How many times do you come across an album in which every song is better than the one preceding it? How many times will you come across an album which either you hear all songs or you did rather not hear it? If you are looking for one such album – look no further than this review. Exquisite compositions, simple and effective lyrics and theme of heartbreak form the successful combination for the album in question. Along with being an album of lyrical and soulful exposition, O is also an elucidation of a great musician. All the 10 songs in the album strike a chord with you at the right places; and to find a mistake with this album would be as successful as finding a pin in a haystack.
We might kiss when we are alone
When nobody’s watching
We might take it home
We might make out when nobody’s there
It’s not that we’re scared
It’s just that it’s delicate
While the lyrics behind Delicate are exquisite, it’s the slow theme of the Irish music which bring about the splendor of it. One is reminded of Bob Dylan or John Denver listening to the song, and its also an indication of quality of songs ahead.
What I am to you is not real
What I am to you you do not need
What I am to you is not what you mean to me
You give me miles and miles of mountains
And I’ll ask for the sea
Volcano, is perhaps one of most haunting tracks I have ever heard I did say. From the opening drums to the bass and piano, this piece rewrites brilliance of highest order. It’s a duet which will not only incarcerate your heart, but will also move it.
The next one that follows these two songs is The Blower’s Daughter, which is again a slow song, with nominal background music consisting only of Guitar Chords and the Irish Violin. More than three fourth of the song he sings a single line I cant take my eyes/mind off you and gives it such fervor that it just stays away in your mind.
Did I say that I loathe you?
Did I say that I want to
Leave it all behind?
I can’t take my mind off of you
I can’t take my mind off you
If there is one thing you will notice in the opening Guitar intro to Cannonball, its nothing but a feeling that it will be yet another great song.
Still a little bit of your song in my ear
Still a little bit of your words I long to hear
You step a little closer each day
So close that I can’t see what’s going on
Damien Rice brings about the loneliness of a lover in Cannonball with exquisite virtuoso. The Guitar keeps humming in the background, interleaved music, and a long solo end, which only John Denver could do with such ease.
Some things in life may change
And some things
They stay the same
Like time, there’s always time
On my mind
So pass me by, I’ll be fine
Just give me time
With Older Chests Damien Rice re lives a memory of a long lost happiness of a family in a city. What sets apart this song apart from the tune is the way this song transports you to the land he talks about. One can almost see through the song and imagine the lyric. Note the use of combination of Guitar and violin which creates a semi-happy semi-sad atmosphere to the song.
Amie come sit on my wall
And read me the story of O
And tell it like you still believe
That the end of the century
Brings a change for you and me
Perhaps, it would be an understatement to say that Amie is a certain heart pulling masterpiece. While lyrics themselves may themselves not match the rest of the songs, it’s the classical feel to it brings about the intensity and vividness of this song. Damien sings the song with such aplomb that makes you lost in the song.
When I heard Cheers Darling for the first time, I had just one word – Wow! And that wow has stayed every other time I’ve heard it. You can feel the glasses of cheers in the song. An song speaking on loss of a lover, this is a song where Damien Speaks – not sings. And yet, even when he speaks the song, it is yet so melodious, soulful and painful all at the same time. Note the use of violins and electric guitar in the song – delicate.
What am I darlin’?
A whisper in your ear?
A piece of your cake?
What am I, darlin?
The boy you can fear?
Or your biggest mistake?
Cheers Darling…
Cold Water begins almost where Cheers Darling ends. Here too Damien almost speaks the song, but his classy touch brings about a brilliant rendition of a person in search of love of his child.
Love one’s daughter
Allow me that
And I can’t let go of your hand
Lord, can you hear me now?
Lord, can you hear me now?
Lord, can you hear me now?
Or am I lost?
While the hymn like effect brings about the added magic to the song, its Damien’s own voice which brings about the real quintessence of this song.
Except you my love. Except you my love...
Come all ye lost
Dive into moss
I hope that my sanity covers the cost
To remove the stain of my love
Paper maché
While the first half of the song almost convinces you this is yet another slow humming track on the song, wait till you year Damien’s part in this duet. The moment Damien’s picks up the strings, the song attains an uncertain frenzy with heavy drums and electric guitars all adding to the tension of the song. In midst, there is a guitar solo for around 30 seconds which is simply hypnotic to say the least.
Tiredness fuels empty thoughts
I find myself disposed
Brightness fills empty space
In search of inspiration
One of the best lyrically worded song in the album Eskimo gives a double touch by hiding two other songs into it. As an added bonus, the two other songs play after this songs ends, thus making this song overall at around 16 minutes. While Guitar and Violins again recreate the magic of all the other songs in this one too, this one adds the operatic touch to it by actually having a part of opera in its background. Hear it to believe how well it jells with song. One word – brilliant.
Prepare myself for a war
And I don’t know what i’m doing this for
Trying to let it all go
But how can I when you still don’t know?
Prague is the first hidden track in the same song. The song begins slowly and then the electric guitar takes over to create an amazing rock song with some excellent guitar. The rising guitars add to the overall effect of the song superbly.
Silent night, moonlit night
Nothing’s changed
Nothing is right
I should be stronger than weeping alone
You should be weaker than sending me home
I can’t stop you fighting to sleep
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent Night is the last track in the album hidden in Eskimo and gives this album a perfect end. The song ends even before you think it began. Note the piano in this song. The song is a female rendition with just 2 small stanzas of beautiful lyrics and declares the end of a masterful album.
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O is simply a masterpiece. I just cannot add anything more.