Our family became fans of Celtic Woman the moment we saw one of their programs on PBS. The immense talent of the vocalists – Lisa Kelly, Chloe Agnew, Lynn Hilary, and Alex Sharpe, along with violinist Máiréad Nesbitt – and the entire crew of virtuoso musicians involved with the production took our breath away.
Celtic Woman is known for covering well-known tunes with a modern, Celtic twist, as well as presenting standard Irish songs and folk tunes with their unique styling.
I recently received a copy of their newest CD – Songs from the Heart (available online and in stores now) - from EMI Music as part of the Music Moms review program. When we first started listening to the CD in the car, we couldn’t get past Track 6 – my kids kept insisting we go back to listen to all of the songs again! I finally reasoned that for a full review, I’d have to listen to the full CD. Once they agreed, I was happy to prove to them that the rest of the CD was just as amazing as the beginning.
I think what you’re immediately struck by when listening to Songs from the Heart is the amazing talent of all the musicians involved. You feel their passion and spirit coming through the music. The songs have the common thread of love, but they each seem to tell their own story – love of home, love of country, love of a man or woman, love of a child. The collection is powerful and moving. Some tracks I honestly liked better than others, but overall the CD leaves you feeling refreshed and uplifted. (note: visit Celtic Woman’s YouTube Channel to see videos of some of these songs!) Here’s a rundown of the track list and my thoughts on the songs:
- Fields of Gold – My least favorite track on the CD, though maybe because I’m not a huge fan of the original Sting version.
- Amazing Grace – You think you’ve heard this song sung every possible way it can be sung, but this version will still surprise you! Gorgeous!
- Níl Sé’n Lá – OUR FAVORITE, by far! Sassy, upbeat, infectious. Powerful. LOVE IT.
- My Lagan Love - This is a traditional 15th-16th century Irish love song. I found out that it’s been covered by many artists before – it’s even on a Sesame Street CD! This version is haunting and soulful; I found myself holding my breath during part of it.
- When You Believe – Famously recorded by Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston, this is an Academy Award winning song from the Prince of Egypt. Personally, I absolutely prefer this version over the pop version, because I feel it captures much more of the powerfully reverent spirit of the movie.
- The New Ground – Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears - You need to listen closely as this story of a young woman’s journey to America unfolds. I can only imagine through this song what it was like for so many to leave their homes and come through Ellis Island.
- The Coast of Galiçia - Máiréad shines in this energetic tune on violin.
- Non C’è Più - Half-Italian, half-English, this song reminds me of something you’d hear in an Andrew Lloyd Weber musical – and that’s a GOOD thing in my book. Dramatic and lovely.
- The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress - Famously recorded by a number of other artists, I wouldn’t put this at the top of my favorites for this CD.
- You’ll Be In My Heart – Much like Sting’s “Fields of Gold,” I’m not a big fan of the original of this song by Phil Collins (for the movie Tarzan). My kids said they prefered this version though, so it gets their vote!
- Goodnight My Angel – Originally recorded by Billy Joel, this is a fantastic choice to be covered by Celtic Woman. The women add a serene sensibility to this lullaby that almost made me cry.
- Galway Bay – Originally recorded by Bing Crosby, I had never heard this song before but was happy to hear this story of the Irish homeland.
- The Lost Rose Fantasia - This violin piece by Máiréad is thoughtful and passionate.
- O, America! – Written specifically for Celtic Woman, this song is full of power, majesty, patriotism, and hope.
It’s no exaggeration to say that I got goosebumps during several of the songs on the CD. I am BEYOND EXCITED that my husband and I have also been confirmed for two tickets to review the Celtic Woman show when it comes to Houston in April! Look for a post from me about it in early May! To see if the Celtic Woman production is coming to your area, VISIT THEIR SITE TO CHECK ON TOUR CITIES/DATES.
And now….for the biggest news yet: I HAVE ONE CELTIC WOMAN SONGS FROM THE HEART DELUXE EXPERIENCE CD TO GIVE AWAY! The Deluxe Experience set includes the CD, and 18-month desktop calendar, a heart charm keepsake, and VIP access to a virtual Celtic Woman community. US Entries only, please. To enter, answer in a comment to this post: are you familiar with Celtic Woman? What are your thoughts on the women and the show? If you’re not familiar with them, what are you most eager to discover about them?
