10 Artists and Bands Like Clannad You Should Listen To
Few Irish bands have managed to create a sound quite like Clannad. Mixing traditional Irish folk music with haunting vocals, beautiful harmonies and a touch of something almost otherworldly, the Donegal group helped bring Celtic music to audiences around the world.
From early traditional recordings to the success of songs like Theme from Harry's Game, Robin (The Hooded Man) and In a Lifetime, Clannad have covered plenty of musical ground over the years.
But if you've worked your way through their albums and fancy discovering something similar, there's plenty more worth checking out. Some of these artists share Clannad's traditional Irish roots, while others lean towards the dreamy, atmospheric side of their music.
Here are 10 artists and bands like Clannad that deserve a place on your playlist.
Enya
Probably the most obvious place to start is Enya, who actually spent a short time as a member of Clannad before going solo. The Donegal singer took the group's atmospheric side in a different direction, building her own unmistakable sound around layered vocals, keyboards and Celtic influences. Songs like Orinoco Flow and Caribbean Blue are good places to start exploring her music.
Moya Brennan
As Clannad's lead singer, Moya Brennan hardly needs an introduction to fans of the band. Her solo work carries much of that familiar Celtic sound, mixing traditional Irish influences with gentle arrangements and her instantly recognisable voice. Albums like Máire and Two Horizons are well worth hearing, particularly if you've always enjoyed Clannad's quieter, more reflective songs and beautiful vocal harmonies.
Capercaillie
Scottish folk band Capercaillie are another excellent choice for anyone who enjoys Clannad's mix of traditional music and modern sounds. Fronted by singer Karen Matheson, the group combine Gaelic songs with fiddles, pipes, keyboards and contemporary arrangements. There's a lovely balance between old and new in their music, and albums like Delirium and Secret People are great starting points for newcomers.
Loreena McKennitt
Canadian singer and musician Loreena McKennitt takes Celtic music on something of a journey, bringing together Irish and Scottish influences with sounds from further afield. Her music features harps, traditional instruments and storytelling, often with a mysterious feel that Clannad fans will recognise. Give The Mummers' Dance or The Mystic's Dream a listen and you'll quickly understand why she's included here.
Altan
If it's Clannad's traditional Donegal roots that appeal to you most, Altan should be high on your list. Led by singer and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, the band are known for their lively traditional tunes and beautiful Irish-language songs. They're generally more firmly rooted in traditional folk than Clannad's later recordings, but there's a strong musical connection between the two groups.
Dead Can Dance
Dead Can Dance might seem like an unusual choice at first, but there's plenty here for fans of Clannad's more atmospheric recordings. Formed by Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry, the group draw on folk, world music and ancient musical traditions. Their sound can be darker and more experimental, but albums like Within the Realm of a Dying Sun are worth exploring.
Aoife Ní Fhearraigh
Another Donegal singer worth discovering is Aoife Ní Fhearraigh, whose beautiful voice and Irish-language recordings will appeal to anyone who loves Clannad's traditional side. Her music often keeps things fairly simple, allowing the melodies and singing to do most of the work. She also provided vocals for the Metal Gear Solid soundtrack, introducing her voice to a completely different audience worldwide.
Secret Garden
Norwegian-Irish duo Secret Garden offer something a little different, combining violin, piano and Celtic influences to create gentle, melodic music. Made up of Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry and Norwegian composer Rolf Løvland, they're best known for winning Eurovision in 1995 with Nocturne. Much of their music is instrumental, making them a good choice if you enjoy Clannad's softer, more relaxing moments.
Celtic Woman
For listeners who enjoy the vocal harmonies and traditional Irish melodies associated with Clannad, Celtic Woman are another group worth hearing. Their recordings mix Irish folk songs, contemporary covers and orchestral arrangements, often with a more polished, theatrical approach. Songs like Danny Boy and The Voice show what they do best, particularly when the singers' harmonies take centre stage.
The Bothy Band
Going back to the traditional side of things, The Bothy Band were one of the most influential Irish folk groups of the 1970s. Featuring musicians including Dónal Lunny, Matt Molloy and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, they brought tremendous energy to traditional tunes and songs. Their music is quite different from Clannad's later work, but fans of the band's early albums should enjoy it.
Final Verdict
Clannad have always been a difficult band to pin down, which is probably why their music still attracts new listeners. They could move from a traditional Irish song to something built around keyboards and layered vocals without losing what made them special.
If you're looking for the closest match, Enya and Moya Brennan are the obvious choices, given their direct connections to the band. Capercaillie and Altan are well worth exploring if you prefer the traditional Celtic side, while Loreena McKennitt and Dead Can Dance offer something a little more adventurous.
And if you're particularly fond of Clannad's early recordings, don't overlook The Bothy Band. They might not sound much like Theme from Harry's Game, but they're a great reminder of just how good Irish traditional music was during that period.
There's plenty to discover across all ten artists, and chances are you'll find a few new favourites along the way.
READ MORE | The Best Irish Music Right Now
Photo Credit: Dirk Haun / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
