O'Connor

The Lion and the Cobra

A bold fusion of Celtic influences and alternative rock, driven by raw emotion and O'Connor's powerful vocals.

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Gold

The Cranberries

Gold

A reflective collection where haunting melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, encapsulating the essence of The Cranberries' emotive sound.

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Throw Down Your Arms

Sinéad O'Connor

Throw Down Your Arms

A spiritual and emotive reggae homage intertwining O'Connor's haunting vocals with deep-rooted Rastafarian themes.

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In the End

The Cranberries

In the End

A poignant farewell featuring ethereal melodies and heartfelt lyrics enveloped in The Cranberries' signature sound.

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No Need to Argue

The Cranberries

No Need to Argue

Ethereal melodies entwined with poignant lyrics create a haunting atmosphere that defines The Cranberries' signature sound.

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Universal Mother

Sinéad O'Connor

Universal Mother

A poignant blend of folk-infused melodies and raw, introspective lyrics that explore motherhood and identity.

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How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?

Sinéad O'Connor

How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?

A reflective blend of folk-infused melodies and poignant lyrics capturing personal and societal struggles.

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Am I Not Your Girl?

Sinéad O'Connor

Am I Not Your Girl?

A hauntingly lush collection of jazz standards infused with O'Connor's emotive vocal power and introspective lyricism.

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The Ragpicker's Dream

Mark Knopfler

The Ragpicker's Dream

A tapestry of storytelling woven through rootsy melodies and reflective lyrics that evoke a sense of place.

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Golden Heart

Mark Knopfler

Golden Heart

A blend of heartfelt storytelling and intricate guitar work draped in a rich, folk-infused sound.

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Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?

The Cranberries

Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?

A lush blend of ethereal melodies and heartfelt lyrics wrapped in jangly guitars and soft, haunting vocals.

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Sailing to Philadelphia

Mark Knopfler

Sailing to Philadelphia

A melodic blend of folk-inflected storytelling and bluesy guitar work, rich with evocative imagery.

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Bualadh Bos – The Cranberries Live

The Cranberries

Bualadh Bos – The Cranberries Live

An emotive blend of folk-infused alternative rock, showcasing the band's signature melodies and Dolores O'Riordan's haunting vocals.

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One Take Radio Sessions

Mark Knopfler

One Take Radio Sessions

A raw and intimate collection of live recordings that showcase Knopfler's storytelling and intricate guitar work.

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Kill to Get Crimson

Mark Knopfler

Kill to Get Crimson

A reflective blend of folk-infused melodies and storytelling, rich with Knopfler's signature guitar work.

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Roses

The Cranberries

Roses

A bittersweet blend of ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics, echoing the Cranberries' signature sound with a poignant maturity.

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Get Lucky

Mark Knopfler

Get Lucky

A rich tapestry of storytelling woven with Knopfler's signature guitar work and evocative melodies.

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Shangri-La

Mark Knopfler

Shangri-La

A blend of reflective storytelling and intricate guitar work, merging rock with subtle country and blues influences.

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Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

The Cranberries

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

Melodic harmonies and introspective lyrics intertwine with a blend of alternative rock and folk influences.

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Bury the Hatchet

The Cranberries

Bury the Hatchet

Melodic rock harmonies entwine with poignant lyrics, evoking nostalgia and introspection throughout the album's diverse arrangements.

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Screenplaying

Mark Knopfler

Screenplaying

A cinematic blend of folk-infused melodies and evocative storytelling, rich with Knopfler's signature guitar work.

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This Is the Story

The Proclaimers

This Is the Story

A vibrant blend of folk rock and pop sensibilities infused with Celtic influences that evokes heartfelt storytelling.

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