Mary Black announces Anthology album, releases ‘Light Of Day’

Mary Black has announced a new album, Anthology, out on Friday, and released a new single, ‘Light Of Day’.

The announcement comes as Black is set to embark on her Slán tour this April. The tour, set to be Black’s last, is a celebration of her career, and features shows across Ireland (and one in the Netherlands). The tour is entirely sold out but for one show at the National Stadium in May, which was added due to demand.

Anthology will feature remastered recordings of songs from across Black’s career, including past hits such as 'No Frontiers', 'Only A Woman's Heart', and 'Past The Point of Rescue'.

The album is divided into three parts, which feature 14 songs each. The first is devoted to her work between 1983 and 1989, the second to her work between 1989 and 1997, and the third to her work between 1998 and 2019.

The last track of the album, ‘Light Of Day’, is a previously unreleased song of Black’s, written by Shane Howard, who also wrote the songs ‘Flesh & Blood’ and ‘Don’t Say Okay’.

"I’ve been thinking long and hard about retiring and have finally decided that the time has come for me to step away from life on the road,” said Black of the album. “It’s been an incredible journey over the past 45+ years, full of highs, some challenges, and many unforgettable moments. While it’s not easy to say goodbye, I know the time is right to close this chapter.

“As all of this draws to a close, I was asked to compile an anthology from my catalogue. I have chosen the songs I love best and also the ones that I feel best represent me from beginning to end, hope you enjoy it. To everyone who’s supported and followed me down through the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Le grá, Mary”.

Anthology is out Friday, and ‘Light Of Day’ is out now. Tickets for Black’s May 26 show at the National Stadium, the only show of her Slán tour which is not yet sold out, are available now.