In Search of Angels

I only recieved my CD today, but the music quickly grew on me, so, with the rhythms in my head, I'll write my first impressions. I had some reservations about buying this one - I love Runrig, but from the sketchy details I'd heard and read about this album, wasn't sure whether it would be one of their best.This is Runrig's first album after their biggest and most potentially devastating change in line-up, the departure of lead singer Donnie Munro. Donnie's fine voice was a large part of what made Runrig - strong and pure, brave and lyrical. When he announced his departure, things were thrown into a state of temporary dismay. Late in the course of auditions for a new lead singer, Bruce Guthro came along, and was accepted, though he actually came into this album rather late. All the same, the sound is excellent. Bruce's voice has a different feel, there's no denying it, but the hope and fire of Runrig is definitely still there.Reading through the discography before listening to the music (while it downloaded to my Xbox, oddly enough this house's main music system), I quickly became inspired with the words. There is a strong theme to this piece of work, and it's a theme only Runrig can do well; the weighted hope and understanding of our smallness in the big world around us, while at the same time singing the hopes larger and larger. It's obvious the band shake-up went into the feeling behind this work, but the forthrightness with which Runrig owns up to their unsureness is refreshing and reverberating.The photos accompanying the booklet are at first slightly off-putting, such as the telegraph pole of the cover, which seems just a bit odd. But when you've experienced the matter of the lyrics and the music, it makes perfect sense, as it's often the simple and everyday, but tradition-loaded, symbols, such as a telegraph pole, which have the capacity to inspire Runrig, and through them, you and I.This is a fine album, with some of Runrig's best songs, such as Maymorning, a song which became tied with the emotions of the new Scottish parliamentary elections. Big Sky also stands out as an intensely musical piece, and A Dh'Innse Na Firinn has a fine fiery Celtic beat. All in all, this album is a delight, and while I do miss Donnie's sound, the sound of the band's youth, just as I did with Proterra, their latest album, I'm inspired, and as Maymorning boldly declares, I'm alive!

both are TOTALLY differentStamping Ground is like heavy metal (like Engine Room, The Ship)however, this one is more relaxing, reminds me these 2 albums from Neil Young: Mirror Ball and Are You Passionatethere're several tracks are in Gaelic, and I don't understand at all (I'm an Asian), but I still can feel the feelingmy favorites are:The Message (like the war pipe running around)Ribhinn Donn, Travellers (pretty relaxing, like hymn)Big Sky (imagine when you're on a beach or on open field, but I think the music running is like "Mr. Disappointment" (esp the whispering)A Dh'Innse Na Firinn, All Things Must Change (pretty generic American Country sound)

One of their best albums.

Truly a remarkable band! Timeless! The most fabulous music you will ever listen to! Long live Runrig! I plan to collect more! Buy! You won't be disappointed!

Excellent

From the best band, this album is fantastic. Well worth owning the CD and having all the songs in top quality.

You need big speakers and a big venue to appreciate the sound here. It sounds the same in every room in my house and it sounds great. I'm a fan of Celtic music and this is one that I can play over and over again. I love this disc.

The first album to feature new lead singer, Canadian Bruce Guthro, starts with a bang as Maymorning launches you into the album with loud guitar and drums. This is followed by "The Message" with its combination of bagpipes and guitars. Personal favourites for my are "Life Is," "Big Sky" and "A Dh'Innse Na Firinn." Despite being a native Scot, I don't speak Gaelic (very few of us do). However even the songs sung in Gaelic have the ability to reach inside and grab something. I've been a fan for over 14 years, since they featured in a documentary on Scottish TV, and their music gets better and better. For those of you who are looking for some good old fashioned rock and roll with strong Celtic roots, then look no further.But be sure to check out the newer albums, "The Stamping Ground" and "Proterra."

Runrig's 10th studio album recorded in 1999 and the first one to feature Bruce Guthro as Lead Singer. He had a very difficult act to follow, but does it well and shows the fans something of what he's capable of offering for the future.It's a simpler style from some of their previous albums, but gives Guthro an opportunity to establish his excellent voice and claim his place in the band.Excellent copy of this cd - no scratches - good inlay booklet - great jewel case.

Brilliant album, but it won't play. As it was a gift for my son, it was a few weeks before he told me of the problem, so it was too late to complain.

Excellent album in true Runrig style

This 1999 album was more of a collection gap filler for me. I had heard and listened to it before along with other work colleagues (at that time) and we all agreed that it was not one of the best Runrig albums. For that reason it only gets a 3 from 5 rating from me.

Excellent Runrig CD. Brilliant as always., Superfast Delivery! Many Thanks!