AMG Review of Thousands Are Sailing

Raymond McKinney
All Music Guide

Thousands Are Sailing compiles traditional Irish songs detailing the immigrant experience, as rendered by contemporary artists including Liam Clancy ("Fare Thee Well"), Cathie Ryan ("I'm Going Back"), and Planxty (the title cut); although all of the material appeared on previous Shanachie releases, the recordings take on a new resonance when assembled side by side, evocatively capturing the myriad emotions at the music's core.