Damien Rice challenges audiences to connect with their emotions in his solo debut album O. Each of his songs more heartfelt and honest than the previous, allowing listeners not only to understand his music, but to experience it as well.
O was released in early 2002 and peaked at number eight on the album charts and produced two top 30 singles in the UK. The album has received the Shortlist music prize and paved way for Rice's placement on "The Best 50 Irish Acts Right Now" by the Irish times in 2009.
Rice began his musical career, under the stage name "Dodima," with the Irish band Juniper. Juniper received great success and had a major record label deal when Rice decided he wasn't interested anymore. Rice felt too much pressure and interference from the record label and decided to go solo.
Before finding success as a solo artist, Rice spent time as a farmer in Tuscany, but came back to Ireland with hopes of returning to music. He then traveled around Europe as a street performer, until he came into contact with his cousin, music producer David Arnold, who provided Rice with portable recording equipment. From there, Rice began to record his debut solo album, O.
Rice's musical entrepreneurship is evident in his songs, with his use of modern and classic techniques and instruments. Including opera, cello, violin, piano, and electric guitar. It's a combination of sounds that work perfectly together to form something that still sounds familiar.
The album begins subtly with the song "Delicate" is about a sensitive relationship between two lovers. This song leads perfectly into the next and more seductive track, "Volcano." This song was a top 30 single in the U.K., and is characterized by overlapping female harmonies, by Lisa Hannigan, with the cello.
The other top 30 single from this album is "Cannonball." This is among the more quiet and sweet songs on the album. Another, shorter song, on the album is "Cold Water." This song is a duet with Hannigan, and it calls to a higher power, begging for guidance.
Article comments
1 - Dusty Hixenbaugh
Nice review! I obsessed over this album when it was released but haven't revisited it lately. I bet in a month or so, when we start seeing "Best of the Decade" music lists, O will feature prominently.
2 - Daniel Terracina
I remember "Cannonball" in an episode of The O.C. my freshman year of high school. I've loved Mr. Rice ever since.
3 - Rice Authority
very nice song, everytime i hear this it reminds me of my ex. hehehe