Belt them out.
There’s no denying that Ireland is a musical country as every club and bar around the 32 counties will probably be bouncing to the sound of music over the weekend.
While we can’t cover every single track that makes all of our sound readers embrace their inner Johnny Logan, we’ve drawn up a list that we think most Irish music lovers will enjoy.
FYI, we deliberately didn’t include any songs that were included in our wedding and Saturday night playlists so if there’s any notable absences then they’re probably on those lists.
Enjoy!
Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
This author has seriously considered giving up his job at JOE in order to create the world’s first church of ‘Springsteenism’.
We all know that The Boss has the answer to all of life’s problems so any sermon in this new church will require people to sing along to this anthem at the top of their voice.
The gospel according to Bruce has rarely sounded this good.
Any preacher that says mass in this new church will naturally have to wear denim and a bandana.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3t9SfrfDZM
Will Smith – Fresh Prince of Bel Air Theme
Did you remember those people in your class that needed to have their addresses written on a piece of paper and placed in the strap of their schoolbag?
We always thought this was done because they were so thick that they would probably forget where they actually live and get lost on the way home.
Well, even those people would still be able to remember the words to this classic tune. Play it and try not to sing the words. It’s impossible.
Luke Kelly – Raglan Road
A wonderful poem that somehow manages to dissect, condense and capture the uniquely Irish sense of melancholy, romance and pathos.
None of this matters though when you’ve had a few jars and are looking to keep a good sing-along going with your friends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xvkvFviIj8
Oasis – Wonderwall
What does it mean? Does anyone care? Are you tired of hearing it? No.
Thin Lizzy- Whiskey in The Jar
There’s so many cracking versions of this classic anthem that’s more Irish than a potato shaped like a hurl but we think that this rendition should be taught to kids as soon as they’re able to understand words.
The alphabet and the ability to count can wait when measured against this song.
That’s why JOE would be an awful teacher.
Ted and Dougal – My Lovely Horse
This song is a controversial choice in our list because it constantly splits Irish people in a way that only the Civil War and the Saipan affair could top.
With or without the sax solo?
Pixies – Where Is My Mind?
We try to cater for every type of music fan here in JOE Towers – we’re nice like that – and this classic tune from the Indie pioneers is so infectious and memorable that you’ll be able to sing along to it even if you’ve lost your own mind.
It’s usually heard in dank student bars around 2am.
Aslan – This Is
Crazy World may be the more popular song with DJ’s but this is the definitive ‘we’ve a few euros in our pockets to give the busker but only if he plays this tune’.
I’d wager that I’m not the only one to end up joining a sing-along on an Irish street with a bunch of strangers after the opening few chords of this song were played.
My voice isn’t quite as ‘easy on the ear’ as Christy Dignam’s though.
Toto – Africa
If you have a friend that knows the entire lyrics to this song then they’re instantly your best man or maid of honour. No arguments.
Feel free to admit that you’ve once thrown your arms up to sky, leaned your head back and shouted the chorus in the direction of the roof at some point in your life.
It’s one of the simple pleasures.
The Lumineers – Hey Ho
Be honest, this is the only song from their debut album that most people know but who cares. They probably sold out the 3Arena on the back of this one song along.
We’re certain that the band aren’t complaining.
The Proclaimers – 500 Miles
It’s geographically impossible to walk 500 miles for any Irish person within the confines of this island, unless you’re Jesus and can walk on water.
This song is a catchy sham.
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
God’s honest truth, I’ve started to sing this in the vein of Father Noel Furlong from Father Ted.
He’s the only person that would be able to rival Freddie Mercury’s iconic stage presence and talent.
The Waterboys – Fisherman’s Blues
A song that probably led to a 37% increase in the amount of people that opted to choose Fisherman as their chosen profession.
We’re fairly certain that anyone who has worked on a boat off the coast of Killybegs will tell a different story altogether than this brilliant and unashamedly romantic tune.
We’re certain that most fishermen don’t spent their time reflecting on lost love because they’re more concerned with work and keeping themselves from being battered by the wind and rain.
We’re sure they sing this tune whilst on the boats though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VKouBHarIo
Paddy Reilly – Fields of Athenry
Do Munster fans care that Athenry is in Galway? Do all Irish football fans hail from the city of the Tribes? Does Roy Keane secretly sing this to himself?
Quite frankly, we don’t care about any of the above because this is the very definition of an Irish ballad.
It’s usually sang like this though.
All These Things That I’ve Done
The soundtrack to any epic quest that involves leaving the bar, walking home and making it safely into your bed always starts with these six words, “When there’s nowhere else to run…”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh_VBnhYTJw
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