Album Review: Celtic Thunder Heritage

Words by: Erin Robinson

This album I believe is one of the best they have recorded. The dynamic of the group changed with Paul Byrum leaving and a young Emmett Cahill taking his place. There are a mix of old Irish songs with new ones. With a twist of American honky tonk as well.

1. The Dutchman-(4:18)composer Michael Peter Smith- “The Dutchman's not the kind of man to keep his thumb jammed in the dam that holds his dreams in, but that’s a secret only Margaret knows.” Wonderful lyrics, words of someone experiencing Alzheimer’s and not remembering who he is. Keith Harkin is soloist here.
   
   
2. Buachaill on Eirne-(3:34) composers Moya and Paul Brennan- This song is sung in Gaelic and English by Damian McGinty (one of the winners of the Glee Project). “Come by the hills to the land where fancy is free and stand where the peaks meet the sky and the lochs meet the sea, where the rivers run clear and the bracken is gold in the sun, and the cares of tomorrow can wait til this day is done” What a wonderful description of a fall away magical place. Where the air is clear and the rivers are pure. You don’t have to worry about tomorrow.
   
   
3. Black Is The Color-(3:37) composer James McNally- Ryan Kelly sings this wonderful song about a love. A dark hair raven beauty that he loves so tremendously. Black is the color of my true love`s hair, her lips are like some roses fair, she’s got the sweetest smile and the gentlest hands, I love the ground whereon she stands.”
   
   
4. My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose-(3:08) composer Hazell- A song sung by Paul Byrum. A very romantic song, a man telling his true love that he will love her till the oceans run dry. As fair art thou, my Bonnie lass so deep in love am I, and I will love thee still, my dear, til all the seas gang dry.”
   
   
5. Home From the Sea-(3:56) composer Phil Coulter-Beautiful song written by Phil with a touch of old. The song is about a boat full of men trying to make it back to port when a storm hits. The town gathers together to pray and to wait for news. Then by morning light the news breaks all aboard are safe. “And just before dawn, when all hope had gone, came a hush and a faraway sound, Twas the coxswain he roared all survivors on board.”
   
   
6. Just A Song At Twilight-(3:55) composer Bingham- “Still to us at twilight comes love's old song, comes love’s own sweet song.” Memories of old loves come calling among the night shadows.
   
   
7. Galway Girl-(2:54)composer Steve Earle- “And I ask you, friend, what's a fella to do, cause her hair was black and her eyes were blue, so I took her hand and I gave her a twirl, and I lost my heart to a Galway girl.” This song is written about a boy that loses his heart to a girl from Galway and she leaves him in the night lonely but in love.
   
   
8. Gold & Silver Days-(3:50) composer Phil Coulter- A song about growing old and remembering the friends of yesterday. Reliving youth and reveling in the days of gold and silver. “Not a penny to our name we were happy just the same, in those gold and silver days.”
9. Noreen- A romantic song about a guy being exiled by his town. Leaving the love of his behind and the hopes and prayers that he will soon be reunited with his love. “So I pray when my exile is over, with the pain and the heartache behind us, back in the peace of the valley you’ll find us.”

10.Kindred Spirits-“They were always kindred spirits now they will forever be. For now those kindred spirits will share eternity.” Most heartbreaking song I believe that was ever written. When my grandmother died she loved Celtic Thunder and my mother would sing this song to her. She went to be with my granddad and forever they are kindred spirits.

11.Whiskey In The Jar- Song about a guy so in love with this girl he battles and steals from a pirate and ends up in jail but the girl gets away with everything. “Here I am in prison here I am with a ball and chain, yeah."

 12. Red Rose Café- A song about after work, whether you came from the factories or the fields or office you are all one enjoying a pint of beer. “Everyone shares in the songs and the laughter everyone there is so happy to be there.”

  13. A Place In The Choir- A cute fun song where all animals short, tall, weird or loveable has a place in God’s choir to sing. “All God’s creatures have a place in the choir, some sing low and some sing high.” This is a fun hand clapping song.