REVIEW: Various Artists, Across the Bridge of Hope (White)
- Jon Steltenpohl
Over the years, there have been numerous benefit albums released for one thing or another. One area that gets an album every year or so is the conflict in Ireland. Despite the baffling insistence of extremists on both sides to not let go of a conflict started long before they were born, there seem to be many more concerned with attaining peace. One of the things that seems to be driving the peace movement forward is the loss of collateral life in the war. The grudges of the extremists have translated into the bombings and shootings of the innocent.
Across the Bridge of Hope is a collection dedicated to supporting the Omagh Fund, which is a fund created to support those needing help after the Omagh bombing, which left many children and elderly dead a year ago on August 15, 1998. The musicians contributing to this CD are some of the biggest names you could get from the region. You've got Sinead O'Connor, Van Morrison, U2, and Enya all contributing tracks along with less well-known artists, including the Omagh Community Youth Choir. In addition, Liam Neeson speaks a few short lines of poetry. The collection ranges from pop to intimate acoustic singer/songwriters to the classic Irish tenor.
Usually, there are 3 reasons to purchase a benefit compilation. Either, you want to support the cause, you love the collection of songs, or you've got to have any track you can by a particular artist. Anyone who isn't involved with the bombing can certainly empathize with bomb victims, but it's not a reason that most people who are not intimately connected will use to purchase an album. So, despite the tragedy, there goes one reason for most people.
As an album, Across The Bridge of Hope is pretty good. After you get past Sinead's odd contribution of Abba's "Chiquitita" and Boyzone's equally bizarre cover of the Bee Gees' "Words," the album settles down fairly well. The songs are all soft and reflective. U2's offering of "Please" is nice, and fits in well with its surroundings. Juliet Turner's stunning "Broken Things" is a sweet little song in the style of Nanci Griffith, and it is smartly followed up with "The Island" by Paul Brady. The Omagh Community Youth Choir is merely a good listen, until their intimate knowledge of the event dawns on you and the poignancy hits home. At that point, the song brings tears to your eyes and a lump in your throat. Because of the diversity of the styles, the album doesn't always flow perfectly from song to song. But, it is a good, quiet, reflective listen.
As far as "must have" tracks go, it's a tough call. There aren't any tracks which are so good that they just begged to be owned. Only one, Van Morrison's "The Healing Game (The Alternative Acoustic Version)," comes close to that category. It isn't really acoustic, but it is very stripped down. As always, the man is impeccable and soulful, and, of all the tracks, this is probably the excuse to buy the album. There's a little guitar, a little organ and a little penny whistle, and a back-up singer to die for.
All in all, Across the Bridge of Hope, is an album with a worthy cause and a group of decent songs from acts you know and acts you don't. It's not the "must have" compilation of the year, but it is worth checking out if a few of your favorite groups are featured.
TRACK LISTING: 1 - Liam Neeson "The Cure at Troy," 2 - Sinead O'Connor "Chiquitita," 3 - The Divine Comedy "Sunrise," 4 - Boyzone "Words," 5 - The Corrs "What Can I Do?," 6 - Daniel O'Donnel "Beyond the Great Divide," 7 - Van Morrison "The Healing Game (The Alternative Acoustic Version)," 8 - Ash "I'm Gonna Fall," 9 - U2 "Please," 10 - Juliet Turner "Broken Things," 11 - Paul Brady "The Island," 12 - Liam Neeson "The Bridge," 13 - "Omagh Community Youth Choir," 14 - Enya "Silent Night"