For extra entires, do any of the following and leave an extra comment for each entry method used:
- Tweet about this giveaway (leave your Twitter ID in the comment)
- Follow this blog via Google Connect
- Subscribe to this blog via email or reader
All entries are due by 11:59PM CST Wednesday, March 10. Good luck to everyone!
You might also enjoy these related posts from Tree, Root, and Twig:
- Celtic Woman “Songs from the Heart” Tour {Review}
- CLOSED: B is for Bob {Review & Giveaway, ends 7/13}
- CLOSED: New Music: One eskimO, Self-Titled Debut {Review & Giveaway}
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Melissa
on Feb 24th, 2010
@ 9:54 pm:
Oh, I am so jealous of those tickets to their concert. William and I just purchased this CD on Saturday and LOVE it!!! I told him I want to check into going to the concert. I love the programs I have seen of this group on PBS. I don’t know a lot about each of the performers, but I really enjoy their music!
Lissa
on Feb 24th, 2010
@ 11:36 pm:
I have heard OF them, but never heard them. I love Celtic music, though. I’d like to borrow that CD, if I can.
Mari
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 6:40 pm:
I have seen their special on PBS and they put on an excellent show! I would love a chance to win their cd.
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
Mari
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 6:41 pm:
email subscribe
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
Mari
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 6:41 pm:
google friend
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
Rachel D
on Feb 26th, 2010
@ 1:32 am:
This is a new one to me. But I love Celtic music, and anything with a violin is a winner in my book.
Rachel D´s last blog ..Train Birthday Party
Rachel D
on Feb 26th, 2010
@ 1:34 am:
Crossing my fingers in a Celtic knot that you’ll pick me, little email subscriber that I am.
P.S. We had a train birthday party for Lincoln today. Thought of you and smiled. He still remembers going to the live Thomas show.
Rachel D´s last blog ..Train Birthday Party
Sharon B
on Feb 27th, 2010
@ 6:43 pm:
Celtic Woman is probably one of the few groups that my husband and I both love. I am more of arocker, and he is more elevator music. But we share our Celtic Woman CDs and watch their PBS specials together. Amazing voices, amazing music!
susan varney
on Feb 27th, 2010
@ 7:00 pm:
celtic music is so soothing mverno@roadrunner.com
adrienne Gordon
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 6:18 am:
i’m not familiar, but after listening to some tracks…i’m hooked!
EMMA L HORTON
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 7:26 am:
I HAVE SEEN THEIR SPECIAL AND THEY DO GREAT MUSIC
david basile
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 12:53 pm:
good unique sound
Jacqueline Daigneault
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 8:35 pm:
I am so much in love with celtic music and every time its on pbs I watch it.
Mary Casper
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 9:31 pm:
I love their music and am hoping to see them LIVE one day
Suzanne K
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 11:19 pm:
Absolutely love them! Have for years. I just recently got my 16 year old daughter to listen to some of their music (since she’s in choir now, she has a new appreciation for their voices/music). She loves them also! Now I’m trying to decide if I can afford to go to their upcoming concert when they are in our area.
angie
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 11:39 pm:
I have listened to their cds in the past. I love their music.
Doug
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 9:06 am:
Had not heard of them until a retreat this wknd when the speaker shared one of their songs as being particularly touching
Tarah
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 11:49 am:
I’ve heard of them but I don’t know a whole lot about them, I do enjoy that type of music though.
Harriet
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 7:43 pm:
Have never heard of them, or heard them, but would like to hear their rendition of Amazing Grace
Christine W
on Mar 3rd, 2010
@ 1:26 am:
I have heard of them but have not heard any of their music. I have a dear friend who long ago introduced me to Celtic Music. I have loved listening to her CD’s and know that I would very much enjoy listening to the CD Celtic Woman Songs From The Heart. It would definitely bring back fond memories of my grandfather who came to the United States from County Cork in Ireland.
Thank you,
Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net
Christine W
on Mar 3rd, 2010
@ 1:28 am:
I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/ossmcalc/status/9914603526
thank you,
Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net
Christine W
on Mar 3rd, 2010
@ 1:29 am:
I follow this blog via Google Connect.
Thank you,
Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net
Christine W
on Mar 3rd, 2010
@ 1:30 am:
I subscribe to your blog via email.
Thank you,
Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net
Patricia
on Mar 4th, 2010
@ 10:02 am:
I am familiar with Celtic Woman. They all sing beautifully. I think Mairead is an amazing violinist.
Daniel M
on Mar 4th, 2010
@ 2:18 pm:
not familiar, love female vocalists and irish music though!
