The Greatest Songs Ever is a pretty tall order for any album to live up to, but this compilation of Irish songs, part of a series of "Greatest Songs Ever" albums covering different parts of the musical world, does a pretty good job of tackling a huge task.

A few clarifications should be added. These are folk songs, none of which is over maybe 20 years old (there are no copyright dates listed, but that is my slightly educated guess). I would also hazard a guess that perhaps some of the songs are included more for who is performing them than the actual song ... though some might argue that a good performance makes a good song, and therefore these are good songs.

For the most part, they are up-tempo, catchy, danceable songs. (Except not all of them are "songs," as one has no lyrics. Call me crazy, but I thought that made it a tune.)

So, starting off the album of Ireland's Greatest "Songs" Ever is a tune. Kila's "Gwerzy" is a nice eclectic instrumental piece, followed by the only Sinead O'Connor song I like, "I am Stretched on Your Grave." Liam O'Maonlai of Hothouse Flowers ventures off in a more traditional direction with "Cathain," though not too traditional as there are didgeridoos, but it is sung in Irish. Emmylou Harris, Dolores Keane and Mary Black harmonize beautifully on "Sonny." Altan's "Donal agus Morag" has a great beat and a fantastic instrumental piece at the end.

Brian Kennedy and Anuna create an interesting version of Van Morrison's "Crazy Love" and Aine Furey jazzes up "Marble Halls." Dr. Millar and the Beet Club sing of poverty in "Hard Years in the Big City." "Leis An Saol" by Tecnogue is a traditional-sounding song with a funky techno beat. Clannad provides the nifty sounding "Dulaman" and "The Ould Triangle" is contributed by the Dubliners. Teaming up with the Pogues, the two create a rollicking version of "The Irish Rover." The Frames' "Raglan Road" is beautiful, the Fureys' "Green Fields of France" is emotional and the final track, the Voice Squad's "The Parting Glass," has wonderful harmonies to go with wonderful lyrics.

While maybe not always songs and maybe not the "greatest ever," these are all quality tracks by some of the most prominent Irish folk groups of the age. With an upbeat feel and, for the most part, a danceable edge, this is a great album to remind yourself how much fun Ireland is and how talented its musicians and songwriters are.

- Rambles
written by Jean Emma Price
published 16 July 2005