Four years is a dreadfully long time to wait for an album from anyone, let alone a man renowned for his fierce independence, who could no doubt make an acoustic guitar weep merely by stepping into an adjoining room. But finally, the long-awaited follow up to the quietly inventive and universally-acclaimed O arrives. And those who have followed the evolutions in his live act since 2002 may be surprised to hear that there is such a seamless transition between that album and 9. His sophomore record offers affirmation rather than progression, but what a rewarding set it is regardless; gradual and accomplished.

It's hard to contrast too intently with past work when each song demands such focused immersion from the listener. Full band pieces such as the perky and most conventional "Rootless Tree", the rattled Jeff Buckley-esque riffing of "Me, My Yoke & I" and the eventual explosive climax of the brilliant Radiohead style ballad "Elephant" are noticeably cohesive, but his real strength remains alone with his broken, weighty voice and soft, tentative steps down his piano keyboard. "9 Crimes" and "Sleep Don't Weep", both enhanced by the angelic fortitude of vocalist Lisa Hannigan, are immediate highlights. And "Accidental Babies" is heartbeat-stealing in its lonely beauty, the kind of private counsel you would happily wait years for. --James Berry

It had been four years since the critically acclaimed debut album, O, a record which I absolutely loved. I take such a long gap between albums as generally a good sign, as rushed second albums can often be disappointing affairs. I was a little concerned by the very mixed reviews, some of which were very damning indeed, but I needn't have worried. 9 offers validation and affirmation of Rice's wonderful talent and mastery of the acoustic guitar-driven, bitterly-emotional, dark ballad. Deeply introspective, emanating heartbreak and loneliness, this definitely isn't an album to put on before a fun night out, but when you want a co-conspirator for your longing and worst self-pitying moments.

The album starts magnificently. 9 Crimes and The Animals Were Gone being a beautiful & caressing introduction to this piece of work. The third track, Elephant, is phenomenal. Every bit matching the highest points of his debut. Rice then really opens up and surprises the listener - we abandon the acoustic introspection of the opening trio and head into rock territory with Rootless Tree... and it's excellent, it`s "F*ck you!" chorus working better than you`d ever expect and explaining 9's parental advisory sticker. I have a theory that the people who hated this album despised this album's louder moments and wanted a wall-to-wall re-tread of `O', but `9' is all the better because it doesn't follow that successful formula. Indeed, Coconut Skins is an acoustic, jangly singalong with a chorus reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel The Boxer which would probably have been very out of place on his debut, but it works here because the dynamics of this album are one of its strengths.

The last three tracks, and the gorgeously gentle piano-laden heartbreaking ballad of Accidental Babies in particular, see a return to the sound that made O so successful - and what a fantastic way to end this album which, all in all, is an improvement on his first effort. In summary, there are very few albums released as remarkable as 9 and I cannot recommend this album highly enough. Simply brilliant.

Like a lot of people I was very hesitant as to whether 9 would live up to its predecessor and had to give it a few listens before I could pass judgement. Although in some aspects it is similar to O- "Dogs" possesses an innocence that would fit nicely with Damien's first album- to me it seems a lot more mature and some of the perfect, beautiful lyrics have been replaced with some more realistic and matter-of-fact ones which are actually just as powerful. For example the chorus of Rootless Tree (which involves a lot of swearing) to me is incredibly realistic and almost like a converstaion- "so * you and all we've been through, I said leave it, it's nothing to you, and if you hate me then hate me so good that you can let me out of this hell when you're around". Its impossible to say which is my favourite (it changes everyday) but in truth they are probably all my favourite. Its a very powerful album that can be a great remedy to a bad day when you just need some great music to listen to and feel inspired by.

A lot of people can write a tune, a lot of them can sing too and a lot can play.
Some of them can do these things technically better than Damien Rice.
I can't readily think of anyone who dumps his heart and soul, brain and guts into a record like this man though. Listen and wonder at this record; listen and weep.

This album is spectacular, I resisted buying because I loved 0 so much and felt that the second album would not be as good and did not want that to detract from my love for the first album. How wrong can you be! I purchased 9 after my wife surprised me with tickets to see him in concert. I brought 9 so that I was at least aware of the songs prior to the gig. At first, other than a few songs I wasn't too enamoured but after listening to the album a few times it's depth really got me. It is a truly remarkable piece of work. If you love Damien Rice you will love this album. Personally I feel that he has bettered 0 and I only regret not familiarising myself with this album sooner.
P.S. He is great to see live, the sincerity and depth to his music and character cannot be questioned.

i'm quite astonished that alot of people have dis-regarded this album as below par and not up to the standards of "O". this is a truly remarkably album of poetic melodies from Rice that i judge to be a more accomplished collection than the first. i loved "O", but i love this so much more.