Album Review: Scotland Girl

Highland Reign is one of our newest bands on the show, but that’s not to say they’re a new band. This three piece band has been releasing music for almost twenty years now and have become one of my favorite bands to listen to. Filled with originals as well as their takes on traditional they always filled with energy and a love for their source material. Scotland Girl is their 22nd album they’ve put out, though some are no longer in print. Let us take a look at their latest album.

A reminder on how we do reviews on the show. I write my thoughts here as I listen to the album; in a sense what you’re reading is a stream of thought from yours truly. I am in no way qualified to give my opinion but as the Proprietor of the Inn I do feel duty bound to do reviews of the bands, for the bands and for our listeners as well. I also don’t appear to have a set way in how I do these reviews so expect track name, thoughts, and a score. At the end the scores are averaged to get the overall rating.

Rowdy Soul: There are so many versions of Rowdy Soul out there, and they all essentially start the same so to hear one begin with instrumental is a pleasant surprise; especially for the start of the album. A great tempo and mixture of instruments for an opening song, a great choice to begin the album. 4

Scotland Girl: The title song of the album is always an interesting choice of where to put it; and I think I like having it the second song. An original song as far as I can tell with a killer fiddle throughout. With the title I think I was expecting something more traditional Scottish folk sounding so this is a bit surprise. A lovely love song or sorts that should have plenty of fans, even if it’s a bit more rough than I would think for a “love song”. 4

Scottish Rose: Now this is about the tone I would think for a “Scottish Love Song”. I am not quite sure if this is an original or traditional song, however if original it does a great job of making it sound like a traditional Scottish song inspired by a Burns poem. The fiddle once again stands out; but the lyrics and vocals are the star. A beautiful song. 5

Barrett’s Privateers: Now question about what this song is, we all are familiar with Barrett’s. It doesn’t rewrite the book of BP but done with a firm hand of quality musicians. I think this is the first song of the album where the bodhran stands out. In the end, it’s a good song, does about what is expected. 3

Glasgow Reel: In a band such as this you expect to have a reel on an album. One of the oldest pieces of music that you will constantly hear as it dates back to at least 1549. This is really an opportunity to showcase Sarah Yingst’s fiddle playing. It is a beautiful version of the reel with everything produced and mixed well. 3

The Ballad of Hollis Brown: Hollis Brown is one of those songs that feel like an old traditional song but is actually a Bob Dylan song. So while you won’t hear it on the show it’s a great rendition of the song. The strong guitar throughout the song really works here. The subject matter also completely works for a “Scottish” album, it doesn’t feel out of place. 4

Bonnie Hieland Laddie: A well known traditional song, I am really enjoying the quicker pace this version takes as compared to others I have heard. The fiddle of course stands out, but this tempo is really working for me. I can see this being a great dancing song during live performances. 4

Captain Wedderburn: This is a cover of a Great Big Sea song, not to be confused with the traditional song about Courtship. I have no reference for the original so can only go by what is heard here. It is a playful back and forth between a man and woman that is a fun little piece at this point in the album. 4

Maggie’s Song: I attempted to see if this was another traditional reel, but all I seem to find is things from Chris Stapleton. This is a beautiful number which really shows of the guitar, much like Glasgow did the fiddle. I do appreciate how the instrumental pieces have been used to divide the album up in a way. 3

I will Go: Right away that Bodhran smacks ya right in the face and there is nothing quite like it. A traditional song about that traditional Scottish pastime of fighting for your clan. If anything this may be the most traditional feel of any song on the album so far since it’s just the bodhran and vocals. They play with tempo and tone about that works quite well towards the end. 3

Glasgow Peggy: Another traditional ballad that, in a similar vein to Laddie, they have taken and upped the tempo and it really works. It’s not one I’m familiar with I have to say but I am quite digging it. It definitely has that story feel that so many traditional songs have and we have lost a bit of. Another song where the fiddle is a real standout. 4

Bonnie Hoose O’Airlie: I knew it would only be a matter of time, but we have pipes to end the album. That is what is always interesting about Highland Reign, so few bands don’t add pipes to guitar and fiddle. Usually we only have drums, maybe a fiddle, I love that Reign does this. 4

In the end another solid album from Highland Reign, and about what you expect the album to be after nearly 20 years. It is produced beautifully, which I know may be an odd thing to harp on but you’d be surprised. It’s not earth shattering, not sure there’s anything other Scottish Rose that makes you stand up grabs your attention; but there’s also no disappointment in the album. It’s what you want from Highland Reign and it delivers.