The major talking point of ex-Lir man Hopkin’s latest offering will surely be the title-song. Featuring Hopkins, Damien Rice and Laura Jansen it is a stunning track, superbly underpinned by sombre piano and brass.
Still it would be a pity if its bleak beauty distracted from the album’s other gems. When Hopkins escapes from beneath the weight of melancholy, the collection as a whole benefits. The rockingly good ‘I Want Your Love’ nails it, as does ‘When I Was Young’, whilst the Caribbean lilt to ‘Money’, marked by venerable organ and electric guitar, gives respite from the darkness (while dissing materialism). Melodically, the chorus of ‘Stay Here’ evokes Oasis, and Jansen’s featherlite vocals score again on the pensive ‘Dublin’. The piano-lead ‘In the Country’ has touches of David Kitt and the Lennon-esque ‘God You’re Letting Me Down’ reflects on the state of the nation and all who sink in her. It has clever hooks, and a Beatlish feel, plus deliciously smooth strings. Put it all together and you have one helluva album.