If you like listening to music that is lyrically poignant in a painfully vulnerable and honest sort of way, and then you just might take a liking to Damien Rice’s new album, 9. You have an even higher probability of liking this album if you are moved by haunting ballads, lyrics and instrumental arrangements.
This album is not earth shattering. It is, however, thoughtfully arranged and worthwhile in its storytelling efforts. The beauty is in the meaningful and melancholy lyrics. Various instruments are peppered throughout, adding complexity to the whole.
The backbone of this album is folk oriented but definitely carries notes of R&B, rock, jazz, country, ambient and even gospel. All these various styles blend together nicely, culminating in an emotionally forceful product that doesn’t sound forced instead, itcomes off sweetly in its brutal honesty and complexity.
The album’s gems are revealed midway through the album with “Dogs.” The sound of an intimate acoustic guitar is complimented by strings and super-soft drumming. You feel like Rice is breathing his song to you in the same room – it’s that intimate.
The sixth song, “Coconut Skins,” is a fiery, passionate plea. Rice uses his voice to take his listener on a sailing journey up and down in its tone. The guitar is angrier this time, and a noticeable percussion rides along with it. The harmonies are lovely, and the tambourine is a nice touch to keep pace with the mighty energy of the song.
Rice lets it loose on “Me, My Yoke, and I.” Breaking away from the generally mellow tone of the album, Rice whips out the Wurlitzer, as well as the angst-filled sentiments, as in the lyric “Waking up without you is like drinking from an empty cup.” This is the kind of song you play at full volume after a breakup.
So if you want an album you can heal along with and are fond of heartfelt ballads with an eclectic tinge, then 9 may be just the follow-up CD you need to add to your collection.