So Roisin O came to my attention through a promotional release and I put the disc in not sure what to expect. I'd heard 'Hold On', but I wasn't sure what to make of it. Then I decided to go for it and let me tell ya... I've been listening to the disc now for a few weeks. I've lived with the music and I've tried to think about it without feeling so much. Mostly because the music on this disc causes you to respond involuntary.
I remember reading one of Seal's liner notes and he wrote something about not printing lyrics because sometimes what you hear in your head is radically different from what the actual words are. And this disc is a prime example of that notion.
Roisin O is one of those vocalists with the ability to emote her songs. And in my opinion, that's the most success you can achieve as a musician. If you can make people internalize your music, relate to it on a personal level, you succeed.
The first track on the disc is 'Here We Go' and it's a fun, bright pop tune worthy of a place on any pop chart. Without diving into the world of electronic blips and whirls, Roisin jumps out at you with a lively number that would make anyone jump out of their seat. It's followed by the slower paced, 'Synchronicity'. It doesn't drop the bottom out of the momentum of the disc. In fact, it softens it and prepares you for a more in depth experience. The chorus is catchy and it's one you can enjoy singing along with. With the breathy "ahs" towards the end of the song, it's easy to see why this number is so infectious.
The next track is one I found extremely powerful. The first time I heard it, I was listening to the disc as I was driving in my truck. It reminded me of Ani DiFranco's singing style. But the music itself and the rhythm... It made me think of my sister and in minutes I was in tears. Roisin sings, "Strive to climb high", but I heard, "Strive to come home" and my heart broke. No matter how often I hear the song, I hear the lyrics I want to hear. Each time, I feel an overpowering response. By itself, this song makes the album worth owning.
She moves the record along with 'How Long'. I hear a lot of folk instrumentation happening here. I read online Roisin is an Irish singer and I hear a lot of that in this song. But it's quite energetic and keeps you interested. Next up is 'Filled With Snow' and at this point I started hearing Wendy & Lisa in the music. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love them and when I hear artists who remind me of their unique style of composition, I get excited and enthusiastic. This song is no exception.
Next up is the haunting single from the album, 'Hold On'. This is another song that causes an incredible emotional response in me when I hear it. Where so many ballads deal with losing love, devotion or other such ideas... Roisin uses hers to encourage her audience. She sings songs of hope. More than once I've found myself listening to this song when I've had a bad day and needed someone to talk to. To lean on.
'Let's Find Some People' is another track I can hear the timeless groove of Lisa and Wendy shining through. There's a wonderful bop happening here and I love it. Especially the organ pumping away under the guitars. 'Tea Song' is another one that reminds of Ani DiFranco. In fact the opening few strums recalls a track from "To The Teeth". When the organ cuts in again, I feel almost like I'm in the smooth arms of a Norah Jones lullaby. It's followed by 'You Owe Me A Drink'. A hurried number, this one kinda chugs along and includes an amazing arrangement of electric organ and guitar strumming. This is one of the tracks where Roisin's vocals really shine through. She's got an interesting range and she's fun to listen to. At certain points, the song almost sounds like Country and you could swear Dolly Parton was singing backup.
Winding the disc down, 'Find The Light' is almost lost on the disc. The interesting percussion mix is a highlight and the sounds are ethereal yet earthly. She never seems to leave you behind. Each word pulls you along and yet, if you're not paying attention, this little gem will slip past you. Finally, the title track, 'The Secret Life Of Blue' winds up the disc. When I hear it, I feel like I'm sitting on the porch of the house in North Carolina. Up in the Blue Ridge Parkway. Playing guitars on a summer night while a warm rain strums against the roof. It's a peaceful and lovely way to end the record. The harmonies are delightful and enchanting as they fade leaving you longing for just a little more.
There are so many sounds happening on this recording and all of them make me want to hear more from this vital exciting new artist. I was fortunate to have this disc brought to my attention and I hope you'll take the time to discover it and enjoy it as much as I have. My final words: BEST NEW MUSIC I'VE HEARD IN AGES!
ROISIN O - THE SECRET LIFE OF BLUE
01. Here We Go
02. Synchronicity
03. Climb High
04. How Long
05. Filled With Snow
06. Hold On
07. Let's Find Some People
08. Tea Song
09. You Owe Me A Drink
09. You Owe Me A Drink
10. Find The Light
11. The Secret Life Of Blue
