Borrowed Heaven (by The Corrs, Pop)

If the Pogues represent Celtic Rock, and Flogging Molly are the poster children for Celtic Punk, then the Corrs must be...Celtic Bubblegum? On BORROWED HEAVEN, the popular Irish siblings offer well-performed songs that are consistently accessible and instantly forgettable. Perky vocals float over guitar-driven pop arrangements that include just enough traditional instrumentation to remind us of the group's roots. Lyrically, there's not much of a message, either positive or negative, as the Corrs trip lightly through a dozen upbeat tunes without getting their uniforms dirty. High points are "Angel" and "Silver Strand," songs that feature beautifully played tin whistle and fiddle.

This is the Corrs' fourth album, and the fact that it is more commercial-sounding than previous efforts may bother die-hard fans and purists. But for new fans, or parents who want to show their kids how unusual combinations of instruments and traditional arrangements can work within the rock/pop genre, Borrowed Heaven is well worth the price of admission.

Released on: June 8, 2004
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Pop