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THE REVIEW
To some, this album by Damien Rice may seem to have arrived a bit late. Late if placed within the neo-acoustic scene, which has seen groups like Kings of Convenience, early Turin Brakes, David Gray, Tom McRae rise to international prominence.
However, even though there are echoes of that genre in "O", labeling Damien Rice solely within this circle is reductive (...one might also question the usefulness of the term neo-acoustic!).
The enthusiasm from critics, starting with the Irish ones, is not unfounded. The gems contained in the album are soundtracks for sleepless nights filled with poignant romantic memories ("Amie", "the Blower's Daughter") or for rainy days waiting for the first ray of sunshine ("Cold Water"). But not only that. There's also room for anger and rebellion with not so clear guitars and arrangements that can baffle ("I Remember", "Cheers Darlin").
The album seems to be concluded by the sumptuous "Eskimo", which envelops Damien's sadness with strings and the voice of a soprano. Seems to be... but do not turn off the player... and please do not call it new-acoustic! These little masterpieces deserve only careful listening. Not a label.
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Summary by Bot
Damien Rice's debut album 'O' stands out within the acoustic and neo-acoustic scenes, blending poignant romantic songs with moments of anger and complex arrangements. Critics, especially Irish ones, have praised its emotional depth. Highlights include 'The Blower's Daughter', 'Amie', and the orchestral 'Eskimo'. The album resists simple labeling and rewards careful listening.
Damien Rice
Damien Rice is an Irish singer-songwriter known for intimate, emotionally intense folk and folk-rock. He debuted with the album "O" and later released "9" and "My Favourite Faded Fantasy"; his work is frequently associated with collaborations and live performances.13 Reviews
Other reviews
By barrylindon
The voice: incredibly deep, sad, practically a razor, so much melody.
Want to know the strongest songs? All 10 of them. They all leave a mark.
By ZiOn
"Damien Rice hits the mark with a touching and superlative debut album."
"Stones taught me to fly, love taught me to lie, life, it taught me to die, so it’s not hard to fall when you float like a cannonball..."
By Mariaelena
"‘O’ is of such rare internal beauty, one of my few chosen albums."
“All the tracks are of equal equality and transport and thus can be translated into a single word… LOVE.”
By Angeldust82
"O" is the brotherly friend that can console us.
Damien guides us into his microcosm, where searching (I didn’t say finding) for solidarity and mutual support takes place.
