I discovered this artist musically by chance and happened to listen to two of his works, never was a coincidence more fortunate!
After the extraordinary and excellent "O", the Irish artist Damien Rice delivers "9", another true gem, thus proving that after a successful album, another of the same level can easily be made. Easily, maybe not so much because not everyone is blessed with a voice with such a great emotional charge.
The first single is "9 crimes", a splendid ballad sung together with Lisa Hannigan. Two beautiful voices that complement each other almost perfectly, because perfection is not of this world, but getting close to it is an exceptional achievement. The climax comes at the end of this song, which you simply must listen to if you haven't already. Certainly, the entry track is listened to multiple times, but when one decides to move on, there is "Animal were gone", and chills again! Melancholy but not sadness, this is the wonderful "Elephant". "Rootless tree" and "Dogs" are less impactful songs compared to the first ones, yet they are very pleasant. The song (besides "9 crimes") that strikes the heartstrings with an extremely high emotional level is "Accidental babies", a voice-piano ballad in which Damien undoubtedly proves to be a music virtuoso. The conclusion is entrusted to the sweetness of "Sleep, don't weep". You are left in awe at the end of this melancholic hopeful, emotional, and delicate journey. Pure poetry that gives chills and leaves pure, real emotions to be cherished with care.
Masterpiece!
A new folk singer-songwriter album could be just another acoustic album. But that’s not the case when it’s Damien Rice.
The opening track '9 Crimes' is infinite purity aiming higher than ever.
If it starts this way, it will be hard to reach the end without crying with joy.
There isn’t a single song that doesn’t deserve to be listened to, and at least half of the album is of remarkable quality.