In the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day, this playlist offers a unique selection of songs to celebrate the holiday, beyond the traditional Irish ballads. The first five songs come from the Irish charts and are currently popular in the nation, while the final five songs come from Irish musicians.
Passenger– “Let Her Go” Mike Rosenberg’s simple ballad about appreciating what we have sounds like a folksier Jason Mraz, and reached number one on the Irish charts during early March. Listen? Yes, definitely worth a listen.
Bastille– “Pompeii” Vocalist Dan Smith sounds like a heartier Marcus Mumford in this recently released track, which has already reached number two on the Irish charts. The slightly EDM-beat is anchored with organic elements including a choral chant. It sounds like something David Guetta or Calvin Harris would create. Listen? Yes, especially when you need something to wake you up.
Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX– “I Don’t Care” Serving as the theme song for MTV’s “Snooki & JWoww,” this EDM track was produced by British pop duo Icona Pop. Featuring the vocals of Charli XCX, it serves as an “I’m so over you” anthem and reached the top ten in the Irish charts. Listen? Yes, especially when your boyfriend dumps you for no good reason.
Little Mix– “Change Your Life” Performed by the winners of the eighth season of the British X Factor, this track has a very pronounced Beluga Heights feel in the instrumentation. This very easily could have been a Jason Derülo or JLS track. These girls can sing. Listen for a little Beyoncé-action going on in the middle. Listen? Yes, when you get bored of repeating OneDirection for the hundredth time.
Labrinth feat. Emeli Sandé– “Beneath Your Beautiful” Timothy McKenzie, known by his stage name of Labrinth, was Simon Cowell’s first non talent-show signing in over six years. His duet with Sandé sounds like the British version of Rihanna’s “Stay” or P!nk’s “Just Give Me A Reason.” Listen? Yes, absolutely. There’s some real talent here.
Celtic Women– “You Raise Me Up” You all know how these Irish women sing: they lend their purity to Secret Garden’s iconic song. Listen? Maybe, if you’re really bored and looking to widen your musical taste.
The High Kings– “Wild Rover” This folk song’s defining characteristic comes from its pleasant harmonies. Listen? Yes, there’s something about these guys that makes this worth listening to.
Jedward– “Luminous” These identical Irish twins first appeared on the music scene during the sixth season of the British X Factor. This track lays half-hypnotic, half-inspiring vocals over a generic, Top 40 EDM track. Listen? No, it’s too generic (and the music video is slightly odd).
Damien Leith– “Beautiful” The winner of Australian Idol 2006 delivers a tender ballad on par with Jon McLaughlin’s “Beautiful Disaster.” While not as attention-grabbing emotionally as McLaughlin, Leith’s vocals definitely have staying power. Listen? Nah, it’s good, but not that good.
Kodaline– “Perfect World” The Dublin quartet’s track is an easy to listen to alternative record. The falsettos are well-placed in the chorus and make this a track holds its own next to Passion Pit and Family of the Year. Listen? Yes, if you’re a fan of indie music.