The Corrs Album: “Home [Australia Bonus Track]”

For much of the band's professional career, the Corrs have fallen outside the bounds of "Irish pop," where they've so often been lumped, and more in the area of pop by musicians who happen to be Irish. But with "Home," the family band makes a giant leap into Ireland's musical tradition without ever losing its unique pop sound. While the sound is pop, the music this time around is largely traditional. And the crossover works brilliantly, turning classic old Irish songs into tracks that would go over quite well on any pop music radio station or dance floor.

The album was conceived as a tribute to the late Jean Corr, the siblings' mother, who was a musician and an avid collector of songs before she died in 1999. What more can I say? Traditional Irish songs given an exciting new spin by one of Ireland's top pop family bands has success written all over it. With any luck, it will bring new listeners into the traditional fold -- and will encourage the Corrs to explore more deeply their rich family legacy and national treasure.

I just bought this album, never thinking it would have a US release. This album really seems to bring the Corrs back to what's familiar, to them and to the fans. This has got to be their most 'organic' studio production yet and it's nice to see them honoring their late mother's music in this compilation of songs. The songs are not typical releases by the Corrs, but they give their take on these irish tunes. It's a very good listen. I recommend it.

This is the latest release by the Irish pop sensation 'The Corrs'. This group of 2 sisters, a brother and his partner is the answer to 'U2'. Where U2 does not harp on their Irish beginnings and roots, the Corrs do and with beautiful success. They not only verse in their celtic heritage but embrace it and share it with the world. Andrea Corr, the lead singer has an amazing voice that lifts the lyrics and sweeps the listener on a amazing journey by her voice alone. All I can say is I am continually entranced and enchanted by the beautiful music and tranquil qualities of vocals. This album was created and dedicated to Jean Corr, the dearly departed mother of The Corrs. And what a inspiring compliment this album release is for their mother.

It is pleasing to see the Corrs return to native roots, shedding their increasing mainstream pop sound to take in and covet intrinsic Irish melodies and lyrics. I so enjoyed 'Black Is The Colour' & 'Heart Like a Wheel'. The latter song moved me as the lyrics touched my heart in a tender way. The instrumental 'Old Hag' is as Irish as you can get a sound with modern traditional Irish instruments. 'Dimming Of The Day' is a short melodious touching song for those who have hurt in love and felt hurt. 'Haste To the Wedding' and 'Return to Fingall' which are instrumentals are perfect finishing touches to this great album.

Any Corrs fan will be delighted by this Irish pop album and Irish listeners will revel in the two Irish lyrical songs. Well worth the purchase to complete the updated compilation from the Corrs. There will be undoubtedly more to come from this talented band of sisters and brother.

For those of you that decide to listen beyond the pop songs the record companies like to promote, you'll find that The Corrs are best when performing live in acoustic and orchestral sets. While I first discovered The Corrs throught their hit single Breathless, it was through their excellent live recordings, Unplugged and Live in Dublin, that I truly began to enjoy their music. Home ranks highly among these two albums with it's heartfelt vocals and organic feel. Even if you've never listened to traditional irish music, like I had never done before buying Home, the beautiful orchestral arrangements and vocals are enough to please the ears.

Personal highlights of the album:

Brid Og Ni Mhaille - Andrea delivers a soothing vocal performance to this irish piece (sung in gaelic). Kudos to producer Mitchell Froom and arranger Fiachra Trench for a perfect accentuating orchestral accompaniment.

Dimming of the Day - Sharon's gentle voice laced with a slow, acoustic guitar creates a pure, longing aura that flows with the song's lyrics. Like No Frontiers from Unplugged, this is one of the few songs Andrea does not sing lead.

Heart Like A Wheel - heartbreaking song both through it's lyrics and Andrea's perfect vocals.

The Corrs' latest album is a collection of Irish songs taken from their late mother's songbook--hence it was titled HOME. Unlike their previous efforts, Home is a collection of Irish songs with tinges of pop, not the other way around. 2 songs resurface again on a Corrs album, 'Haste to the Wedding'(which appeared on IN BLUE special edition) and 'Old Town' (in UNPLUGGED). Both songs in their new versions were tweaked given fresh new arrangements, with OLD TOWN being more similar to the Thin Lizzy original this time. Love odes 'Peggy Gordon' and 'Moorlough Shore' tell of love that is powerful, young set in a more earthy backdrop of instruments that never fail to soothe the ear and tame the heart.

The first single of the album 'Heart Like A Wheel' is an emotional piano piece with Andrea's sweet and heartfelt vocals, and 'Dimming of the Day' features Sharon on lead vocals--and she really owned this track. There are 2 songs sung in Gaelic. The first one, 'Buachaille on Eirne' (translated as 'Irish Boy') is just so beautiful, even though I didn't understand a word Andrea was saying, the piece was just so serene, uplifting and dreamy. The second gaelic song, 'Brid Og Ni Mhaille' also has Andrea singing acapella in the beginning of the song--definitely a highlight. It's just so nice to hear the traditional instruments full force in this album, the tin whistle, bodhran, violin--and it never gets tired.

I highly recommend this album. It just takes you to another place and time, an enchanting land that you could call Home.

TOP 5

1. Heart Like A Wheel

2. Buachaill On Eirne

3. Dimming of the Day

4. Peggy Gordon

5. Black is the Colour