Critic's Review
Vik Iyengar, All Music Guide
This compilation album features songs from Mary Black's previous albums. The main focus is on renditions of traditional Irish tunes, although a few recent songs such as "Ellis Island" are also included. Mary Black lets her roots show more on this album, and her Irish accent and the use of fiddle, accordion, and pipes bring an authenticity to the music. The lyrics effectively convey the simple pleasures and the hardships of growing up in small Irish towns where people often spend their whole lives. There are also songs calling for national unity ("Both Sides of yhe Tweed") in addition to tributes for national heroes such as Michael Collins ("The Shadow"). The music certainly plays to her strengths, with her passionate vocals at the front of the mix. She begins the opening song a cappella, and her voice is so captivating that you barely notice the spare accompaniment. Lovers of traditional Irish music should check this album out.
