Máire Brennan Albums (8)
'Moya Brennan with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orch.'
Release Date 9/15/2008
Tracks 13
Label Fierce!
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What The Critics Say
Moya Brennan's work away from Clannad has always suffered under the weight of comparisons to her sister, Enya. Her tendency to embrace the new age aesthetic that her sibling is so wrongfully accused of has won her as many detractors as it has supporters. On Two Horizons, Brennan embraces that tag, as well as the lush, Celtic mysticism of Enya, resulting in her finest offering yet. Taking a cue from The Red Violin, the record chronicles the history of a legendary harp used for celebration in Celtic mythology. Brennan, a devout Christian, takes a decidedly secular approach with the material, following the harp through the eyes of slave traders ("Ancient Town") and an African princess ("Sailing Away") to its triumphant return home to Tara in Ireland ("Harpsong"). The arrangements are heavy on the multi-tracked vocals and keyboards that have come to define the contemporary Celtic genre, but are lent authenticity by Maire Breatnach's strings, Martin Carthy's guitar, and Brennan's inspired harp playing. This is melodically charged new age-progressive Celtic music at its best, and fans of Brennan's work with Clannad will find much to love here, while those turned off by the previous descriptor would do well to distance themselves immediately. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Applying an old spin to the new, New Irish Hymns is a collection of contemporary hymns whose aim is to coexist with and meld into the fabric of modern-day church services and worship music. While it's a daunting task to compose new material that measures up to the lofty and poetic standard that has embodied church music for centuries, this collection has already made significant strides in that regard. Two pieces are already being incorporated into services from congregations in Belfast and Milwaukee. Composers Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend's "In Christ Alone," and the Getty/Kristyn Lennox co-authored "Like the Starlight," have touched the collective hearts of those diverse churches. Other songs, like the Máire Brennan/Getty-penned "With the Early Morning" certainly have that potential as well. Performed by renowned Clannad vocalist Brennan, Iona lead singer Joanne Hogg and uncelebrated American pop singer Margaret Becker, New Irish Hymns relies heavily on the majestic compositional prowess of Irish conductor/arranger Keith Getty, and the instrumental support of Iona members past and present, Terl Bryant, Tim Harries and Troy Donockley. Also making noteworthy contributions are guitarists Phil Keaggy and Jason Carter. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide
'Whisper to the Wild Water'
Release Date 10/19/1999
Tracks 13
Label Epic
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What The Critics Say
Máire Brennan sets a series of prayers in English and Gaelic to music on her second album for the religious label Word. The musical style is informed by Celtic music and hymns, but also uses elements of rock, as Brennan sings with considerable echo, sometimes suggesting the round tones of Judy Collins. The massed backup vocals with their ethereal sound often recall the work of Brennan's sister Enya, though her songs are more focused. The tone of generalized religious devotion in the lyrics and Brennan's angelic singing sometimes make the music sound like it comes from centuries ago, despite the occasional electric instrumentation and 1990s production values. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Perfect Time, Maire Brennan's first album for Epic Records, is her best solo effort to date, a lovely collection of atmospheric Celtic pop that equally emphasizes her enchanting voice and ethereal harp. Like Enya's records, Perfect Time relies on aural texture as much as songcraft, but there are actual, memorable melodies on each track on the album, and it's all the more effective because of that. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This is the debut solo effort from Maire Brennan, lead singer of the Irish group Clannad. She explores musical styles from worldbeat to the flowing vocal and keyboard style of her younger sister, Enya. The album begins with "Ce Leis," a sad, haunting tune written by Maire to Celtic harp and soft keyboard accompaniment. We then take a 180-degree swing into "Against the Wind," with African-style rhythms and wild bouzouki. "Oro" is a mother's loving song of hope, sung in Gaelic. "Land of Youth" is based on a tale from Irish mythology, where Oisin, son of Finn MacCumhail is lured to the land of eternal youth and love by the enchantingly beautiful Niamh. An album with diverse influences, Maire uncovers new dimensions with each listening. ~ Backroads Music/Heartbeats, All Music Guide
