Album Review: Ciaran McMeeken

What I love about Ciaran McMeeken’s self-titled album, is how diverse the music is. An album that has been created to encompass his experiences as an artist so far in his career, every track is unique, making this album versatile and attractive to a variety of music tastes. This collection encompasses an array of emotions, from new love, lost love, anger, frustration, sorrow and happiness.

McMeeken’s album is a result of over 30 months of collaborative writing in Europe and here in New Zealand. Recorded at Auckland’s Roundhead Studios, this album has a full live band with horns, strings and an appearance from a baby grand piano.

Ciaran has a knack for writing songs with a catchy pop hook. Songs such as That Feeling, Which Way Shall I Go and Who I Am, are songs that had me singing along on their first play from my speakers. I had also heard That Feeling and Which Way Shall I Go on the radio. I work in radio, so I have it going on pretty much 24/7 around me, and when I first heard Which Way Shall I Go, I quickly got my phone out to Shazam. This song I believe perfectly encapsulates summer, with its memorable chorus and upbeat electric guitar and drumming, one cannot feel happy while listening.

Another personal favourite is Al Capone. Slick guitar rifts, strong horn section, with Ciaran’s smooth vocals, this song needs to be played loud!

If you are looking for an album that has songs that encompass all the emotions life has to offer, delivered in memorable pop tunes, this is the album for you. This is a fantastic full length album and Ciaran should be proud of the gems he has created for his fans to listen to. I look forward to hearing what other songs he can get on the airwaves so that the wider New Zealand audience can hear!