Fisherman’s Blues found The Waterboys abandoning their earlier grandiose rock sound for a mixture of traditional Irish music, country and rock and roll. Recorded at Windmill Lane and Spiddal House in Galway (where lead Waterboy Mike Scott was living), the highlights include the wonderful title track, ‘World Party’ (which gave Karl Wallinger’s band their name), ‘The Stolen Child’ (lyrics taken from William Butler Yeats’ poem), and a cover of Woody Guthrie’s ‘This Land Is Your Land’. Following the album’s release, The Waterboys won their way into the affections of Irish audiences with a rapturously received tour of community centres.

No 35 in 2009, as voted for by over 200 Irish musicians. Up from No 92 in 2004.