Some artists or bands just don’t need the luck of the Irish to make a success of their careers. Blessed with painfully good looks, beautiful voices and musical talent, The Corrs, was relatively unknown outside of Ireland until 1994, when American ambassador to the country invited the group to perform at the 1994 World Cup in Boston. This performance also led to them becoming the supporting act for Celine Dion on her 1996 world tour. The rest, as they say, is history. Their fanbase is quite huge and even includes Queen Elizabeth II who made them Honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire in 2005 for their outstanding contribution to music and charity work.

This latest Greatest Hits collection comes short on the heels of the last Best Of released in 2004. After that release, only one other album containing new material was released. So why this new Ultimate Collection then? Or rather, why so soon? Well, in all fairness, there’s some new stuff on here for the fans… “When the Stars go Blue,” featuring a collaboration with Bono from U2. There’s also “I know my Love” featuring The Chieftains. The Corrs also masterfully covered the Everly Brothers’ “All I have to do is dream” and included on here. And of course there’s Old Town from “Home,” their 2006 album.

Apart from that, it’s familiar territory with hits like “So Young,” “Runaway,” and “What can I do” all present. “Toss the feathers” ends of an album making you wish you were born in Ireland. Of course their biggest hit “Leave me Bradley” is also present. Or rather that’s what an elderly lady thought it was called when she phoned in one day to find out who the band is who sings “Leave me Bradley.” After a bit of head scratching, we realised it was “Breathless” she was referring to.

Basically, if you don’t have The Corrs in your collection, or haven’t bought an album of theirs in a while, this is a “must-buy!” But generally speaking, I’d say it’s time for an album full of stunning new, original material please. So, Andrea, Caroline, Sharon and Jim Corr, you’re forgiven… not forgotten.