Album Review: Fiona Kennedy, Natural Woman

Natural Woman is Cork veteran Fiona Kennedy’s new collection of mostly original, mature pop songs, and a celebration of the remarkable women who have inspired her – and us – in selfless ways.

Her own musical adventures span over four decades, with the singer winning an RTÉ talent show in 1985, and subsequently sharing stages with the likes of Carole King and Kris Kristofferson. On Natural Woman, Kennedy pays noble tribute to high-profile national heroines, as well as unsung others, without whom few lives would be liveable (including mothers and carers).

Kennedy pulls no punches with the gritty, Fleetwood Mac-style ‘That’s Not Love’, while on ‘Get Through The Day’ she celebrates two fellow Corkonians: the founder of Cork Sexual Violence Centre, Mary Crilly, and champion of the homeless, Caitriona Twomey.

Elsewhere, the Leonard Cohen-like ‘We Will Dance’ – buoyed by a delicious, Iberian dance feel – celebrates the courageousness of Vicky Phelan, and ‘Heart And Soul’ is a touching thank-you to Kennedy’s mother.

Kennedy’s vocals are impeccably expressive, and her songwriting wonderfully salutes a remarkable array of brave, trailblazing women.

8.5/10