Culture

Irish Albums Celebrating 5 to 50 years in 2026

Published

5 days ago

31 January 2026

Danaus Chrysalis

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by RTE, click this post to read the original article.

With 2026 under way, 2fm’s Dan Hegarty takes a look at some of the Irish albums turning five to 50 years old this year.

Rusangano Family – Let The Dead Bury The Dead (2016)

2016 was a blockbuster year for music in Ireland. Rusangano Family’s debut – and so far only – album, Let The Dead Bury The Dead, was one of the highlights. There’s an intensity and authenticity to tracks like ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Heathrow’ that still resonates almost a decade on.

In March of the following year, it was awarded Irish Album of the Year at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize. It remains one of the most artistically powerful and culturally significant albums in the history of Irish music.

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Soda Blonde – Small Talk (2021)

Small Talk was released in the year following the 12 months that saw planet Earth come to a standstill. Soda Blonde clearly spent their time productively during the various lockdowns of 2020.

If you’d been following their career up to this point, it came as no surprise that they delivered an album of such depth and quality. ‘Terrible Hands’ was one of the singles, and it still ranks as one of the finest songs of that year.

Scheer – Infliction (1996)

Even with the passing of three decades, those big guitar riffs on Infliction still roll in like a storm tide. There were loads of great bands active in the North at the time; alongside Cuckoo, Schtum and Ash, Scheer were among the best.

While these are searing alt-rock anthems, Audrey Gallagher’s vocals add a pop dimension. ‘Howling Boy’, ‘Wish You Were Dead’ and ‘Demon’ are incredible tracks that could stand alongside songs from anyone.

David Kitt – The Big Romance (2001)

There is often a sliding-doors moment when it comes to why some music becomes hugely popular while other albums remain loved in smaller circles. Why The Big Romance isn’t as successful as albums like No Need To Argue by The Cranberries or Snow Patrol’s Final Straw remains something of a mystery.

It’s an album that has a bit of everything: sing-along anthems like ‘You Know What I Want To Know’ and ‘Song From Hope St (Brooklyn NY)’, alongside tracks such as ‘Strange Light In The Evening’ that grow on you over time. News of David’s re-recording of the album for a 2026 release has been received extremely well.

Elaine Mai – Home (2021)

As the world changes, so too do many of the things we do on a daily basis. These days, part of the art of being a music creator is knowing when the right time is to approach certain projects.

Elaine Mai had been releasing music for almost a decade prior to her debut album. As debuts often do, Home captures the sound of an artist lighting up the canvas with imagination you can’t help but applaud.

Rollerskate Skinny – Horsedrawn Wishes (1996)

This is an album that should be revered alongside Deserter Songs by Mercury Rev or My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless. In every way imaginable, it’s a wonderful album from beginning to end.

Three decades on from its release, Horsedrawn Wishes sounds like nothing from the 1990s—or since. It’s fantastic to see it finally available to stream, but here’s a question that’s been asked numerous times: how about a vinyl release?

Blue In Heaven – Explicit Material (1986)

The first thing that strikes you when listening to this album today is how it simply doesn’t sound 40 years old. Is this another example of a sound coming back around, or a testament to the songwriting and recording quality?

Some might classify this as straight-up indie rock, but there’s a punk snarl to Shane O’Neill’s vocals that sets it apart. This is captured perfectly on tracks like ‘I Just Wanna’ and ‘Hope To God’.

Thin Lizzy – Jailbreak (1976)

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Phil Lynott’s passing, but also the 50th anniversary of the classic Jailbreak. It’s an album that can be mentioned in the same breath as the best of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Black Sabbath.

Lizzy flex their muscles on the title track, ‘Emerald’, and the anthem ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’, while also excelling at softer moments such as ‘Running Back’ and ‘Fight Or Fall’. It’s a complete album in every sense.

Chimera – Earth Loop (1996)

Here’s a band the sands of time have threatened to swallow on numerous occasions. The Belfast group released their debut album three years before Earth Loop, which arrived in 1996.

