On Hidden Heart’s opening track, ‘Acoustically Yours’, Hazel O’Connor could well be auditioning for Shane’s spot in The Pogues, such is the sturdiness and earthy expression of her voice on a track that combines Irish melodies with an eastern feel to marvellous effect.
The touching ‘I’ll See You Again’ also has a solid rhythmic pulse, on which O’Connor’s voice veers towards a more maidenly approach. ‘Who Will Care?’ meanwhile is an aching and thought-provoking song about the drug overdose of a friend.
Some delicious bluesy organ playing brightens up the solid ‘Loveable’, ‘Perfect Days’ has an urgent rhythm to it, and Moya Brennan adds her trademark presence to the wistful ‘Hidden’ with its echoes of the restrained side of Sinéad O’Connor. The duet with Rob Reynolds in ‘Tell Me Why’ could be a real winner too.
All twelve songs are at least part-penned by Hazel, and Cormac de Barra’s electric harp is a regular and moving presence, especially on the Indian-bodhran influenced ‘End Of My Days’.
Martin Rushent’s production keeps the focus on the tunes and O’Connor’s songs make a cohesive blend for an album that works as a total musical experience best sampled whole.