Made in USA in 2000, Serial# 07863-67878-2, Playing Time 69:52

Calling this a "Greatest Hits" is perhaps an exaggeration. Yes, it contains 4 tracks found on almost every CLANNAD compilation ("Theme From Harry's Game", "Now Is Here", "In A Lifetime" and "Something To Believe In").

The tracks on this CD come from 4 albums released between 1983 and 1987, namely "Magical Ring", "Legend", "Macalla" and "Sirius". CLANNAD have left the RCA stable back in 1989 to go over to ATLANTIC, so the material presented here is over 10 years old: it still sounds fresh.

Back in 1997, RCA released a compilation called "Rogha" that focused on the very same 4 albums, containing 19 of the 40 tracks released over the 4 albums.

The present compilation has 7 tracks in common with "Rogha" (specifically tracks 1,2,11,12,13,14 and 17), which leaves us with another 11, for a total of 30 out of the 40.

Just like it's "predecessor", the music included here is charming and soothing, a nice complement to "Rogha". The genre is not as celtic as their earlier albums: vocals are sung in english, and the violin and/or sax is generally absent from the arrangements: mostly acoustic guitars, percussions, with rich keyboard textures, and great vocal arrangements. If those 4 albums are missing from your collection, I would suggest you either get them all, or both compilations.

It's now time for me to turn out the lights, and be transported back to my dreams...

Yes, there are seven cuts in common between this album and Rogha, and yet each CD does have its own sound. This makes this an excellant introduction to the group, Clannad, as also is Rogha. The difference, as has been mentioned in another review, is that this compilation presents the groups absolute essential cuts along with great cuts that emphasize the newer new age facet of their work, while if you're looking for stronger celtic flavor, you would prefer the other one. Those that are, IMHO, the strongest new age and best are "Scarlet Inside", "The Wild Cry" (really great instrumentation here), "Turning Tide" (bird like warbling and strong dramatic sense), and the concluding number, "Many Roads".

This collection features some of Clannad's best songs from the 80's, from their albums "Magical Ring", "Legend", "Macalla", and "Sirius". It opens with Clannad's greatest hit, "Harry's Game", and includes their second greatest hit, "In A Lifetime." This collection also shows a wide variety of Clannad's music. It has traditional tracks like "Buachaill An Eirne", "Coinleach Glas An Fhomhair" and "Ta Me Mo Shui". It has many rock/pop tracks like "Skellig", "The Wild Cry", "Something To Believe In," and many others. There also are two instrumental tracks, "Lady Marian" and "The Fairy Queen". Inside the booklet you will also find a biography, talking all about Clannad's whole history from the beginning and to through the 80's, perhaps the best overview of Clannad. This is a very good sample of Clannad's best music and will have a good place in your Clannad collection.

Barnes and Noble, Circuit City, Cat's, Sam Goody, Best Buy, all of these stores are filled with thousands of CDs, and I find Clannad at Wal-Mart of all places? Thrilled as I am, it's still a bit of a shock. I had only seen Clannad albums online, and downloaded MP3s of their music before finding and immediately buying this collection. All who have taken any interest at all in the new age genre (those of you who will be reading this review) are already familiar with Maire Brennan, and most because of her more famous sister, Enya. Clannad seem to be in themselves legendary for international celtic music. Enya probably heads that particular genre in the mainstream, but may be bested by Maire and Clannad in talent. Personally, I prefer Clannad's music AND Maire's voice to the more symphonic Enya. The best tracks on this album seem to be the often acoustic ones, such as "Many Roads", "I See Red", "Coinleach Ghlas An Fhomhair", and others. My favorite song on the entire album is unquestionably "Skelling". A true celt talking about the viking ships and a "King of the World" suits me just perfectly. As for a comparison between Enya and Clannad, here's what I would tell you: Maire's voice is very defined, she has her very own sound, whereas Enya sounds like there are three or four of her singing. Maire's voice is stronger, louder, and definitly more personal.Clannad's music is more pop-oriented, complete with horns, acoustic guitars, keys, slow drums, etc. It's much more interesting in aspects of a rock or pop album than it is a relaxation tape, which is basically Enya's style. If you enjoy new age at all (Will Ackerman, Acoustic Alchemy) then let Amazon.com ring this one up for you right now. It's a great listen.

Regardless of the decade these songs were created in, they are TIMELESS. The entire blend is a wonderful one -- the instramentals are very well done, the vocals and harmony are enchanting & haunting at the same time. The music is both relaxing and/or invigorating as well -- depending on your mood. I enjoy this CD when driving, resting, or during my own artistic efforts. In fact, a creative person may find, as I have, that these melodies enhance the creative process. This music blends effortlessly with your life, enhancing it. The melodies make you want to sing with them. I can't recommend this CD highly enough. If you like etherial, Celtic/Irish music this CD is a must for your collection.