M. Ward is his stage name, his first name is Matt but to be honest M. Ward is more memorable. M. Ward, say it, it rolls off your tongue and you’re not sure if it’s a name, an institution or some weird geek reference.

He worked in Jenny Lewis’ song ‘Handle Me With Care’. He was apart of the band called Rodriguez. He’s worked with a lot of artist and to be honest, he’s just good with his guitar. He does a Bowie cover in one song and you can’t tell it’s a Bowie song, you know why? Because he makes it his own. The Bowie cover isn’t on this album, but he does cover Daniel Johnson’s ‘Home’ and does an excellent job. Still prefer the original but I still like it.

Now mind you, I am going to sound like I want to lay M. Ward down, pet his pretty little hair and tell him how wonderful he is but to be honest I do because this album is good. At first you got to get into it. It’s like when settling into a really warm bath, you’re really unsure if to go in thinking the water might burn you. But you take your time and settle in and feel relaxed, safe, secure… and maybe wanting to cry for how pretty the water is?

The album is just that good.

It’s country. It’s rock. It’s folk. It’s blues. You know what, I can’t really just think of all the things if goes under- it’s just good. I do not recommend you to listen to it if you’re having a love-sick moment.

His bluesy voice makes you feel safe and comfortable like a blanket (mmm… M. Ward blanket). His sound seems familiar but not at all something ripped from another artist. Also, he makes you want to make sweet sweet love.

Also if you want someone to love you, dedicate ‘Eyes on the Prize’.

Strongest songs: Don’t make me choose…
Songs I can do without: None. See, I don’t get paid for this so I’m being sincere… unless M. Ward promised me babies. (SHHHH)

5 out of 5.

Similar Artists: Andrew Bird, Devendra Banhart, Sufjan Stevens, Yo La Tengo, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and more

It was released in the UK early 2002, then the United States in the year 2003. Great in melody, Mr. Rice was critically acclaimed by his work. Because as an artist, he tends to rely on emotions, experimentations instead of perfection.

Although beautifully done, if you’re not paying attention to it it seem quite pretty. But then as you take a closer to listen to the lyrics you might have to cringe just a bit… depending on your taste for lyrics. Mr. Rice although extremely talented uses such words as ‘ya’ instead of ‘you’ to rhyme with ‘hallelujah’… except he only used the substitute for ‘you’ when hallelujah is coming around the corner (Track called ‘Delicate’).

It’s at times it makes you believe that someone at a very young age wrote the lyrics. So writing really profound, obscure and what not lyrics is not Mr. Rice’s strong suite but as for his abilities for making a pretty tune, do not doubt him!

I’m just rather picky.

Strongest songs: Cheers Darlin’, Volcano (Lisa Hinnigan sings within the song), The Blower’s Daughter (Famously known by being in the movie soundtrack of ‘Closer’).

Songs I can do without: Eskimo.

2.8 out of 5.

9 by Damien Rice

Released in 2006 it sounds more put together then ‘O’ was. Mind you, musically O is still amazing. Rather this seems to be impacted by sounds, going soft and low into loud noises. Now don’t let Mr. Rice let you think he gave up on being different when it comes to his writing, through out the song ‘Elephant’ while it seems he is torn between two women (heck, he is a very pretty man), while you think he might utter something heart breaking while singing with emotional, perhaps expecting the prior bridge/chorus of singing he is lonely he sings:

‘Cause lately, I’m horny.

A lot of beats, but it seems not so insane as ‘O’ was… although I lyrically hated was musically good.

9 leaves you wondering the following questions:

Is ‘Me, My Yoke and I’ really about masturbation? Since when is a pretty man like Mr. Rice that desperate need for sexual attention? Is he really that dirty?

The first song, ‘9 Crimes’ again a duet with Lisa Hannigan who’s voice is soft and gentle. Yet is it sad to know they no longer will work with one another. Their voices complement each other… yes despite his weirdness he has a nice voice. I have a love/hate relationship with Mr. Rice… even if he apparently is in need to ‘get some’.

Strongest songs: 9 Crimes, Elephant, Coconut Skins.
Songs I can do without: Dogs.

Why Dogs?
‘Girl that does yoga… when she comes over’. I don’t need a clear real reason. Seriously… I don’t.
2.8 out of 5

Similar Artists: Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, Snow Patrol, Bright Eyes, The Shins and more