Thin Lizzy : Acoustic Sessions Reviewed

Album Review – Thin Lizzy: Acoustic Sessions
This record, titled Acoustic Sessions, focuses on the Eric Bell era of the band, offering a fresh acoustic spin on tracks from Thin Lizzy’s earliest albums. Let’s unpack how it sounds, how it feels, and whether it lives up to the hype surrounding that iconic name.

When Acoustic Sessions was first announced, I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical. After all, Phil Lynott is no longer with us, so the idea of a “new Thin Lizzy album” raised some eyebrows. Add to that a press release calling it the first Thin Lizzy album in years, and you can imagine the reactions from fans who hold Phil Lynott’s legacy so dear.

What we get, though, is not a typical reissue or box set companion. Instead, it’s an album that reworks and remixes some early Thin Lizzy tracks, removing certain elements while adding new acoustic parts by Eric Bell. The era covered here is the band’s first three albums—long before the Jailbreak days—where the music often felt more folk-influenced and Celtic-tinged.

First Impressions
Short and Sweet: This is not a lengthy release by any means; if you pick it up on vinyl, you’ll likely notice it goes by fast.
Vinyl vs. CD: The vinyl edition (£35) is pressed on clear vinyl, while the CD (£12.99) offers the same track list at a more budget-friendly price.
Updated Mixes: A key point here is the remixing process, which has created a surprising level of clarity in Phil Lynott’s vocals.

Tracks Worth Highlighting
“Mama Nature Said” & “Song For While I’m Away” – Both from Vagabonds of the Western World. The first track initially felt like a straightforward strumming exercise behind Phil’s vocals, but the second emerges as something special, enhanced by orchestral elements that sound unexpectedly modern.
“Slow Blues” – This is where I really started to hear the magic. Stripped back to acoustic and vocals, it spotlights Phil’s voice in a stunning way.
“Dublin” – Possibly the standout moment for me. The combination of intimate acoustic guitar and Lynott’s storytelling vocals creates a real “he’s right in the room” experience.
“Whiskey in the Jar” (Acoustic Version) – Touted as the first time they’ve done it truly unplugged, although it doesn’t feel drastically different from the original. Still, a must-listen for completists.
“Shades of a Blue Orphanage” – A revelation. The remix highlights instruments like the mellotron, harpsichord, and backing vocals that have never sounded clearer or more impactful.

Is It Worth Your Time?
If you’re a hardcore Thin Lizzy fan, especially of their earlier phase, Acoustic Sessions has enough gems to justify adding it to your collection. Hearing Phil Lynott’s voice “in the room” on stripped-down arrangements can be genuinely breathtaking.

However, if you’re mostly into the Brian Robertson/Scott Gorham era—those rock anthems and classic hits—this album might feel more like a curiosity than a must-have. There are no attempts here to go unplugged with “The Rocker” or “Jailbreak.” And if you’re a fan of the 1970s “twin-guitar” sound, this acoustic-focused release might not scratch that itch.

That said, the overall production is excellent, and the new acoustic parts by Eric Bell are tasteful, never overshadowing Lynott’s iconic presence. My only wish is that they had included more liner notes, especially from Eric Bell himself, explaining the motivations and personal anecdotes behind the project.

For me, Acoustic Sessions lands at 7 out of 10. The best moments—like “Dublin” and “Shades of a Blue Orphanage”—really highlight Phil Lynott’s timeless vocals and the band’s under appreciated folk-rock roots. But part of me still feels these tracks could have slotted nicely as a bonus disc in the Vagabonds deluxe box set, offering a more complete package for fans.

As always, give it a stream first if you’re on the fence. If you fall in love with the acoustic vibe, the vinyl will certainly sound gorgeous on a good system. If you don’t, it’s still a fascinating footnote in the Thin Lizzy story—a reminder that, even decades later, Phil Lynott’s voice can still captivate like few others.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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