The Living Tradition Magazine, UK
Written by Phil Thomas

The Essential Dougie MacLean

By now I guess Dougie MacLean must be near the top of the pretty short list of folk performers who can boast a truly 'global' reputation.

Penguin Eggs. Canada
Written by Gallagher Parkinson

Inside the Thunder
Dunkeld Records

All in all, a well-turned collection of contemplative songs.

NetRhythms.co.uk
Written by David Kidman

The Essential Dougie MacLean

There are compilations and there are compilations. And whenever a new compilation's promoted as "essential" I immediately get suspicious. But there are no such fears with this handsome two-disc set that (a few personal preferences aside) the word "essential" might have been coined specially for.

NetRhythms.co.uk
Written by David Kidman

Inside The Thunder

I find myself asking why Dougie's albums so seldom get reviewed in the music press, even the folk music press. Could it be because his readily identifiable style is so consistent, his writing so even-tempered and (again) consistent, that there's nothing new left for the reviewer to say? Point taken, I suppose... So what do I say about Inside The Thunder, except that it contains some very fine new songs, showing that Dougie's writing is every bit as strong and well-crafted as ever.

Shake Magazine, Nashville USA
Written by Jess Marich

Inside the Thunder 

An exquisitely crafted album full of great songs. MacLean is well known in the field of Celtic music. His vocals are warm, his acoustic guitar work is well conceived. The album was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by his son, Jamie, who also plays drums and keyboards. This is another strong album from a man who has become an icon in the Scottish music world. His recordings have been included in films and television. “The Last of The Mohicans” and “Angel Eyes” are two prominent examples.

Dougie performs all over the world. He was born and still lives in Butterstone and Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland. His father played fiddle and mother played mandolin. Music runs high
in his family. MacLean draws from the spirit and culture of his native country to create music that not only moves the heart and soul but will endure. Though the sound is easy-going, these are not lightweight tunes. They are poetic and insightful.

This soft thunder will move you nicely.