Ten of the Best from Irish Artists

1. U2

Arguably Ireland’s most famous and successful band, known for their chart-topping albums, such as “The Joshua Tree” and “Achtung Baby,” and hit singles like “With or Without You” and “Beautiful Day.”

The iconic rock band, rose to fame with their chart-topping album “The Joshua Tree.” Known for hits like “With or Without You” and “Beautiful Day,” U2’s blend of rock and socially conscious lyrics has captivated audiences worldwide. With Bono’s distinct vocals and The Edge’s signature guitar sound, the band has sold millions of albums and earned critical acclaim. Their powerful live performances continue to draw massive crowds, cementing their status as one of the greatest rock bands ever. From their early days in Dublin to global superstardom, U2’s impact on music and culture is undeniable.

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2. Van Morrison

With a career spanning several decades, Van Morrison is renowned for his soulful voice and hits like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Moondance.” He has received critical acclaim for his songwriting and performances.

The legendary singer-songwriter, is best known for his timeless album “Moondance.” With classics like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Into the Mystic,” Morrison’s soulful voice and poetic lyrics have left an indelible mark on music history. From his early days with the band Them to his prolific solo career, Morrison’s blend of soul, R&B, and folk influences has earned him widespread acclaim. With multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Morrison’s impact on the music industry is undeniable.

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3. Enya

Her unique blend of new age, Celtic, and world music has garnered her widespread acclaim and commercial success. Albums like “Watermark” and “Shepherd Moons” have sold millions of copies worldwide.

The renowned singer-songwriter, soared to fame with her groundbreaking album “Watermark.” With mesmerizing tracks like “Orinoco Flow” and “Caribbean Blue,” Enya’s ethereal soundscapes have captivated audiences worldwide. Blending new age, Celtic, and world music influences, she has carved a unique niche in the music industry. Enya’s haunting vocals and lush instrumentation have earned her critical acclaim and commercial success. With multiple Grammy Awards and millions of albums sold, her impact on the genre is undeniable. From “Watermark” to her latest releases, Enya continues to enchant listeners with her enchanting melodies and atmospheric compositions.

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4. The Cranberries

Led by the distinctive vocals of Dolores O’Riordan, The Cranberries rose to prominence in the 1990s with hits like “Zombie” and “Linger.” Their albums have achieved both critical and commercial success.

The iconic band, achieved global acclaim with their hit album “No Need to Argue.” With unforgettable tracks like “Zombie” and “Linger,” their blend of alternative rock and haunting melodies struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Led by the late Dolores O’Riordan’s distinctive vocals, The Cranberries left an indelible mark on the ’90s music scene. Their poignant lyrics and infectious hooks resonated with fans, earning them critical acclaim and commercial success.

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5. Sinead O’Connor

Gained fame with her powerful voice and politically charged songs, including “Nothing Compares 2 U.” She has received critical acclaim for her albums and activism.

The singer-songwriter, gained worldwide recognition with her powerful album “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.” With hits like “Nothing Compares 2 U,” O’Connor’s emotive voice and raw lyrics captivated audiences. Her bold persona and activism further solidified her place in music history. From her early success to her ongoing musical journey, O’Connor’s fearless approach to artistry has garnered critical acclaim. With multiple Grammy nominations and a legion of devoted fans, her impact on the music industry is undeniable.

6. Thin Lizzy

Led by the iconic Phil Lynott, made a significant impact with their blend of hard rock and Irish folk influences. Hits like “The Boys Are Back in Town” and “Whiskey in the Jar” remain classics.

The legendary rock band, achieved worldwide fame with their iconic album “Jailbreak.” Led by the charismatic Phil Lynott, their blend of hard rock and Irish folk influences captivated audiences. Hits like “The Boys Are Back in Town” and “Jailbreak” propelled them to superstardom in the 1970s. Thin Lizzy’s electrifying live performances and Lynott’s songwriting prowess earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. With a string of successful albums and singles, Thin Lizzy’s influence on rock music is profound.

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7. The Corrs

Comprised of siblings Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim Corr, achieved international success with their blend of pop rock and traditional Irish music. Their albums and singles have sold millions worldwide.

The beloved family band, achieved global success with their chart-topping album “Talk on Corners.” Known for their blend of pop rock and traditional Irish music, The Corrs soared to fame in the late ’90s. Hits like “Breathless” and “So Young” propelled them to the top of the charts, captivating audiences worldwide. With Andrea Corr’s angelic vocals and the band’s instrumental prowess, they carved a unique niche in the music industry. “Talk on Corners” remains a quintessential album in their discography, showcasing their infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

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8. The Pogues

Fronted by the magnetic Shane MacGowan, The Pogues revolutionized Irish folk music with a punk twist. Hits like “Dirty Old Town” and “Fairytale of New York” epitomized their unique sound. Their album “Rum, Sodomy & the Lash” remains a defining moment in music history, blending tradition with rebellion.

The influential folk punk band, made waves with their groundbreaking album “Rum, Sodomy & the Lash.” Fusing traditional Irish music with punk rock energy, The Pogues created a unique sound that resonated with fans worldwide. Hits like “Dirty Old Town” and “The Irish Rover” showcased their spirited storytelling and infectious melodies. Led by Shane MacGowan’s distinctive vocals, The Pogues gained a cult following in the ’80s and ’90s. Their raw authenticity and rebellious spirit set them apart in the music scene. “Rum, Sodomy & the Lash” remains a defining album in their discography, capturing the essence of their raucous yet heartfelt music.

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9. Damien Rice

Emotive songwriting and heartfelt performances have won him a dedicated fan base. Albums like “O” have received critical acclaim, and his singles have resonated with audiences worldwide.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter, gained prominence with his poignant album “O.” With heartfelt tracks like “The Blower’s Daughter” and “Cannonball,” Rice’s emotive lyrics and soulful vocals struck a chord with audiences. His raw, intimate style and captivating live performances garnered widespread acclaim and a devoted fan base. “O” remains a seminal album in Rice’s discography, showcasing his talent for storytelling and emotional depth. Rice’s music transcends genres, blending folk, indie, and alternative influences to create a truly unique sound.

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10. Christy Moore

A legendary figure in Irish folk music, known for his poignant storytelling and powerful live performances. His albums, spanning several decades, have achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim.

The iconic folk singer, has left an indelible mark on music with his album “Ride On.” Known for his powerful storytelling and soul-stirring performances, Moore’s influence spans generations. Hits like “The Voyage” and “Black Is the Colour” showcase his ability to evoke emotion through music. With a career spanning over five decades, Moore has become a beacon of Irish folk tradition. “Ride On” stands as a testament to his talent and enduring legacy in the music industry. Moore’s music resonates with authenticity and captures the spirit of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.

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