Their second and final album is packed with beautifully crafted songs that leave you wondering how they didn’t reach a global audience. You could pick any number of highlights, but ‘Tiago’, ‘Liquid Star’ and ‘All I Need’ are a good place to start.

All Tvvins – IIVV (2016)

Listening to this album almost a decade on feels like stepping into a time portal set to 2016. All Tvvins’ debut harnesses the energy of two musicians plotting a new musical voyage.

Former Cast Of Cheers vocalist Conor Adams and Adebisi Shank guitarist Lar Kaye constructed glorious sonic adventures that still radiate joy. ‘Thank You’, ‘These 4 Words’ and ‘Darkest Ocean’ remain standouts.

A House – I Am The Greatest (1991)

Frequently described as one of the greatest Irish albums ever released, the title of this record is more fitting than you might imagine. It arrived at a crossroads in the band’s career and put them back on an upward trajectory.

Any album featuring songs of the calibre of ‘Take It Easy On Me’, ‘I Don’t Care’ and the anthem ‘Endless Art’ deserves to be celebrated. While the band would release two more studio albums, I Am The Greatest is arguably their finest.

Skindive – Skindive (2001)

The best way to describe the sound captured on Skindive’s debut album is gigantic. The band had been building their sound for several years before recording what would become their only released album.

‘In For The Kill’, ‘Salt Peter’ and ‘Tranquillizer’ are memorable tracks, but it’s the single ‘Swallow’ that still sends shockwaves through any audio system. A second album was recorded but has yet to be released.

The High Llamas – Hawaii (1996)

There are classic albums, and then there are albums that possess all the hallmarks of greatness but never reached massive success. Hawaii is one of those—masterful from start to finish.

There were reports at the time that The Beach Boys were impressed by it, and it’s easy to understand why. ‘Literature Is Fluff’ is so beautiful it can stop you in your tracks.

Bantum – Move (2016)

How can this album be 10 years old this year? Bantum’s second album, released four years after his debut Legion, still feels fresh.

You’re locked into something special from the moment the opening chimes of the title track kick in. With collaborators including Loah, Rusangano Family and Farah Elle, there was little doubt this album would be exceptional—and it is.

U2 – Achtung Baby (1991)

What can be said about Achtung Baby that hasn’t already been written? Perhaps it’s best described as the reinvention of the world’s biggest band of the late 1980s, helping them dominate the 1990s.

The first single, ‘The Fly’, may well be the band’s greatest artistic achievement. The Zoo TV tour followed, and less than two years later came the wildly underrated Zooropa.

Republic Of Loose – Aaagh! (2006)

Affectionately known as The Loose, Republic Of Loose enjoyed a rich creative run for over a decade. Aaagh! captures the band at the peak of this period.

Singles like ‘Comeback Girl’ and ‘The Idiots’, along with album tracks ‘Shame’, ‘Somebody Screamed’ and ‘Break!’, defined the era. ‘Break!’ in particular is one of the best tracks produced by an Irish act that decade.

Orla Gartland – Woman On The Internet (2021)

It’s hard to believe this album will be five years old this year, but the release date doesn’t lie. Orla Gartland’s debut arrived in August 2021.

Opening with the simple but brilliant ‘Things That I’ve Learned’, it’s a debut that ranks alongside Marry Me by St. Vincent and Villagers’ Becoming A Jackal.

Cactus World News – Urban Beaches (1986)

Listening to Urban Beaches 40 years on, you can’t help but marvel at how well—and how current—it sounds. Tracks like ‘Church Of The Cold’, ‘State Of Emergency’ and ‘The Bridge’ have aged beautifully.

Few Irish bands of the mid-1980s were better positioned to become the “next big thing”. Sadly, that label often proved more curse than compliment. A reunion to mark this anniversary would be very welcome.

