Some years back, I remember hearing on the radio a really haunting song sung by a beautiful female voice. This happened at a time in my life when I had a special infatuation with Irish themes, so the Gaelic lyrics really struck a cord in me.

Fortunately the DJ was kind enough to reveal that it was a band called "Clannad" that was behind that song. I didn't get the name of the song down, but the tidbit that this song was in the soundtrack of "Patriot Games" stuck to my mind.

Off to a music store, I got my hands on "Anam" by Clannad, which listed the song "Harry's Game", and a note that it was "from the motion picture 'Patriot Games'". Perfect!

The cover included picture of a tall stone with symbols carved on it, surrounded by ornamentation - it hinted at a little more traditional sound than the album actually presents.


The Songs

Putting the cd on, a soft beat greeted me, followed by other instruments and the beautiful, haunting female voice. Made me think of Enya - and indeed, I think the cd might not be a bad buy for a fan of hers.


Ri Na Cruinne is the name of the starting track, completely sung in Gaelic (and it's such an extraordinarily beautiful language when sung!). Starting off with Máire Brennan singing (the lady with the haunting voice), soon to be joined by a male voice. This is a beautiful, mood creating song.


In A Lifetime (A duet with Bono)

Bono from U2 makes an appearance in this song, which is quite different from the first one, not only for the fact that it's sung in English. Quite a good song, Bono brilliant as ever, Máire holding her own, and band giving great background support.


Anam

The title track is quite a beautiful piece, again of a haunting mood. The harp and the simple backgrounds have a hint of Irish influence in them, but the mood is much more international than what I expected. The song is in English, perhaps because of the lyrics; I have a feeling that the band considered the message important - it criticises human greed, longing for an end to famine and war.


In Fortune's Hand

The most up-tempo song on the album, this song features a more filled sound-scape than the earlier songs, with a sax playing a big part, prominent guitars and percussions. In English also, this song departs quite distinctly from the Enya-feel.


The Poison Glen

This is a song in a bit more traditional Irish ballad style. I just have to mention the beautiful voice of Máire again... definitely the best part of the band (which is by no means to say that the band isn't good, in fact, the backgrounds are quite versatile.)


Wilderness

A simple instrumental piece, not particularly impressive, but does have a fairly nice mood to it.


Harry's Game (From the motion picture "Patriot Games")

Just as good as I remembered from the radio... VERY haunting, you are sure to recognise this once you hear it. It's the sort of a thing that leaves it's mark on your subconscious once you've heard it. Simple repeating lyrics in Gaelic, with a few words of English mixed in.... Close your eyes, relax, and enjoy while it lasts... which, unfortunately isn't long - just two and a half minutes.


Why Worry

A song leaning again away from the traditional Irish sounds. The song, sung in English is at points slightly (very slightly) reminiscent of some of the newer, simpler material from "Manhattan Transfer".


Úirchill An Chreagáin

As you probably guessed from the title, we're back to Gaelic again - and back to the simple haunting sound dominated by Máire... very relaxing, atmospheric, beautiful - closing your eyes, you can picture a beautiful, barren Irish landscape. Or at least that's what comes to my mind.


Love and Affection

From the start it's clear that the moody-moment is over, and it's wake-up time again. Máire comes in, and the song immediately gains depth. Male vocals play their part here too, in the chorus. This is a good song, meaningful lyrics again:

broken dreams in the street,
true sensations, the stories leak,
sweet justice hard to find,
can't simply speak my mind
All I wanted was love and affection....


You're The One

An almost American-folkloric start with a guitar quickly gets an Irish feel to it with the flute coming in. Not a bad song.

Dobrah

The final song on the album is an instrumental, with a piano playing the lead role. Beautiful, slow, not very Irish at all, except for the harp that joins in as support at points.


Final Verdict

An album well worth it's price, with wonderful moods and a few memorable tracks. Nothing struck me as bad or low quality here - all in all, quite a pleasant cd to listen to. I even ended up buying another album from them later, but that's another story....


Recommended: Yes