I’ve now witnessed Eileen Rose perform on several occasions, and each time I’ve come away with a warm felling, knowing I’ve seen real talent at work. Her last album LONG SHOT NOVEENA was wonderful and featured in our selection of best albums about three years ago. This new album has been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait.

The first two songs, Last New Year’s Eve and Never Be The Same, are pleasant, country tinged songs but without that characteristic Rose emotional delivery. Things change dramatically from then on. Stagger Home ups the stakes with another country tinged song, but the passionate, narrative vocal style returns along with a strong melody, and so much more. It’s a great song beautifully performed, with a superb instrumental backdrop. By the next song, Ocean Of Fire, the emotion and sincerity rolls gently in accompanied by simple, effective piano notes, and the most expressive of Rose vocals. It’s an optimistic song, “I know it’s good to be alive… I have never seen the sky so blue… I know I’ll survive It’s a stunningly beautiful ballad, and more importantly, it’s straight from the heart. Then it’s the turn of darkness to dominate the vibe. Nothing But Blue is a rootsy, rocky song with Rose slotting perfectly into mood; a voice that smoulders threateningly, and then explodes with feeling. Saffron & Ginger is a piano and string soaked track with a highly contemplative vibe. It’s a distinctive, mournful, narrative track that’s glacial in pace with an ambience that’s compelling and totally moving. It’s about relationships and the emotional rollercoaster ride that often exemplifies them.

The album sustains its emotional momentum with Staying In, which includes a glorious, pleading vocal, and stripped-down instrumentals. Penultimate track White Wave goes upbeat with its bouncing rhythm and highly danceable vibe. Final track, Time To Go, hits the mark again with its lonely piano notes, and a vocal that makes you believe every reflective, honest lyric.

I loved the last album but this one is better. It opens weakly but from track three to the final track every song hits the emotional bulls-eye with frightening accuracy. It’s an essential album from an American singer/songwriter who deserves to be in every serious music lover’s album collection.

4/5