Pat
on Mar 5th, 2010
@ 9:22 am:
I’m not familiar with them, but they sound like fantastic singers.
Faith
on Mar 5th, 2010
@ 11:37 am:
Have not been familiar with them, would love to hear their rendition of Amazing Grace
sarah
on Mar 5th, 2010
@ 1:48 pm:
i am familiar with them and their music is just magical!
Rosie
on Mar 5th, 2010
@ 9:15 pm:
I’m watching their concert on PBS at this very moment and they are amazing! All of them look beautiful and sound even more so. I’d love to attend one of their concerts when they stop in my city.
Sarah McKee
on Mar 6th, 2010
@ 2:33 pm:
I wasn’t familiar with them until I saw another giveaway. I checked out their website and the album on Amazon.com and was impressed by their voices. Would love to hear an entire album of theirs. I
Shellie
on Mar 6th, 2010
@ 9:30 pm:
My husband and I have watched their shows on PBS many times and love them. I bought the first DVD and am playing it in our waiting room at work. Clients really like it.
Ken Robinson
on Mar 8th, 2010
@ 3:15 pm:
I enjoy their specials on PBS. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
Em
on Mar 8th, 2010
@ 11:46 pm:
I have heard of them, I haven’t heard the album yet, but am excited by all the inspirational music
Em´s last blog ..Swagbucks
Alaska/P
on Mar 9th, 2010
@ 1:07 am:
Oh how I want to be a Celtic Woman…but I’m just an Eskimo Lady up here in Alaska. I am not familiar with them, but I love Celtic music. I would love to see them. Crossing my fingers on this one. Thanks for sharing.
Marc
on Mar 9th, 2010
@ 12:18 pm:
I caught a PBS special on them a week or so ago but only the end part. Their music seemed inspirational and would love to give their new CD a listen.
Ed Nemmers
on Mar 9th, 2010
@ 4:47 pm:
Yes, I am familiar with Celtic Woman and have watched them frequently on our PBS Channel.
brooke
on Mar 9th, 2010
@ 9:15 pm:
I have heard of them… What I love is one they are Irish and two their voices… Pure sweet crisp and clean to the ears….
Marc
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 2:32 am:
I’m familiar with them. Most are pretty…and all have beautiful voices.
Melissa B.
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 2:05 pm:
I watched their special on PBS and it was wonderful. They sing so beautifully.
Gianna
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 4:09 pm:
I’ve heard them on TV and think their voices are beautiful.
Pamela S
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 5:20 pm:
I have seen them on PBS several times and always loved them. I think their music is hauntingly beautiful. Thanks.
Pamela S
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 5:23 pm:
Subscribed via feed. Thanks.
Pamela S
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 5:24 pm:
Follower (pamelashockley)
Kat Emerick
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 8:30 pm:
I heard them one time in fact by mistake and loved them but I never found out who they were.
DEBIJOT
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 9:41 pm:
Yes, I have seen them in concert. I LOVE their music. So pure and beautiful.
DEBIJOT
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 9:41 pm:
blog follower
DEBIJOT
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 9:42 pm:
rss subscriber
Brian E.
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 9:46 pm:
Thanks for the giveaway…My wife is a big fan of CW, she has watched their specials on PBS.
Brian E.
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 9:47 pm:
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/brianpiero/status/10305307164
@brianpiero
Julie
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 9:57 pm:
I have seen their ads on the late night TV. They look intriguing!
Julie´s last blog ..Ragu Recipes for a Good Start
Julie
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 9:58 pm:
Following on google connect
Julie´s last blog ..Ragu Recipes for a Good Start
Sand
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 11:25 pm:
I am familiar with them as my mom is a huge fan and I’ve seen their specials on PBS.
Veronica Garrett
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 11:41 pm:
I’ve seen Celtic Woman on PBS for several years. Their show is fantastic. They always put on a good show.
heather c
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 11:53 pm:
I am familiar with them. Love their sound. I laugh when I watch them sing, though, because of their one particular pose.
heather c
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 11:54 pm:
Tweeted – http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/10309563777
heather c
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 11:54 pm:
I follow via gfc as /\Heather/\
heather c
on Mar 10th, 2010
@ 11:55 pm:
I subscribed to your rss feed.
Celtic Woman “Songs from the Heart” Tour {Review} « Tree, Root, and Twig
on May 12th, 2010
@ 10:23 pm:
[...] while ago I was able to review the new Celtic Woman CD “Songs from the Heart” and offer a fabulous giveaway. I was [...]