The Script Reunite: Satellites Shines Bright Despite Loss of Founding Member
The Script's new album, *Satellites*, marks a poignant return for the Irish band following the passing of guitarist Mark Sheehan last year. The album serves as a testament to Sheehan's legacy, showcasing the band's resilience and dedication to the music they shared.
Sheehan and lead singer Danny O'Donoghue were the creative heart of The Script, their shared passion for American soul music forging a bond that extended beyond their bandmate relationship. Following Sheehan's death, rumours circulated about the band's future, but they ultimately decided to continue, inspired by the belief that Sheehan would have wanted them to carry on.
*Satellites
echoes the simple, emotional pop of their 2008 debut album, with many tracks harking back to that era. The folky title track, co-written by Sheehan in one of his final sessions, stands as a poignant reminder of his presence. *Gone* is another deeply affecting track, with O'Donoghue lamenting, "Like a shooting star across the sky, in a second you were gone."
The album showcases a range of themes, from O'Donoghue's reflections on his upbringing in *Home Is Where The Hurt Is*, to the ballad *At Your Feet*, which draws inspiration from fellow Irish band U2. The opening verse shares a resemblance to U2's *Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses*, before building into a stadium-ready chorus.
O'Donoghue, who gained fame as a coach on the UK's *The Voice*, has embraced new collaborators for this album, notably Steve Robson and Wayne Hector, renowned for their work with acts like Take That and One Direction. Their influence adds a touch of funk and R&B, resulting in the album's energetic dance tracks, *Both Ways
and *Run Run Run*, which bookend the record.
While the reliance on mid-tempo pop might result in a slight loss of momentum at times, The Script demonstrate their enduring strength by pouring their heart and soul into *Satellites*.
Morgan Wade: Obsessed (Sony)
Morgan Wade has timed her fourth album perfectly, riding the wave of renewed interest in country music. Although not a conventional country artist â having just completed a tour with rock icons Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett â Wade's vivid tales of life on the road place her firmly within the rich storytelling tradition of Nashville.
Wade possesses a captivating voice, reminiscent of Stevie Nicks with a hint of Sheryl Crow. Her mature sound belies her 29 years, perfectly complementing the raw honesty of *Obsessed*. Produced by her touring guitarist Clint Wells, this self-written album paints a poignant picture of Wade's life on the road, filled with encounters in lonely motels and relentless journeys in search of love.
Wade's gritty vocals are rooted in real-life experiences. Last year, she underwent preventative surgery following a diagnosis of a high-risk gene mutation, and as a recovering alcoholic, she openly confronts her ongoing battle with temptation in *2AM In London*.
She seamlessly blends country and rock influences. Ballads like *Moth To A Flame*, enhanced by pedal steel, showcase her country roots, while tracks like *Total Control
blend powerful vocals with melodic hooks, demonstrating her rock sensibilities.
The album features a captivating duet with Californian pop star Kesha on *Walked On Water*. They delve into the shared experience of romantic disappointments, with Wade singing, "People like me, we donât do well at sea, âcause I thought I walked on water," her powerful voice supported by Kesha's resonant vocals.
Both albums are available now. The Script embark on a UK tour on November 11th at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
Best of the New Releases This Week
Foster The People: Paradise State Of Mind (Atlantic)
The Los Angeles duo of Mark Foster and Isom Innis, best known for their 2010 hit *Pumped Up Kicks*, return with *Paradise State Of Mind*, looking to the dance music of the 1970s and 1980s to reignite their fortunes.
This fourth album is a euphoric mix of electronic disco and retro-funk, enhanced by Foster's years writing jingles for advertising. While not always fully utilising their chosen influences, the nostalgic *Lost In Space
is an undeniable summer earworm.
Ray LaMontagne: Long Way Home (Liula)
Ray LaMontagne, who inspired artists like James Morrison and Paolo Nutini with his 2004 debut *Trouble*, returns with *Long Way Home*, continuing his signature gritty yet tuneful sound.
He opens with the sweet, soulful *Step Into Your Power*, accompanied by the vocal duo The Secret Sisters, before delivering hard-won wisdom on the country-tinged *I Wouldnât Change A Thing*. This bright start gives way to introspective reflections, as *And They Called Her California
unveils LaMontagne's complex feelings about the West Coast.
