Susan McKeown - Belong (East River Music)
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| Susan McKeown - Belong |
Say what you like but in my head
this album is the soundtrack to Irish immigrants arriving in the U.S. of A. and
documenting their journey through the power of folk song. This might be naive
on my part but Susan McKeown's cross Atlantic style straddles this experience
beautifully. Kicking off with the gently sublime 'On The Bridge To
Williamsburg' McKeown's voice mingles beautifully with that of Declan O'Rourke
before 'The Cure' kicks things up a notch with a more lively melody based
around some gorgeous guitar playing. 'Everything We Had Was Good' has already
reached the top spot in the American Folk Chart and the country-folk duet with
James Maddock deserves every accolade it receives for its understated beauty and
honest sentiment. Title track 'Belong' is a Peggy Seeger-esque folk tale while
'Fallen Angel' is just a yodel away from being a track from the stage at the Grand
Ole Opry in its heyday.
McKeown's voice trembles and
soars perfectly, showing tenderness, power and a sense of humour in equal
measure which is a delight in a modern vocalist. On 'Lullaby Of Manhattan' the
mood takes a turn for the dark as McKeown goes all Patti Smith singing over a
mournful guitar riff and a doom-laden drum beat. Fortunately, our heroine has
the ability to change the mood at the flick of a wrist as the tropically
inspired 'City Of Roses' and optimistic 'Delph' can attest to. 'Patience' has a
modern Country feel with a hint of the Indigo Girls about it while 'Our Texas'
has a more traditional Country'n'Western feel to it. The album closes with 'No
Jericho' which gives McKeown the chance for one last stretch of those
impressive vocal chords from soft and sultry to soaring, powerful and intense.
It's no surprise that this Irish songbird has already won a Grammy and with an
album of original songs like this under her belt there are surely more awards
to come.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/Susan.McKeown.Sings?fref=ts