2025 was an amazing year for Celtic music and artists from the Celtic nations. From rap to traditional Celtic music, this year’s releases encompass multiple genres. As we look back on this year, let’s take a look at some of the best and most memorable albums of the year.
1. Amy Macdonald, “Is This What You’ve Waited For?”
This album was released over the summer, and it was a summer
soundtrack for sure. It is fun and upbeat to listen to, with songs ranging from
love songs to songs that inspire and motivate to keep going. Listeners can find
songs that they connect with since there are so many different songs that all
tell unique stories.
2. Deacon Blue, “Great Western Road (Tour Edition)”
Before this album, I had never heard of Deacon Blue, but
listening to this album makes me want to go back and listen to other music by
the band. In a world that is so dark and divisive right now, this album is such
a bright light of unity and hope. It is super upbeat and positive. This album
is exactly what the world needed right now.
3. "Live in the City of Diamonds" by Simple
Minds
Simple Minds have been such a through line throughout 2025
for me. I got to see “The Breakfast Club” in a local movie theater as a part of
their “Flashback Cinema” series. After the Red Hot Chilli Pipers’ concert, the
theatre played “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” when the show ended. This album
allowed me to have a deeper appreciation of the band beyond their biggest hit,
which is something I am grateful for.
4. "Amidst the Ruins" by Saor
Anyone who knows me will be surprised that this album is on
this list. I am not typically a big fan of metal music. However, on this album in
particular, Saor combines metal music with traditional Celtic sounds and mythology,
which is something I loved. I loved the fusion of metal music with traditional Celtic
sounds and instruments. The album was a memorable introduction to Celtic metal
music.
5. "Live From Belfast" By The Shamrock Tenors
The Shamrock Tenors, now to be known as the Shamrocks, have taken the world by storm this year with the release of their album and their PBS show in the United States. The album features traditional Celtic songs with a few originals. The album even features Celtic Woman’s Mairead Carlin.
Related Articles:
-Album Review: "Is This What You've Been Waiting For?" by Amy Macdonald: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/review-what-youve-been-waiting-for-amy-macdonald.html.html
-Album Review: "Live in the City of Diamonds" by Simple Minds: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/07/album-review-simple-minds-live-in-city-of-diamonds.html