The Best of - 30 Year Journey - Runrig Album Review

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Album Review

Sonic wonderland from 30 years of Scotland's premier neuvo-Celtic cross-over rockers, Runrig. Formed on the Isle Of Skye, they've single-handedly captured the spirit, passion and its poetry.

From the echoy big-sound stompers, Wall Of China, Empty Glens and Alba, to gentile ballads such as In Search Of Angels and Old Boys, we're reminded of their unrelenting output, all crammed into one hour fifteen minutes. Influencing band's such as fellow countrymen Big Country, Runrig still retain a cult following around the globe: this will no doubt delight their millions of fans. Surprisingly, they only began becoming a real commercial entity in 1988 with the album Once In A Lifetime, then single entry with the Capture Your Heart (EP) in 1990 which turned them into a major force. Since then they've enjoyed consistent success with further 10 albums - biggest sellers The Big Wheel (1991) and Amazing Things (1993) from their commercial peak - and nine singles to date. This collection is not a 'Hits' album as most tracks are lifted from their album back-catalogue. You do get singles The Greatest Flame as a new version of their 1993 and 1997 re-entry, along with a live Loch Lomond from the Earthhammer EP from 1991. CD closer, In Search of Angel is a bonus track.

Highlights include the Gaelic Abhainn An T-Sluaigh with ethereal qualities and haunting vocals, and the equally stirring ( check out the choir ! ) on An Ubhal As Airde which was used in a Carling advert in the mid 90s, probably more of a hymn than a song per se. Violins and a regular beat on Proterra take them nearer their roots more than the others. Loch Lomond is predictably brilliant as is the acoustic In Search Of Angels.

Interesting Runrig facts:

First rock band to play on the banks of Loch Lomond
Only band to have Top 20 hit in Gaelic
Their song Running To The Light was chosen by Houston as a wake-up call on he ill-fated Columbia Space Shuttle - astronaut Dr. Laurel Clark was a big fan.
Two members left to follow political careers: Peter Wishart is in the House Of Commons, and Donnie Munro became Rector of Edinburgh University

Simply put on and enjoy the trip - it's wonderful.

Elly Roberts