Oh wow, Saint Patrick’s Day is here and it’s time to party! Right? Given the current state of the world… maybe not. Even with the luck of the Irish on your side it’s probably not the best idea to celebrate out in a busy pub. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Chuck on your best green clothes, pour yourself a big Guinness (sanitise before and after heading out to the shops) and pop on some Irish music and have a solo party till it’s self-iso-late at night.
Yes, social distancing feels like the antithesis of this party-focussed day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create the vibe and fun of a night at Mickey Finn’s in the safety of your own home. So when you get home from work today, sanitise, put on a face mask, and chuck on this gorgeously curated list of Irish pop icons best songs.
The Cranberries – Linger
Okay, so we might be stuck at home for the time being… the perfect time to think way too much about that long time crush you know you should be over! Linger is all about a soldier that Dolores O’Riordan’s fell in love with – apparently every time she heard it she thought about her first ever kiss. You might have a lot of time now to think about all your past loves – let The Cranberries help you do through it.
The Script – The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
Being a man (or woman!) who can’t be moved is actually the most socially responsible thing you can do right now! And while you may have forgotten about The Script, and probably didn’t even know they were Irish, what a perfect time to bring back this absolute smash from 2008. It’s the kind of guilty pleasure you might have forgotten – but push play and you will remember every single word. And yes, maybe he’s being too full on in his pursuit of love in this song, but the important thing is: he’s not moving, and you shouldn’t either unless you really need to.
Samantha Mumba – Gotta Tell You
Ok – iconic Irish connection here. This song only hit number one in two places: Ireland and New Zealand. Write this one up as another song of unrequited love – is this a theme for all Irish music? This incredibly 90s beat deserves a TIkTok dance created in its honour – and you’ve got time now! Get to work.
Sinéad O’Connor – Nothing Compares 2U
Maybe this is wrong to say… but if you have always wanted to shave your hair off – this could be the perfect time! Sit right in front of your mirror, play this song, and slowly lip sync as you shave off your locks. The power of Sinead O’Connor – to take a Prince song and then make the entire world forget that Prince ever sang it – is awe inspiring. You should be on your third or fourth Guinness for this one to hit just right.
U2 – Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of
If you’re going to be stuck somewhere you can’t get out of, you may as well be stuck with some U2 playing. Yes, their your dad’s favourite band. Yes, Bono loves to wear sunglasses inside. But now, in the comfort of self-isolation it’s time to admit: these guys go off. Blast it loud and blast it proud. No one has to know.
Snow Patrol – Run
Here’s an absolute monster track you might have forgotten – and the chorus goes huge. A song filled with sadness and hope in a way that feels right for the planet right now. Turns out Irish musicians are masters of the sad jam – you’ll want a lighter for this one, light it up, sway, make your bedroom your stadium!
Van Morrison – Moondance
Being home alone doesn’t mean you can’t feel a little sexy – here’s one for when you move on to the Whiskey. Who would have thought that an Irishman had written one of the best crooner songs of all time? Open the curtains, look at the moon, feel sexy – because if you can’t feel sexy with someone else you may as well feel your self-isolated self.
Niall Horan – No Judgement
While Van’s got us in a sexy mood we may as well keep things that way – the underdog cutie of One Direction. Here it is – the perfect anthem for your time at home. No one can see what you’re up to, no one can hear the music you’re playing – you be you! Hope you got enough toilet paper.
Ronan Keating – Life Is A Rollercoaster
Thanks Ronan. We’ve been paying attention to the news these last four days… and we agree. Life really is a roller coaster.
Hozier – Take Me To Church
The best thing you can do is stay home and get your religious experiences in the safety of your own home. Potentially with one of the best singing voices we’ve heard in the last 10 years: Hozier.
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
There’s never been a more perfect time to just lay there. Whether you’ve got someone to lie with you or not – you’re doing more for your community by lying there than you would heading out to a mass public gathering! Good work.
The Cranberries – Dreams
Ok, this song has a beat for lonesome dancing. Like Robyn’s Dancing In The Dark but with some irish yodelling – this is one to dance in your underwear holding a full bottle of wine to.
U2 – Angel of Harlem
This one is just a very pretty song to cap your night off. Happy St Patrick’s Day!
