RCA
New Age, 1984

Most people think of Clannad as a new-age act, and the answer to that is a resounding yes… but also no. Before they ascended to the realm of misty synths and mystical soundscapes, Clannad was more rooted in traditional Irish folk, with a side hustle in progressive and jazz influences. But then, one album came along and changed everything.

That album is Legend, a collection of music Clannad composed for the 1980s cult classic TV show Robin of Sherwood. It was here that they fully embraced the atmospheric, cinematic style that would define them. If Clannad’s sound were a character in the show, this is the moment they threw off their peasant cloaks and declared themselves the ethereal bards of Sherwood.

Now, let’s be honest, as while Robin of Sherwood has its charms, the music was doing a lot of the heavy lifting. The show itself could get incredibly hammy (think melodrama with extra medieval seasoning), but we’ll save that discussion for another day. Today, we talk about the music.

The album kicks off with Robin (The Hooded Man), the theme song that made the show’s opening credits so unforgettable. It starts with an electrifying burst of mysticism, almost flirting with light Gothic metal, only to settle into a hypnotic, meandering groove. On its own, the track feels like it drifts a bit, but in the context of the album, it’s a slow-burning build-up to Now Is Here, arguably the highlight of Legend.

Now Is Here is pure magic, with Moya Brennan’s haunting vocals leading a melancholic yet breathtakingly beautiful song. You may not immediately understand the lyrics, but it doesn’t matter. The melody, the instrumentation, and that ethereal voice tell a story that cuts straight to the soul.

Then there’s Together We, a track that somehow functions as both a jaunty Renaissance Faire jig and make-out music. Because Clannad, ever the professionals, can be both sexy and jiggy at the same time. Respect.

The rest of the album follows suit—hauntingly gorgeous compositions that evoke a gamut of emotions. From the first blossom of love (Lady Marian) to sheer awe and majesty (Darkmere) to… well, everything in between, Legend is indeed an emotional journey.

Sure, Robin of Sherwood remains a cult classic, but this album is legendary in its own right. If you’re a fan of Clannad’s later new-age sound but haven’t fully dipped your toes into their discography, Legend is the perfect gateway. Just don’t blame us when you suddenly feel compelled to don a hooded cloak and brood dramatically in the woods.