Long one of the most popular of the Celtic-inspired Irish groups, Rogha: The Best of Clannad is actually the band's third retrospective album, with all three -- the first two being Past to Present and Themes -- coming within the last ten years. Where Themes concerned itself mainly with Clannad's soundtrack work, Rogha covers much of the same ground as the earlier Past to Present. Indeed, it's likely that the only reason Rogha exists at all is the fact that Clannad left RCA for Atlantic Records in the mid-'90s, leaving RCA to sift through the Clannad's leavings for material to put out one final release.

Fortunately -- or unfortunately, depending on your point of view -- the folks at RCA aren't stupid. The five songs included here that can also be found on Past to Present are some of Clannad's strongest and most popular -- the haunting, ghostly vocals of "Theme From Harry's Game" and "Newgrange," the sorrowful "Buachaill an Eirne," "In a Lifetime" and "Something to Believe In," and the pumped-up romps "Closer to Your Heart" and "Second Nature."

Of the "new" material here, most of it focuses on the more moody, melodic Gaelic songs the band has recorded over the years. By their very nature, these pieces are somewhat less accessable -- let's face it, the vast majority of Clannad's fans don't understand a lick of Gaelic -- but still deserving to be showcased. An exception to this is the aptly titled closing piece, "Journey's End," which easily conjures the joyful feelings travelers have at the end of extended trips. It doesn't take much to infer these feelings are equally applicable to a band at the conclusion of a grueling touring schedule. "Ancient Forest" is a pleasing Celtic-jazz mix, and "Seachran Charn Tsiail" is an evocative, bittersweet piece that easily conveys emotion despite the language barrier. "Now is Here" features the same slow, fey harmonies that pack such power in "Newgrange" and "Harry's Game."

Longtime Clannad fans needn't bother with Rogha, since they likely already have all the songs already on one album or another. The repetition of previous compilations is unfortunate, if understandable -- a much better case for this release could be made if it contained truly rare material, such as alternate takes or obscure B sides of singles. Alas, such gems either don't exist, or followed Clannad to Atlantic Records. Those unfamiliar with the band, though, will find this an excellent introduction to Clannad's unique blend of Celtic, folk and jazz influences.