HAVVK – Levelling (2021)

Arriving in September 2021, Levelling is the second album from Dublin-based band HAVVK. It features the singles ‘No Patience’, ‘Automatic’ and ‘Home’.

If you’re a fan of guitar-driven alt-rock, this album is essential listening. Seeing these songs performed live at the time only deepened an appreciation of how strong this record is.

The Golden Horde – The Golden Horde (1991)

The Golden Horde’s second and final album is one of those great Irish rock records that many people simply don’t know. Featuring tracks like ‘Endless Weekend’, ‘Never Came Down’ and ‘100 Boys’, it’s a formidable body of work.

It also includes one of the most beloved Irish songs of all time, ‘Friends In Time’, featured in the final episode of season two of RTÉ crime drama Kin in 2023. While that renewed interest in the band, the album has yet to reappear digitally or physically.

King Kong Company – King Kong Company (2016)

Anyone who’s seen King Kong Company live knows they can put on an incredible show. On more than one occasion, their carnival of sights and sounds has upstaged big international acts.

The question was whether they could replicate this in the studio. In 2016, they answered with an emphatic yes. ‘Ipop’ remains one of the best electro-pop tracks by an Irish act, alongside ‘Sin Of Freck’ and ‘Donkey Jaw’.

Ash – 1977 (1996)

At one point in the mid-1990s, it felt like Ash were releasing a new single every other week—something they’d later revisit with their A-to-Z singles project.

As debut albums go, few are better than 1977. From ‘Goldfinger’ to ‘Gone The Dream’ to ‘Girl From Mars’, it doubles as an indie disco classic. Decades on, the band continue to release impressive material.

Everything Shook – Drinking About You (2016)

Everything Shook remain the only band I’ve seen making cocktails while playing a live show—and yes, they brought their own blender.

That adventurous spirit carries over to their debut album. Drinking About You is full of unorthodox beauty, with tracks like ‘Friday Night’ and ‘New York FM’ sparkling throughout.

Rejjie Snow – Baw Baw Black Sheep (2021)

After the release of Dear Annie in 2018, Rejjie Snow had enormous momentum. Rather than repeating himself, he revealed another side of his artistry on Baw Baw Black Sheep.

It’s not as instant as its predecessor, but rewards patience. Highlights include ‘Relax’, ‘On and On’, and ‘Shooting Star’, where his vocals take on a Prince-like flow. Despite its quality, it still feels under-appreciated.

Sack – Adventura Majestica (2001)

When Sack reformed in recent years, they introduced their music to generations who hadn’t experienced it during the band’s original run.

Adventura Majestica arrived after touring with Morrissey and releasing two excellent albums. It showcases beautiful pop sensibilities on ‘Bivouac’ and the title track, and features what many consider their greatest song, ‘Tag’.

For Those I Love – For Those I Love (2021)

Many albums explore friendship, love and loss, but few hit as hard as this.

The raw emotion and intensity David Balfe brings to this record is impossible to ignore. If it could be summed up in one idea, it’s life’s tragedy transformed into artistic triumph.

Humanzi – Tremors (2006)

Listening to Tremors, it’s hard not to wonder what might have been. The debut album from now-defunct Dublin band Humanzi lives up to its title – it feels seismic.

‘Diet Pills & Magazines’ and ‘6 Gun’ kick things off, before tracks like ‘Long Time Coming’ and ‘Fix The Cracks’ take hold. At just 43 minutes, there’s never a dull moment.

The Cranberries – Wake Up And Smell The Coffee (2001)

The 1990s must have been a blur for The Cranberries. Following Bury The Hatchet in 1999, they released Wake Up And Smell The Coffee in 2001.

Revisiting it 25 years on reveals a band still in peak form. While the title track may not be seen as a classic, it stands alongside their finest work. ‘I Really Hope’ is another highlight, and ‘Analyse’ remains a superb single.

My Bloody Valentine – Loveless (1991)

1991 was an extraordinary year for music. Nevermind, Ten, Achtung Baby and Blue Lines all arrived—along with the seminal Loveless.

