Fans of modern Celtic music will rejoice in the presence of The Celtic Circle, Vol. 2 -- it truly is a great compilation, recycling fine material from principals of Irish folk music like Phil Coulter, Clannad, Máire Brennan, and (surfacing alone and in collaborative mode) the Chieftains. The 30-song, two-disc set launches with "The Foggy Dew," a haunting ode to freedom beautifully sung by Sinéad O'Connor and augmented by the dramatic musical effect of the aforementioned Chieftains. Clannad generously include keepers like the soothing "Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn)," "Newgrange," and "Caislean Oír," but the finest song here arguably belongs to Susan McKeown and Natalie Merchant, who join forces for the uplifting, cascading "River." Coulter's gorgeously orchestrated "Tranquility" and the expressive, charismatic "Ay Fond Kiss," a track from Fairground Attraction that dates to 1990, are high points of the second disc. Of course, "Mo Ghile Mear," the closing number, which pairs the omnipresent Chieftains with Sting, is a fine way to round out a collection with enormous value. ~ John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide