Music Review: Celtic Thunder: Christmas Voices

 Celtic Thunder is a male answer to Celtic Woman.  The album Christmas Voices was released in 2013 by Celtic Thunder.  There are six singers, Colm Keegan, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Neil Byrne, Emmet Cahill and George Donaldson.  The each perform a solo, and then they do several group songs.  Neil sings Mary Did You Know?, Ryan, In the Bleak Midwinter, Colm Away in a Manger, Keith Comfort Ye from the Messiah, George Mary's Boy Child and Emmet Oh Holy Night.  I particularly like Mary's Boy Child with its upbeat rhythm.  It was brave do do Comfort Ye.  Ensemble numbers include O Come All Ye Faithful, God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen, The Christmas Song And Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.  

Music Review: Celtic Thunder: Storm

Celtic Thunder: Storm, composed by Phil Coulter, 2011.

This seems to be a follow-up to the popularity of Celtic Women, however it doesn’t have the same impact to me.  There is something about the music that seems contrived, like they were trying to create some conflict or drama in the music, and for me it just isn’t there.  However, I like that the start by paying tribute to God.  “New Day Dawning”

Thank you, Lord, for a new day dawning
Over our mountains and valleys of green
Thank you, Lord, for a new day dawning
And shining Your light from above
All over this land that we love

 

The songs though nice and the singing reflects a range of accomplishment.  Of this is the song “When you’re 18.”  The young man does a good job.  There also seems to be some conflict with a love triangle, but based on only the music this is hard to tell.  I think this must be based on a dramatic version where more of the story is portrayed. 

I like the way this C.D. ends as well.  They give tribute to their heroes. 

“Hail the Hero”

Hail the hero, strong and true
Who fought the fight and saw it through
Who swore he ne'er would be a slave
And gave his life, our land to save