Clannad
Anam


4.0
excellent

Review

by Dewinged STAFF
June 23rd, 2020 | 33 replies


Release Date: 1990 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Meet the Brennans.

At the twilight of their career, the Irish new age and folk wardens Clannad began to realize that the endless well of inspiration that was traditional Celtic music had started to run dry. Mostly comprised of recycled material and refined iterations of the group’s brand of ethereal pop folk, Anam accidentally became a perfect entry point for those not familiar with Clannad’s music, as well as a very accurate representation of their sound. For those already in the know, the Celtic band’s 13th release included little to no surprises, although it touched on the very different approaches that Clannad have taken to their music since their inception in the 70s. Tracks like the traditional “Uirchill An Chreagain” will unavoidably remind you of lead singer Moya Brennan’s sister and renowned new age diva Enya, who was part of the band during the 80s before her solo career took off. Title track “Anam” will trick you into a gothic illusion mirroring a blurry resemblance to Dead Can Dance, while “In Fortune’s Hand” finds its vibe on a more up-tempo beat, playful sax frills and a memorable vocal duet.

Anam strikes a sweet balance between a meticulous production wrapped with 80s drum pads and keys and the gossamer textures of the new age tinged folk of highlights like opener “Ri Na Cruinne”, the AOR quasi-ballad “Why Worry”, and a soft folk rock deep cut like “Love and Affection”. The US version of Anam released later included two extra (and older) tracks: “Theme from Harry’s Game”, which was a commission for the UK TV show of the same name, and their popular single “In a Lifetime”, which featured an extraordinary performance of U2’s very own Bono. While I personally think these two tracks are not among the best that Anam has to offer, it is undeniable that they helped the band to gain momentum abroad.

It may not be the preferred period for Clannad’s long time followers, but Anam showed that the band still had the spark to create delightful songs that echo the breathtaking natural scenery of their homeland in Gaoth Dobhair, even if that meant reveling in the craft they had already mastered.



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user ratings (3)
3.2
good


Comments:Add a Comment 
Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


32179 Comments


There you have another half cooked write up. Love me some celtic pop, hell yes.

Check this magnificent shit for "In Fortune's hands":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUMcfZoycPs

parksungjoon
June 23rd 2020


47231 Comments


based

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


32179 Comments


next one gonna be good, i promise

parksungjoon
June 23rd 2020


47231 Comments


when is that coming

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


32179 Comments


Tomorrow? Maybe? I gotta ask the Oracle.

parksungjoon
June 23rd 2020


47231 Comments


thats some impressive output dude

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


32179 Comments


lol it's just been 2 days, you can say that if i manage to keep them pouring for like a month.

spoiler: Not gonna happen.

parksungjoon
June 23rd 2020


47231 Comments


3 in 3 is impressive to me thats all im sayin

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


32179 Comments


IF I post the third one tomorrow haha

But thanks dude, appreciate it.

parksungjoon
June 23rd 2020


47231 Comments


i believe in you

JesperL
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


5664 Comments


ayy, nice write up! cool seeing this band's name pop up, haven't thought about them a lot since i listened to magical ring non-stop when i was like 10

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


32179 Comments


Thanks Jesp! yeah i was like 6 when Magical Ring came out but never got into them (an into Celtic music in general) until my 20s, when I developed the unhealthy habit of driving around the countryside stoned up my ass while jamming stuff like this, Enya, Luar na Lubre, etc...

JesperL
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


5664 Comments


haha, sounds like the ultimate way to get familiar with this kind of stuff tho! i'm assuming said countryside had some nice natue? bc nature + clannad will always be a great combination imo, i mostly remember listening to them (and the pogues, of all bands lol) on a family holiday to the alps as a kid

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


32179 Comments


yeah man, driving around mountain roads with the gf at the time. This is years after this album though, maybe around 98 or 99, but yeah good memories.

Alps and Clannad sounds like a really good time.

kalkwiese
June 23rd 2020


10615 Comments


Clannad was a good show. Quite lengthy and I almost stopped watching, but omg when it hits it hits hard

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
June 23rd 2020


32179 Comments


Pretty easy platinum trophy too, if that's your thing.

e210013
June 23rd 2020


5592 Comments


Nice to see a review of this interesting prog folk band on Sputnik. Great.

Divaman
June 23rd 2020


16120 Comments


Good band. Saw them live once, in front of a sadly tiny crowd here on Long Island.

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
June 24th 2020


32179 Comments


Thanks people! What year was that Diva? I know they became a bit more popular after that Volkswagen ad but of course never to the point of filling up arenas.

Divaman
June 24th 2020


16120 Comments


I just looked it up. It was 2012.



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