From the opening seconds of ‘Only Shallow’, the pulse races. ‘Come In Alone’ is both hypnotic and triumphant. Loveless is a masterpiece by any definition.

Cowboy X – Who Are These People? (2006)

It’s an unfortunately apt title for Cowboy X’s debut album. Filled with glorious alt-pop would-be classics, it deserved far greater success.

Singles like ‘Gabbi’ and ‘Between The Hit & The Miss’ rank among the best pop songs of the mid-2000s. Rumours of new material have circulated, and hopefully 2026 brings a follow-up.

Bleeding Heart Pigeons – Is (2016)

‘They’re Cutting Down The Old Oak Tree’ introduced many listeners to this Limerick band, and it remains one of the standout tracks on their debut.

Is moves effortlessly from delicate folk-inflected moments like ‘In The Forest’ to sophisticated indie pop on ‘Nausea’ and ‘A Hallucination’. They followed it with 2020’s excellent Stir.

Gavin Friday – catholic (2011)

After releasing the underrated Shag Tobacco in the 1990s, it would be some time before Gavin Friday returned with new material. That return came in 2011 with catholic.

It’s everything you’d hope for from a Gavin Friday album, full of charm, character and personality. Highlights include ‘Perfume’, ‘Blame’ and ‘Where’d Ya Go, Gone?’.

The Brilliant Trees – Friday Nite (1996)

The mid-1990s produced a wealth of exceptional Irish albums, and Friday Nite sits near the top of that list. The Brilliant Trees knew how to write memorable pop songs.

From the endlessly catchy ‘Talent’ to ‘Welcome Into My Life’, there’s barely a weak moment. ‘Home’ remains one of those great Irish songs that still stands tall today – listen here.

Tieranniesaur – Tieranniesaur (2011)

This was a band who were always a joy to see live, often leaving you tapping your foot long after the gig ended.

Opening track ‘Rockblocker’ lays down a groove that carries through to the closer ‘Remember My Name’. Above all, the album sounds like it was fun to make—and it’s certainly fun to listen to.

The Altered Hours – Convertible (2021)

Clocking in at just 29 minutes, Convertible may be short, but it packs a punch. Across eight tracks, you hear a band pushing on from their debut with confidence.

‘Stratocaster Dreamcatcher’ grows richer with every listen, while singles ‘Radiant Wound’ and ‘All Amnesia’ rank among their best. They followed it four years later with their finest album yet, simply titled The Altered Hours.

Pugwash – The Olympus Sound (2011)

Thomas Walsh—better known as Pugwash—has given us an extraordinary body of work. In 2026, The Olympus Sound celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Released in August 2011, it’s a masterclass in melody. Few albums can boast contributions from Dave Gregory and Andy Partridge of XTC, Ben Folds, and Neil Hannon. It deservedly received an RTÉ Choice Music Prize nomination that year.

Brigid Boden – Brigid Boden (1996)

The word “fusion” gets used a lot, but here it truly fits. This album blends traditional sounds with pop influences, even touching on trip-hop.

From the opening beats of ‘Must Go On’, it’s clear this record moves the body as much as the mind. Like Ashley MacIsaac around the same time, Boden seamlessly fused tradition with pop. It’s well worth tracking down – listen here.

James Darkin – Go No Matter What (2016)

Primarily known as a producer, James Darkin showcased his credentials as an artist with Go No Matter What. Lead single ‘Needle Noise’ was a perfect introduction.

Fans of the big electronic sounds of The Chemical Brothers, The Crystal Method, Leftfield or Nine Inch Nails will find plenty to love. Ten years on, the album still sounds huge—without sacrificing its beautiful, quieter moments.

2FM Alternative with Dan Hegarty, RTÉ 2FM, Mon – Thurs @ 23:00 – listen back here

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Irish Albums Celebrating 5 to 50 years in 2026

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