AMG Review of An Diolaim: Folk Roots of One of Ireland's Groups

William Ruhlmann
All Music Guide

The material on this discount-priced compilation is drawn from Clannad 2 (1974) and Dúlamán (1976), the two albums the band recorded for the Irish Gael-Linn label (both of which were subsequently released in the U.S. on Shanachie). On these early tracks, Clannad hews much closer to traditional Irish folk music than it would later. However, the potential broad appeal of the group is apparent in the already rich and varied arrangements of mostly acoustic instruments and the powerful and stirring vocals -- both Máire Nì Bhraonáin's lead solos and choral parts -- whether sung in Gaelic or English. International fans who came to Clannad with its later recordings will find the result bracing, and some may even prefer this to more eclectic later efforts.