Essential

This 2011 reissue of 2007's Essential collection features 14 tracks from the popular Scottish folk-rock outfit, including the hits "Alba," "The Greatest Flame," "The Cutter," and "Satellite Flood." Specializing in a rich, radio-ready blend of modern, Celtic folk, and stadium-ready alternative rock in the vein of Big Country and Spirit of the West, Runrig recorded the bulk of their most notable material during the '80s and '90s, most of which is available for sample here, resulting in a good primer for those looking to dive into the band's sizeable catalog. ~ James Christopher Monger