On March 16, 2025, Irish singer and musician Keith Harkin released
his latest album, “A Proper St. Patrick’s Day, Vol. 2.” This is the follow-up
album to “A Proper St. Patrick’s Day.” The album consists of nine songs totaling
just over 37 minutes.
The album starts out with “Amazing Grace.” This version is
one of the most emotion-filled versions out there. Harkin’s voice is powerful and
it is obvious that he feels every note that leaves his mouth. A lot of people sing
this song in a way that sounds tired, like it has all been done before. Keith’s
version on this album is unique and filled to the brim with the power of the
song.
As many know, Harkin was one of the original members of
Celtic Thunder. Those who recognize him from the group and have followed the
group will know that some of the songs on the album are songs that Celtic Thunder
has done in the past.
One of the songs on this album, “The Island,” is a song that
Keith performed with Celtic Thunder in their first PBS show. Hearing how his
version has evolved over the years is so cool. On this version, it is just him
and his guitar, but on the original Celtic Thunder version, he was backed by a
full orchestra. This version is much more raw and emotional. Harkin’s voice has
matured so much over the years, and this song is the perfect song to highlight
this.
Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am a bit of a “Galway
Girl” snob. It is one of my favorite songs and to this day, I have yet to find
a version of the song I do not like. Harkin’s version is no exception. His
version is unique to other iterations I have heard in that the intro is the
same musical bit that plays between verses. Listeners can tell that he is
having fun with it, making it feel like the listener is with him wherever he
is. The song breaks into “I’ll Tell Me Ma” in the last minute and a half and
then goes back to “Galway Girl.” This juxtaposition is interesting but I like
it since they are two of my favorite songs. For those wondering, yes, he does
sing “I took a stroll on the old boardwalk” in the first verse. These are not
the traditional lyrics.
The mixing of the album is well done for the most part.
There are a few moments when the sound of the vocals and instruments seem far
away from the recording device, but these moments are relatively uncommon.
Overall, this album is a great representation of Irish music
for St. Patrick’s Day. While it would be nice to have a few more upbeat songs, not
every Irish song is upbeat. Throughout history, the Irish have gone through a
lot of difficult times, and their music represents this. As such, this album is
perfect for winding down after a fun St. Patrick’s Day event or those just
wanting to lay low on this day. The songs are real and authentic, filled with
pure emotion and passion as only Harkin can do.
Track List
- Amazing
Grace
- The
Island
- Galway
Girl
- Maid
of Culmore
- Black
is the Color
- Tears
of Hercules
- Ride
On
- Miss
Monaghans Lazy Lover
- The
Connemara Cradle Song
Rating: 10/10 Lovers
Related Articles:
-Album Review: "A Cosy Christmas" by Keith Harkin: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/album-review-cosy-christmas-by-keith.html
-Album Review: "Blindness" by The Murder Capital: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/03/album-review-blindness-by-murder-capital.html
-Album Review: "Conditions III" by Chalk: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/02/album-review-conditions-iii-by-chalk.html