Stone of Destiny

Steven McDonald | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 1, 1997)
• Original Release Date: November 1, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Etherean Music
• ASIN: B00000G1S1
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #118,182 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Bannockburn

2. Fallen Flowers

3. The Lady of the Loch

4. Oran

5. Boadicea

6. The Painted Men

7. Stone of Destiny

8. Auld Lang Syne

9. Green Alba

10. Freedom

11. The Harvest

12. Connla and the Fairy Maiden

13. Skye Boat Song

Editorial Reviews

McDonald continues his rise to the top of the Contemporary Celtic genre with this breathtaking journey of music. The Stone of Destiny is the very symbol of Scotland's nationhood. This 336 lb. Block of yellow standstone is said to be the stone that, in biblical times, Jacob slept upon and received messages from God. Irish, Scottish and English monarchs have been enthroned upon the stone since 400 A.D. Taken from Scotland by King Edward I in 1296, the stone was returned to Scotland in 1996. It now sits in Edinburgh Castle. Steve McDonald continues sharing the history of Scotland and the Celtic culture through music. STONE OF DESTINY is the follow-up to his award winning Celtic album of the year - SONS OF SOMERLED.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stone of Destiny, May 27, 2001

By 

Colleen "big reader" (SF East Bay, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stone of Destiny (Audio CD)

Stone of Destiny: My first exposure to Steve McDonald left quite an impression. I bought this one while on vacation and the first thing I did when I got home was check Amazon for more albums. After reading the reviews, I could tell that the Stone of Destiny apparently strays from his usual style but in no way should that take away from the pleasure derived from listening and reading this one. Yes I said reading. Inside the album jacket are not only the lyrics but a brief history describing the events that inspired each song. It's a wonderful way to learn a few of the myths, legends and events that contributed so significantly to Scotland's history. From the narrated poem of the battle of Bannockburn (as depicted by the movie Braveheart) to the obvious Pink Floyd influences in the song, Boadicea, this album is mesmerizing. After you've read the jacket cover to cover, it's the album that you will want put on when you need to make the most of the moments that belong to only you. When you can close your eyes and let the words and music carry you away on the wings of your imagination. For those of you who are Steve McDonald fans, please judge this one on it's own merit and not what you expect it to be. For those who've never heard him, this album has excellent orchestral and background singing but the voice of Steven McDonald and the feeling he puts into his songs is what will move you. I've just ordered all of his other albums based on this one and I'm hoping that all contain the history lessons and inspirationally moving lyrics I found on the Stone of Destiny.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sottish history brought to life, November 29, 1999

By 

jeff conrades (West Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stone of Destiny (Audio CD)

steve,s passion for scotland is unmistakeable andhis music is very moving.His first cd was voted celtic album of the year and whoever beat him this year must have a brilliant album as I believe this cd to be better than Son,s of Sommerled.If Fallen Flowers doesnt bring tears to your eyes then you,re heartless as this is one of the most beautiful but sad song I,ve ever heard.Harvest is a stunning piece of music,very much an inspirational tune almost Vangelis style but better.Do yourself a real favour and give this man a listen-he,s a great musician(pity he,s a Kiwi though)

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Please forget me never", October 16, 2000

By 

Gina Noelle Williams (Corinth, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stone of Destiny (Audio CD)

I first discovered Steve McDonald when I walked into a Natural Wonders store. After hearing approximately 30 seconds of "Sons of Somerled," I bought it, and have been fascinated by his music ever since. I've heard it described as "like Enya, except it's a man, and it's about Scotland," and that's pretty accurate.

McDonald weaves intricate, lush tapestries of music and vocals. He loves Scotland, and it shows in every anthem and ballad on his albums. Painstakingly researched and composed, the songs cover a range of emotion and subjects. "Stone" is named for a block of yellow sandstone that symbolizes the national identity and freedom of Scotland, and its story is told in the illustrated liner notes, along with the inspiration behind each of the songs.

"Stone" starts out with an intriguing paean to the Loch Ness Monster, "The Lady of the Loch." "Fallen Flowers" recounts a moment of shared awareness between a young warrior wounded at the Battle of Halidon Hill and his mother, and it is heartbreakingly beautiful. It is immediately followed by "Oran," a haunting tale of one of Scotland's martyrs.

"Boadicea" is a stirring tale of the Warrior Queen, full of history and yet conveying the feel of a song sung by bard or skald. "The Painted Men" tells of the Picts, the pre-Celtic people of the Isles.

The mood is lifted from the very first line of the title track. As McDonald sings, "In the curragh and off we go," the listener is transported to medieval Scotland and told the tale of the Stone. "Auld Lang Syne" is the long version of Robert Burns' famous poem, with verses you've probably never heard before. "Green Alba" is a breathy, invigorating anthem of ancient Scotland, also called Caledonia or Alba.

If you enjoyed the movie "Braveheart," you will understand the mood and emotion behind "Freedom," a tribute to William Wallace. "Connla and the Fairy Maiden" spins the story of a prince, spirited away by a fairy woman. The final track, "Skye Boat Song," is a sweetly sad lullaby about Bonnie Prince Charlie.

This is a beautiful and memorable album, well worth checking out.