Damien Rice

"9"

3.5/5

Have you ever listened to a particular album that you never thought you could like in a million years? And you surprisingly find yourself enjoying the music? That's the way I felt when I was listening to this album. Damien Rice's "9" is his follow up LP to "O" which was released in 2002.

This Irish born singer combines elements of Folk, Melodic, and Rock in an interesting musical twist that seems to fit perfectly well. The first song "9 Crimes" features singer Lisa Hannigan. Lisa's sexy, breathy vocals play well with Damien's deep, dramatic vocals - beautifully sung duet!

Damien sings about heartbreak on "The Animals Were Gone" in which he croons, "Waking up without you/ is like drinking from an empty cup," and "I Love your depression/ and I love your double chin" - classic! "Rootless Tree" starts off sounding like it's going to be a love song, but then Damien lets out a string of expletives in the chorus, he's only human.

The dominant mellow sound of the album takes a detour on "Me, my yoke, + I." This song is relatively more up-tempo and harder, Damien's vocals are a lot louder as he screams about his "drum making you want to come," and his "book making you want to look."

Overall, "9" is a solid album. Even though it might not be your sound, you should still give it a listen. You might be surprised - I was.

Key Tracks - 9 Crimes, The Animals Were Gone, Rootless Tree, Me, my yoke, + I.

+Alawna
November 6, 2006