This review was originally written in 2004 but the release of the album was delayed until 2005.

So far in 2004, Irish acts have provided the highlights of what’s turning out to be a strong release year. Paddy Casey sustains that quality with his new album LIVING which recently come within a whisker of shifting Dido from the top of the Irish album chart. Casey has also been voted Best Irish Male Singer and (by public vote) Best Irish Album at the prestigious Meteor Ireland Music Awards. I first met the shy and modest Casey in Liverpool just prior to the release of his first wonderful album AMEN (SO BE IT) in 1999. I caught up with him again last year at the Witnness Festival in Dublin where I found a more confident and contented singer/songwriter.

In talking about his new album Casey observed, “I think it’s a lot more interesting dynamically. It’s a much better album; more upbeat. I wanted to make an album that went for the rhythm end of things using percussion and beats, and with a few tracks that people would dance to.” Well, he’s certainly achieved this objectives with this album. The opening title track Livin’ reminds me of the Casey of old though with a charming, gently meandering tune complete with strings and delightful piano moments. A tangible melody and Casey’s very distinctive vocal style solidly nails a lovely song. The Lucky Ones goes further upbeat with a strong drum rhythm, country style guitar riffs, some beautiful female vocal harmonies, and another striking melody. Saints & Sinners goes even further upbeat, is the first single off the album, and by rights should fly up the chart. It’s the complete pop song with a lovely vocal performance, monstrous melody, strong beats, and that necessary musical distinction that sets it apart. It’s one of the albums best tracks. Then comes the lovely romantic ballad, Bend Down Low that drops the pace a tad in communicating its more contemplative and moving messages. A strong percussive and guitar riff laden song follows with the rampant Want It Can’t Have It followed by the bluesy/reggae-tinged Don’t Need Anyone.

I’m halfway through the album and love its diverse pace and mood. But the best is yet to come. Promised Land is a jagged, strongly reggae influenced song that could so easily become single number two while a distinctly more rocky All In A Day has all the credentials for pop/rock single number three. Anyone That’s Yet To Come starts a slower and, for me, the best segment of this wonderful album. It’s the most beautiful love ballad gently aided by some sparse piano notes, gently rolling drums and subtle brass. It’s the type of song that Casey seems more at home with, and is closely followed by my highlight of the album, Self Servin’ Society. The song is the type that raises goose bumps with its sincere and fluid vocal, gorgeous melody, great lyrics (“Everything is sold, For highways guns and gold, The earth, the sky, the sea, Future and history. This is not how it’s supposed to be, And those who died to set us free, Must be ashamed of our liberty”) and one of the finest instrumental arrangements I’ve heard in some time. And there’s a mesmerising and slow hidden track that finally sets the seal on an album that should and will be included within our list of best albums of 2005. A fine musical achievement and essential listening. Welcome back Paddy…

5/5