The Best Irish and Folk Music to Listen to Right Now
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Looking for some great Irish and folk music to listen to right now? We’ve got you covered! Check out our top picks for the best Irish and folk music to listen to right now.
The Best Irish and Folk Music to Listen to Right Now
The Irish and Celtic music scene is thriving, with dozens of great bands and artists releasing new music every year. If you’re looking for some great new Irish and Celtic music to add to your collection, here are 10 of the best albums released in the past year.
1. The Gloaming – 3
2. SOLAS – All These Years
3. Lankum – Between the Earth & the Sky
4. Dervish – The Great Irish Songbook
5. We Banjo 3 – Haven
6. The Dubliners – 50 Years Celebration
7. The Chieftains – Voice of Ages
8. Gaelic Storm – Cabbage
9. The Young’uns – Strangers
10. The Burns Sisters – In This World
Irish and Folk Music: What’s the Difference?
Irish and folk music are often lumped together, but there are some key differences between the two genres. Irish music is more closely associated with traditional Celtic instrumentation and sounds, while folk music is more of a catch-all term that includes music from a variety of cultures and traditions.
That said, there is a lot of overlap between the two genres, and many artists who perform one also perform the other. If you’re looking for some great Irish and folk music to listen to right now, here are some of our favorites.
The Dubliners: One of the most influential Irish bands of all time, The Dubliners are known for their lively performances and traditional Irish songs.
Planxty: Another legendary Irish band, Planxty was at the forefront of the Celtic Revival movement in the 1970s. Their self-titled debut album is considered a classic of the genre.
The Pogues: One of the most well-known Irish bands in the world, The Pogues blend traditional Celtic sounds with punk rock energy. Their signature song “Fairytale of New York” has become a holiday classic.
The Chieftains: One of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional bands, The Chieftains have been making music together for over 50 years. They’ve collaborated with everyone from Van Morrison to Madonna, and their 1996 album “The Long Black Veil” is considered a genre classic.
Lúnasa: A relatively newer band on this list, Lúnasa is nonetheless one of Ireland’s most acclaimed contemporary Celtic groups. Their 2010 album “Seeds” was nominated for a Grammy Award.
The Best of Both Worlds: Irish and Folk Music
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it seems like the perfect time to celebrate all things Irish — including the country’s rich tradition of music. Irish music is known for its lively rhythms and soulful ballads, and there are plenty of contemporary artists keeping the sound alive. If you’re looking for something new to add to your playlist, here are some of the best Irish and folk bands to check out right now.
The High Kings
This traditional Celtic band from Dublin has been making music together for over a decade. The High Kings play a mix of original songs and traditional Irish ballads, and their work has been featured in film and television.
The Gloaming
The Gloaming is an Irish-American supergroup that brings together some of the most acclaimed traditional musicians in the world. The band’s self-titled debut album was named Album of the Year at the 2014Irish Times Traditional Music Awards, and their 2016 follow-up won a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album.
Daughters of Elvin
This all-female trio from County Cork blends traditional Irish music with elements of jazz and classical music. Daughters of Elvin has been praised for their “extraordinary musicianship” by The Guardian, and their debut album was nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award.
Scythian
Hailing from Washington, D.C., Scythian is an Celtic rock band with roots in Ukrainian folk music. The group is known for their high-energy live shows, which often include traditional Ukrainian dancing. Scythian has released three studio albums and one live album, and they were named “Best New Artist” at the 2008 Washington Area Music Awards.
The Best Irish and Folk Music to Listen to Right Now
The Best Irish and Folk Music to Listen to Right Now
Are you looking for some new music to help get you into the Irish spirit? Folk music is the perfect genre to start with. It’s filled with pleasant airs, beautiful ballads, and toe-tapping anthems. And, of course, it sounds great when played on traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhran.
To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of some of the best Irish and folk music artists that are making waves right now. So pour yourself a pint of Guinness, sit back, and enjoy!
1) Lauren Murphy
A relative newcomer to the scene, Lauren Murphy is a singer-songwriter from Dublin who only recently released her debut album. But she’s already making a big impression with her ethereal voice and emotionally charged lyrics. Fans of traditional Irish music will appreciate Murphy’s use of classic instrumentation on tracks like “Skellig” and “Foggy Dew.” And her contemporary spin on folk music is sure to win over anyone who’s looking for something new and different.
2) The Stunning
This Irish rock band has been around since the early 1990s, but they’re still going strong today. Their sound combines elements of rock, pop, and folk, resulting in catchy tunes that are impossible to resist. If you’re looking for an upbeat album to help get your party started, look no further than The Stunning’s latest release, All Good Things. It’s packed with sing-along anthems like “Brewing Up a Storm” and “Midnight Flower.”
3) The Corrs
The Corrs are an Irish pop/folk band that achieved massive success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They’re known for their catchy melodies and easy-going charm. Songs like “Dreams” and “What Can I Do?” are sure to put a smile on your face. And their ballads about love and loss will tug at your heartstrings. If you’re looking for some feel-good music to brighten up your day, The Corrs are definitely worth checking out.
4) Dermot Kennedy
Dermot Kennedy is a singer-songwriter from Dublin whose unique blend of folk and hip-hop has made him one of the most exciting artists in Ireland today. His songs are Intensely personal yet somehow relatable at the same time. They’ll make you think about life in a whole new way. Kennedy’s debut album Chapter One is filled with beautifully written tracks like “Glory” and “Lost.” It’s an essential listen for any fan of Irish music.
Irish and Folk Music: What’s the Difference?
Though both genres are often lumped together, there are some key distinctions between Irish and Folk music. Irish music is rooted in the traditional sounds of Ireland, while Folk music encompasses the traditional sounds of various cultures from around the world.
Irish music is often characterized by its use of Celtic instruments like the tin whistle, fiddle, and accordion. This music often has a lively, upbeat sound, and is often used for dancing. Folk music, on the other hand, can be slower and more reflective. It often tells stories of the human experience, and can be both happy and sad.
If you’re looking for some great Irish and Folk music to listen to right now, check out the list below. You’re sure to find something you’ll love!
The Best of Both Worlds: Irish and Folk Music
Ireland has a long and rich musical tradition, and its music has been influencing the folk music of other countries for centuries. Irish and folk music have often been lumped together, but there are many important differences between the two genres.
Folk music is traditionally passed down orally from one generation to the next, while Irish music is often written down and published. Folk music tends to be simpler and more traditional in its instrumentation, while Irish music often includes more complex arrangements with a wider range of instruments. And while both genres are known for their use of Celtic themes, Irish music is also heavily influenced by classical music, whereas folk music typically retains a more “roots” feeling.
Whether you’re looking for traditional ballads or lively jigs, there are plenty of great Irish and folk musicians to choose from. Here are some of the best Irish and folk musicians to listen to right now.
