Universe

If Jack L’s manager had been Louis Walsh he would never have made this album. Having produced two albums that showcased a wonderful voice yet suggested niggling doubts, Universe represents the make or break of Jack L.

However, rather than playing safe Jack has produced a dynamic, challenging and innovative record that may not be to the taste of many of his traditional fans. In some ways it is as if his older albums were made in black and white and Universe has been recorded in glorious technicolour. His sound has been tempered dramatically by the addition of the leftfield DJ Xpat, an Anglo-Cuban musician, more at home with drum’n’bass than the Rose of Tralee.

Here Jack’s voice is comfortable, familiar and relaxed. The songs too, have improved. The album feels like an eclectic mix of influences ranging from Jonathan Richman and Sam Cooke through to the Beatles and Garbage. Odd. But good.

Stand out tracks include ‘Little Man’, ‘Keep Dancing’, ‘Garter Lane’ and the Bill Graham-inspired ‘So Far Gone’.

Recorded in Dublin, Los Angeles and Jamaica Universe represents the best Irish album of the new millennium. Will it be successful? Well it already is.