Keith Harkin – Keith Harkin (2012/2014) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Keith Harkin – Keith Harkin (2012/2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 50:09 minutes | 1006 MB | Genre: Pop
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Verve

Keith Harkin’s self-titled solo debut is one of the year’s most anticipated releases. Harkin is known as the powerhouse vocalist of Celtic Thunder, an Irish band who was named “Top World Music Artist” by Billboard. Keith Harkin is a stellar twelve-track collection of classic covers and original compositions, highlighting Harkin’s skills as both an interpreter and a songwriter. The album includes a stunning duet with two-time GRAMMY Award winner Colbie Caillat and the self-penned hit single “Don’t Forget About Me.” As the lead singer and songwriter for Celtic Thunder, Harkin has already sold millions of albums worldwide and this solo effort is another stroke of genius.

Irish crooner Keith Harkin makes his solo debut with his 2012 eponymous album. A member of the all-male variety show Celtic Thunder, Harkin has showcased his laid-back vocal style across the globe, and his debut release fits well into the show’s template. While he is a singer/songwriter in his own right, here Harkin focuses primarily on cover songs that make the most of his naturally burnished vocal twang and romantic surfer-dude persona. These are slick, expertly produced songs that walk a fine line between adult contempo, modern country, and Celtic-inspired pop music, with an obvious emphasis on 2010s-style radio-friendly production. Which is only to say that such cuts as Harkin’s duet with Colbie Caillat on Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” his reverent take on the Fred Neil-penned Harry Nilsson classic “Everybody’s Talkin’,” and especially his rambling version of the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” are probably more appealing to fans of current Top 40 and not as much to classic pop aficionados. Often compared to the similarly mellow Jack Johnson, Harkin’s own compositions, like the lighthearted “Orange Moon” and the uplifting “Take It Away Boys,” actually have a bit more of a country vibe, and in that sense bring to mind the crossover stylings of artists like Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum. Ultimately, Harkin has a pleasant voice, and the easygoing, somewhat sentimental quality of these productions makes for relaxing afternoon listening. ~ Matt Collar

Tracklist:
1-01. Keith Harkin – The End Of The Innocence (05:32)
1-02. Keith Harkin – Daisy Fields (03:53)
1-03. Keith Harkin – Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (04:09)
1-04. Keith Harkin – Everybody’s Talkin’ (03:18)
1-05. Keith Harkin – Nothing But You & I (04:26)
1-06. Keith Harkin – Here Comes The Sun (04:54)
1-07. Keith Harkin – Tears Of Hercules (04:32)
1-08. Keith Harkin – Orange Moon (03:19)
1-09. Keith Harkin – Take It Away Boys (04:22)
1-10. Keith Harkin – Don’t Forget About Me (04:01)
1-11. Keith Harkin – Rosa (04:31)
1-12. Keith Harkin – The Heart Of Saturday Night (03:07)

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