Album Review: Return Of The Sacred Heart by Monica Queen

Album Name: Return Of The Sacred Heart
Artist: Monica Queen
Year/Label: 2005 / Vertical Records

[Buy at Amazon UK]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Monica Queen was the singer of alternative rockers Thrum and she sang a duet with Belle and Sebastian called “Lazy Line Painter Jane.”

Her second solo record sees the singer making Americana with a strong spiritual content. She ‘s rarely preaching, instead she seems to ask questions.

“The Passion” sees her singing like Maria McKee to a soft backing. She asks how Christ suffering on the cross could still love mankind.

The title song is suggestive rather like Emmylou Harris on “Wrecking Ball”.

“When Love is brought to Birth” paints a utopian future for us all. Queen’s musical dexterity prevents it from lapsing into cliché.

“Breathe Beauty” continues the resemblance to Emmylou’s masterpiece. It has that Daniel Lanois sound to it. Queen’s trembling vocals live up to its title.

It’s a strong release from Queen.

Posted on June 14, 2005

Track Listing
1. Fly Away
2. The Passion
3. Beautiful Song
4. Return Of The Sacred Heart
5. When Love Is Brought To Birth
6. Circle
7. To Accept The Things I Cannot Change
8. Breathe Beauty
9. Déjà Vu
10. I Still Wait In The Shadows
11. Holiest Night

[Monica Queen Official Site]

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