"Chances are you can't pronounce it but you'll be wanting to write it down. But fans of authentic Irish music will know Muireann as singer extraordinaire and skilled instrumentalist (flute and whistle) with Waterford's Danú. Anyone who's experienced this woman's significant stage aura will not be surprised at the emotional power of this release – she has a rich, earthy voice that can only be described as being "beautiful". Clear, fresh and utterly spellbinding, Nic Amhlaoibh's vocals soar like a bird – never faltering – with minimal accompaniment required. Not unlike expatriate genre-bender, Maura O'Connell, Nic Amhlaoibh has selected a dozen tunes that, like O'Connell, redefine contemporary folk with one foot in tradition. This is epitomized by "Western Highway", Nic Amhlaoibh joined here by its author, Gerry O'Beirne, who also contributes the "Isle of Malachy", transformed into an achingly beautiful Irish jewel of a song. The sprightly "Free and Easy" is ample demonstration of her ability to turn a song to her complete advantage while her whistle work on the instrumental "Cnocán an Teampaill" presents an equally magical voice. "Seoithin Seothó" – sung in her native Gaelic – is a compassionate lullaby fully exposing the allure of her Irish background. Not surprisingly, one of the disc's strongest tracks is her intoxicating cover of Richard Thompson's "Persuasion", which takes on new life in her care. Her flute work on the instrumental "Humours of Whiskey" is, again, otherworldly in its effect, complimenting the haunting vocal performance provided in "The Emigrant's Farewell". –and it will be " (Exclaim Magazine).

 Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is the lead vocalist for Danu, a task that means she usually provides the song interludes in their sessions-like concerts. Although she's the darling of critics, Nic Amhlaoibh has been content to be one of the lights on the string rather than the spotlight. Daybreak will shed some long overdue rays on her considerable talent. With its blend of contemporary covers, whistle solos, and jazzy traditionals, Daybreak is more conceptually bold than her work with Danu and evokes the sort of spirit one associates with Cathie Ryan projects. She does especially sharp covers of Gerry O'Beirne's "Western Highway" and "The Isle of Malachy." O'Beirne apparently approves as he's a contributor on this album, as are Tony Bryne, John Doyle, Julie Fowlis, Shane McGowan, Billy Mag Fhloinn, and Danu band mates Eamon Doorley and Oisin McAuley. Nic Amhloiabh does a great job of keeping the mood fresh. At one stretch, she moves effortlessly between a Gaelic lullaby ("Seoithin Seotho"), a lively set of tunes arranged for whistles ("Hardiman the Fiddler") and a Richard Thompson cover ("Persuasion"). Give this gem a listen and for once you might be glad to hear the critics say, "We told you so." (Rob Weir, Sing Out Magazine, Fall 2006).

"In the last three years, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh has risen to prominence with Danú, knocking audiences out with her warm toned and richly expressive voice, and she does that again and more with ther first solo album, Daybreak.

There's a heap of old songs here and newer ones too from Richard Thompson and Gerry O'Beirne, all of them melodically strong and lyrically powerful. The opener, Western Highway, immediatley strikes a resonant tone, and she builds on that with a string of brilliant performances on the enchanting Isle of Malchy, The Emigrant's Farewell, Free and Easy, An Spealadóir, and the Banks of the Nile. The Kerry native first switches to Irish on Seoithín Seothó, and delivers on of the most gorgeous songs heard in ages. Slán le Máigh is a lingering farewell that exudes both sadness and a warm appreciation of the place to be left behind. Still on the sunny side of 30, Muireann sings The Parting Glass with all the shading and nuance of an old master.

She plays a savage flute on the two sets of tunes, on these and all tracks backed by top musicians including John Doyle, Shane McGowan, Oisín McAuley, Éamon Doorley and Gerry O'Beirne.
Daybreak is a great release from a tremendous singer, and a strong entry onto any list of classic Irish recordings. You'll want to catch her live too once you've heard it, and tour dates are listed at www.muireann.ie" (David Ingram, Irish Music Magazine, July 2006).

" A vocalist of exceptional talent and sensitivity....."Daybreak" is the dawning of a major solo force in Irish traditional music." (Earl Hitchner, Irish Echo, June 7th 2006).

It's a highly impressive work. (Colin Randall, The Telegraph).

"There is a mesmerising, fluent quality to Muireann's voice that will leave you wanting to listen to her songs over and over."  (Irish World, June 29th , 2006).