Album of The Week

Elaine Lennon – ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Written by celtic music radio on December 26, 2020

The first winner of the Celtic Music Radio Album of the Year listeners’ poll is Elaine Lennon with her sublime, self-titled debut album.

The album “Elaine Lennon” came out in January and was Celtic Music Radio’s first Album of the Week of 2020, a feature sponsored by Cardwell Garden Centre.

The critics have loved the eleven-track record, produced by Findlay Napier, with one reviewer stating: “The album is warm, classy and incorporates country and blues influences along with a heady sprinkling of pure pop magic.”

More than 600 listeners voted with 46 quality contenders in the running for the award.

Elaine, whose music has been compared with the likes of Dory Previn and Carly Simon, said:

“I am really chuffed about this, especially as so many other brilliant albums were released this year.

“The album was the station’s first Album of the Week in 2020 and is now its first ever Album of the Year, and that feels very special.

“My thanks to Celtic Music Radio – the presenters there have all been so supportive and I will always appreciate that. It’s a community radio station run by volunteers and they do so much to promote new music.

“My huge thanks, too, to everyone who voted for the record.”

The news was revealed during a four-hour Album of the Year show on Boxing Day presented by Kate Reid, John Joe MacNeil, Ross Macfadyen and Liz Clark, with Liz revealing the listeners’ top choice.

In second spot in the poll was Paul Dickson with “Belle” and Barbara Dickson’s “Time Is Going Faster” was third.

“It was a terrific year for new music despite the pandemic so listeners had a tough choice,” said Liz, who also pointed out that Elaine was a Danny Kyle Open Stage winner at Celtic Connections 2019 in only her second live performance.

“Elaine’s album is a marvellous collection of songs, beautifully crafted and delivered, and quite remarkable for a debut release. We are so pleased for her as she is a lovely person, very talented and her live performances are not to be missed.

“Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote, well done to all the acts who were picked as our Album of the Week this year and thanks to Cardwell Garden Centre for their invaluable sponsorship. Here’s to more great music in 2021.”