Ten years was way too long a time frame to go without this group. In the early '90's, Hothouse Flowers was opening for Midnight Oil, appearing on Saturday Night Live, and receiving critical acclaim for songs such as "A Thing of Beauty." In 2004, they released their first album in the United States in a decade, with Into Your Heart.
No greater superlative can be given to lead singer Liam O'Maoniai than the one delivered by Bono, who calls O'Maoniai "the greatest white soul singer in the world". The sentiment here is lived up to in songs like "Better Man," which the Reverend Al Green would have been proud to call his own.
"Your Love Goes On" is my early pick for best song of 2005. It melds '80's alternative a la World Party with an upbeat gospel choir sound, and produces the perfect lead to the rest of the album. "End of the Road", which mourns the demise of a relationship, could be an Irish version of Supertramp (and yes, that's a compliment for you younger readers).
"Peace Tonight" is a song that brought guitarist Fiachna O'Braonin out of a bout with writer's block. May we all be so blessed to emerge with lyrics such as:
And the birds sing
And my heart rings out the truth
As I look for comfort in the morning
Through the memory of my youth.
Celebration of love is prevalent throughout, not only in "Peace Tonight," but in "Feel Like Living," "Better Man," "Baby I Got You," and "Out of Nowhere." Out of great passion comes great music. After a ten year absence, Hothouse Flowers haven't missed a beat. Could be this year's most welcome comeback.
4 tocks
Similar sounding releases
1998Matt RedmanIntimacy
1998Margaret BeckerFalling Forward
1998Sarah MasenCarry Us Through
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2002Shana Morrison7 Wishes
1999Mal PopeLand of My Children
