On November 28, 2025, the Irish Rovers released their latest album, “The Belfast Sessions.” The album was recorded at RedBox Studios in Belfast and features songs that are all about Belfast. The band is a group of Irish musicians that formed in Canada in 1963.
The band’s current lineup includes George Millar (vocals,
guitar, and bouzouki), Ian Millar – (vocals, bass guitar, guitar), Fred Graham (drums,
bodhran, bones, vocals), Geoffrey Kelly (tin whistle, flute, vocals), Gerry
O'Connor (fiddle), Davey Walker (keyboards, vocals), Shane Farrell (banjo,
mandolin), Jimmy Keane (accordion (2023), Kevin Evans (vocals, guitar), and Neal
Ryan (vocals).
The songs all have the Irish Rovers’ sound and voice, even
though they each have a different sound and story. The only song that is a bit
slower is “Prodigal Son,” but the band’s sound echoes through all the same. The
album keeps the listener’s attention with upbeat melodies, storytelling, and
nods to other Irish songs.
The mixing on the album is excellent. There are a lot of
background instruments, but they never overpower the vocals. Despite the
singers having accents, they are easy to understand and the lyrics can be heard
clearly.
“Song For Belfast” was inspired by a desire to create a
local song about Belfast. It is a homage and tribute to the city and how it has
evolved through the years. This is especially true of the music, and the city
has a variety of music venues that host a variety of styles of music and
musicians.
Fans of Celtic music will appreciate “A Night in Bushmills.”
There are references to classic Irish songs sprinkled throughout the song. It
is a treasure trove of nuggets for fans to listen to and dig out old favorites.
The more you listen to it, the more you will discover within the song!
“Prodigal Son” is a slower song than the other songs, but it
is a gorgeous song. While there may be several interpretations, one is that it
talks about someone who has left Ireland, or even specifically Belfast. The
part where it talks about the girl dying can reference the changes Ireland, or
Belfast, has gone through. It is similar to “The Town I Loved So Well,” but
instead of being about Derry, it is about Belfast.
Overall, this album is perfect for fans of traditional Irish
and Celtic music. The nods to classic songs will thrill those who are familiar
with traditional Irish music and are paying attention to the album. None of the
songs are labeled as explicit, though there are mentions of alcohol. The album
is fun to listen to, with songs that will have listeners dancing and partying.
1. Boys of Belfast
2. Belfast Boozeleers
3. Down By the Laganside
4. Irish Navies
5. My Belfast Love
6. A Night in Bushmills
7. No Doubt About It
8. I'll Tell You Boys It's Whiskey
9. Prodigal Son
10. New Line to Dublin
11. Paddy's Dream
12. Song For Belfast
13. Daytrip to Belfast
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