Internationally acclaimed Irish songwriter and bestselling novelist Brendan Graham has released his debut album, The Arrow of Time. The album, now available to stream across all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud, was officially launched on 3rd October 2025.
Graham is best known for writing two Eurovision-winning songs, Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids and The Voice, as well as penning the lyrics of the global anthem You Raise Me Up, the latter made famous by artists including Josh Groban and Westlife.
Beginning his songwriting career in 1968, Graham marks a milestone with The Arrow of Time, a powerful album that coincides with his 80th birthday and reflects a profound, personal journey through music and memory.
The Arrow of Time revisits some of Graham’s most loved compositions, reimagined with fresh emotional depth and creative collaboration. Highlights include:
- A moving re-recording of Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids, with Graham reuniting with Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan, whose unforgettable Eurovision triumph in 1994 propelled the song to fame.
- A spellbinding, spoken-word rendition of The Voice with Eimear Quinn, blending Graham’s lyrical poetry with Quinn’s ethereal vocal grace.
- A powerful interpretation of You Raise Me Up, where Graham’s narration is set against composer Rolf Løvland’s solo piano performance of his timeless melody, offering listeners a new, intimate connection to the beloved classic.
Graham’s songs have reached audiences worldwide, performed and recorded by artists such as Josh Groban with Aretha Franklin, The Gipsy Kings, Johnny Mathis, Secret Garden, and Karen Matheson. His music has also featured at major events, from the Olympic Games and the opening of the Northern Ireland Assembly to the Super Bowl and the White House.
The Arrow of Time is produced by the highly respected musician and producer, Feargal Murray. Murray is no stranger to Graham’s work, having recently recorded a highly acclaimed album of Graham’s songs with the current Gradam Ceol winner, Cathy Jordan.
Graham is a master storyteller in both literature and song, whose work has helped shape Ireland’s cultural identity. Through songs such as Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears (The Annie Moore Story), Orphan Girl, Crucán na bPáiste, The Coast of Labrador (Sean Keane), and Across the Rio Grande (The Chieftains and Liam Neeson) as well as his best-selling ‘documentary novel’ of the Great Famine, The Whitest Flower, Graham has brought Ireland’s history vividly to life.
“The Arrow of Time marks a special moment in my journey, my debut album, released to celebrate my 80th birthday. Until now, I have been the songwriter behind the songs, never the voice on the albums. What better way to honour this milestone than by collaborating with the extraordinary artists who have brought my words to life?
Creating this album has been a joyful and deeply emotional experience, filled with gratitude for the incredible people I’ve met along the way. I hope these songs continue to find a place in your heart, just as they have in mine.”
Album Links: https://orcd.co/thearrowoftime