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Mick Flannery Releases First-Ever Double Album The House Must Win

Jun 23, 2026 | Mick Flannery

Out now via One Riot Records — debuts at No. 1 on the Irish Independent Album Chart

Featuring guest collaborations from Anaïs Mitchell, Susan O’Neill, Lisa Hannigan, Jenn Grant, Jeffrey Martin and more

Listen to the album  |  Hear the single “Rising Tide” ft. Anaïs Mitchell

Mick Flannery has released The House Must Win, his first-ever double record and ninth studio album, out now via One Riot Records. One week after release, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Irish Independent Album Chart.

Recorded in Cork City, Ireland with long-time collaborator Christian Best and American producer and arranger Liam Robinson, the album features special guest collaborations including GRAMMY Award-winning artist Anaïs Mitchell, Portland songwriter Jeffrey Martin, Canadian multiple-JUNO nominee Jenn Grant, and — closer to home — reunions with Mercury Music Prize nominee Lisa Hannigan and Choice Music Prize nominee Susan O’Neill.

With numerous No. 1 records in Ireland and awards accumulated over his career, Flannery has now recorded a double album of 20 songs that span the full story of his stage production of the same name, which stars famed Irish comedian and broadcaster Tommy Tiernan. The collection has been in the works for over 20 years, featuring reimaginings of songs from his 2005 debut album Evening Train, 10 new songs, and orchestrations that make up the album.

The news was accompanied by the first single, a delicate duet ballad featuring Anaïs Mitchell, “Rising Tide.” Flannery has long admired Mitchell’s work, and the song marks their second collaboration, following his 2020 song “Minnesota.” Speaking of the collaboration, Mick said, “I have sincere gratitude to Anaïs for her continued support and in this case, for lending her beautiful voice to this recording.” The feeling is mutual, with Mitchell saying of the collaboration: “Mick is among my favorite writers on earth so I jumped at the chance to sing this stunner with him and also to support his journey from songwriter to theatre artist, a journey which is close to my heart.”

The House Must Win features an array of special guest artists invited to join on the many duets and ensemble pieces on the record. Among them are Anaïs Mitchell, Jeffrey Martin, Jenn Grant, Lisa Hannigan and Susan O’Neill, together with West Cork folk singer Marybeth O’Mahony, longtime collaborator Yvonne Daly, and Belfast artist and The House Must Win cast member Tabitha Smyth, who takes on a solo performance. In a special moment, Mick’s brothers Brian, David, and Eamonn Flannery make their recording debut alongside him on “Take It on the Chin,” one of the iconic songs from Evening Train.

Speaking of the recording process, Mick says: “The band on this record have been working on these arrangements with us for the past few years. It’s been a great experience to capture the recording ahead of the stage production and to be able to share the story and the songs in this format.”

The band is made up of some of Ireland’s finest musicians: Matthew Berrill (reeds), Killian Browne (piano, banjo, harmonium), Niamh Varian-Barry (violin/viola), Dan Bodwell (double bass), and Dominic Mullan (drums). Liam Robinson arranged all the pieces, new and old, and also plays and sings on the record.

Sonically, the record moves between dark, swampy bar-room and heart-stomping compositions, weaved between delicate ballads. The songs carry a tension both lyrically and musically that can feel almost unsettling, as though something inside the heart has momentarily fractured. Through Flannery’s signature storytelling, the 20 songs build out a world where tension becomes part of the landscape, ultimately carrying the listener toward a shoreline of deeply human stories of love, regret, pride, and longing.

Praise for Mick Flannery

“…conjures up exquisite story-telling.” — The Sunday Times

“Mick Flannery has a voice for the ages, a complete master of his craft.” — Clash Magazine

“Flannery continues to prove himself to be one of our finest singers, songwriters and sonic storytellers.” — The Irish Times

“Flannery has mastered the art of subtle persuasion… That’s where true songs are sung.” — Boston Globe

The House Must Win — Track Listing

  1. Overture
  2. Creak in the Door
  3. Rising Tide
  4. When I’ve Got a Dollar
  5. Take It on the Chin
  6. Grace’s Waltz
  7. Tripping O’er His Trousers
  8. The Tender
  9. Bonnie Rogue
  10. Talk to Me
  11. Daddy
  12. I’ll Be Out Here
  13. The House Must Win
  14. The Rebel
  15. Take Me With You Then
  16. One Chance
  17. In the Gutter
  18. Let Me Be
  19. Bags Packed
  20. All In
  21. Ride On
  22. Evening Train

Connect

Mick Flannery: Website  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Instagram  |  YouTube  |  TikTok

The House Must Win: Website  |  Instagram

Photo credit: Susie Conroy

Chart Room Media
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