Helen O’Shea
Sturdy Souls
01. With You Still
02. Moments
03. Aftermath
04. For Me And You
05. Every Mother’s Prayer
06. Stay Here Now
07. Sturdy Soul
08. Please Be Kind
09. Someone Is Waiting
10. Holy Mother
Helen O’Shea’s new release, Sturdy Souls, is a beautiful testament to her artistry and a heartfelt exploration of some of life’s most profound themes. With a unique blend of Americana and Celtic influences, O’Shea delivers an album that is both emotionally resonant and musically captivating.
The album opens with “With You Still,” a track that immediately sets the tone for the entire journey. Helen’s emotive vocals, coupled with the gentle acoustic instrumentation, create an intimate atmosphere that draws the listener in. Amazing harmonies and solid production makes this a timeless piece, equally at home coming out of a 1970s radio in Laurel Canyon, or a 2023 Fleetwood Mac inspired Spotify playlist. A great way to start the album and a true indicator of what the listener can expect for the next 37 minutes. “Moments” continues the emotional depth, with Helen’s poetic lyricism shining through as she reflects on the fleeting nature of life’s most precious (and sometimes challenging) moments.
“Aftermath” is a standout track, featuring an evocative arrangement that showcases O’Shea’s songwriting prowess. The song’s melancholic undertone and haunting melodies linger in your mind long after it ends. Ethereal vocals add a lot without overpowering. And is that a mellotron snuck in there? Something about the chord progressions and arrangements here remind me of Neil Finn and Crowded House. Intimate and yet so powerful. Certainly a highlight of the album.
“For Me And You” offers a glimmer of hope with its warm and soothing sound, providing a beautiful contrast to the album’s more introspective moments. This could easily be a long forgotten Stevie Nicks b-side from the late 80s.
“Every Mother’s Prayer” is a heartfelt tribute that captures the essence of maternal love, while “Stay Here Now” slowly infuses a Celtic flair into the mix, creating a powerful piece that feels like it could have been written for Sinead O’Connor. The title track, “Sturdy Soul,” is a poignant reflection on resilience and strength, and O’Shea’s vocals resonate with a sense of determination and grace.
“Please Be Kind” is a tender, intimate ballad that showcases O’Shea’s ability to convey raw emotions through her music. Seems we should figure out how to incorporate this song into all elementary school curriculum. Lots of words of wisdom we could all use right here.
“Someone Is Waiting” has a timeless quality, with its delicate instrumentation and O’Shea’s emotive delivery that builds and builds as the song progresses until it is the epic crescendo of the album. The album concludes with “Holy Mother,” an Eric Clapton cover that is a moving song that adds even more spiritual depth to the collection.
Sturdy Souls is not just an album; it’s a journey through life’s joys and sorrows, as seen through the eyes of a talented storyteller. Helen O’Shea’s collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Marc Swersky has resulted in a record that is both sonically rich and emotionally resonant. Her ability to blend Americana and Celtic influences is a testament to her versatility as an artist.
As the world recognizes her with three Indie Music Channel Awards, it’s clear that Helen O’Shea’s songwriting talents have not gone unnoticed. Sturdy Souls is a testament to her dedication and artistry. This album is a must-listen for those who appreciate music that speaks to the heart and soul. To learn more about Helen O’Shea and her music, make sure to visit her website for a deeper dive into her captivating world of “AmeriCeltiCana.”
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