Customer Reviews

Homebird

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Brian Kennedy's latest doesn't have anything on it as powerful as "The Ballad of Killaloe," a nakedly honest confessional from his "Get On With Your Short Life" disc. Nor is there anything as radio-friendly as the material found on "A Better Man" or "Now That I Know What I Want." That's not to say it's a sub-par effort, but it is the kind of disc that grows with repeated listening, especially as you absorb Kennedy's thoughtfully shaded lyrics and hear his heaven-sent voice. He really connects on the bitter "If You Don't Believe in Me," the darkly whimsical "What You Wish For" and the soaring "Destination." The title tune boasts a slight R&B edge; Kennedy has turned in killer R&B vocals in the past ("Across 110th Street," "I'll Be Waiting") and one wishes he'd explore that side of talent some more.

"Homebird" includes a second disc that features acoustic version of the tunes, plus three tracks that aren't repeated: "Silver Hearts on Chains," "Sea of Stars" and "You Are." Strangely, these are probably three of my favorites in the entire collection, with the haunting "Silver Hearts" being a particular standout. One wonders why these tunes weren't worked up in the studio for the main album.

Brian has returned to original compositions after two cover CDs of Irish songs (On Song and On Song 2), and "Homebird" is a brilliant return to his earlier songwriting form on such albums as "A Better Man" and "Get On With Your Short Life." This limited edition features a bonus CD with 13 acoustic songs, three of which are not featured on the studio cuts: the amazing, tragic Silver Hearts on Chains, Sea of Stars and You Are.

Of the thirteen studio cuts, the standouts include If You Don't Believe In Me, Destination, Homebird and West.

I thought that the acoustic bonus CD was actually the stronger of the two discs. The studio cuts are so low key that many practically sound indistinguishable from their acoustic counterparts. In fact, I enjoy some of the acoustic tracks more. Silver Hearts on Chains may be the undiscovered gem that *should* have been on the studio CD.

Overall, "Homebird" is a wonderful treat for Brian's fans.

Everyone should have a Brian Kennedy album in their collection, but unfortunately, this is not the one that I would go for. A rather tame and bland affair from one of my most favourite singers sees him drifting into mediocracy. There are 2 CD's here with the acoustic sessions easily the better of the two. The highlight of the album is 'Silver Hearts on Chains' written in collaboration with Eddie Reader, who also shares some background vocals. A beautiful song of lost love and a life wasted to alcohol. Destination, Every Song Is A Cry for Love', 'Turn on Me' and the title track 'Homebird' are all good but do not do enough to lift the album. The voice, as always, is superb, production is a little too 'clean' for my liking (almost like listening to backing tracks)...I felt a little short-changed with this one.