Sarah McCreedy - City Of Broken Dreams

It’s been less than a year from the last release by Co.Down singer-songwriter Sarah McCreedy, yet she seems confident enough in her sound to push out a new tune. Rightly so as it would seem, as City Of Broken Dreams is arguably her best output so far. Going from a 50’s smooth swing to a 90’s lurch and ending with a Dire Straits-esque swag, City Of Broken Dreams is a roller coaster of darkly uplifting elements and mature pop sensibilities.

A siren song opening has McCreedy’s vocals strut to centre stage, accompanied only by a single guitar arrangement.  The isolation is palpable. A swift drum kicks in with a R.E.M. vibe, aided by the careful notation of the lyrics. Different from previous releases, there's a sophistication now that elevates the pop influences, with flashes of alternative, country and rock all bringing a bite to the table. Even with the simplistically enjoyable score, however, it is the vocals that ultimately steal the show. Sounding like someone dragged Peggy Lee (youtube ‘Johnny Guitar’ and you’ll see what I mean) from the distant halls of vintage music and conveyed her aching plateau upon McCreedy.

A pace change following the first verse, along with a wicked metallic twang from McCreedy’s guitar, ensure a tenser atmosphere arrives before a pub rock saunter takes a hold a drags the song careering over the finish line. Another impressive showing from the singer-songwriter that suggests good is still to come.

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