Clare Cunningham Releases New Album: “Helping Hand”
If you caught this past week’s New Music Friday blog, then you already know our friend, Clare Cunningham, released an incredible new album!
A self-proclaimed “work of love” for her Lord and savior, “Helping Hand” is a poetic detailing of faith, perseverance through self-doubt, and a joyful celebration of life.
For those of you, like me, who may not identify with religion or Christianity, don’t be dissuaded by the religious connotations. Whether you identify as Christian, Buddhist, athiest, or anything in between, there is music to be enjoyed by all on “Helping Hand”. My personal favorite is “Genuflect”, which I reviewed this past Friday, but there are plenty more where that came from! Eleven to be exact, but here are some of the other great tunes from the album…
“Helping Hand” starts with “A Voice”, a song which many artists can relate to on some level or another. Clare begins with questioning her own purpose, then acknowledges the gift that is her voice and songwriting, which she uses to help others. Clare’s vocals come through strong and clear, with a steady backbeat, and twangy guitars driving through!
“Don’t Let Me Go” shares a story of redemption and finding support on our path back to our truest selves. The richness of Clare’s vocals, with poignantly delivered moments of rasp, emote the feelings of previous struggle and a desire to maintain this newfound journey.
Calling back to the energy from her single, “Éireann i mo chroí”(Ireland in my heart), “Too Far From Home” turns it up a notch with building drums and an almost hypnotic guitar riff.
Wrapping up her album and, subsequently, this review is “You Know Where I’m Going”. This song is a testament to trusting the storyline of our lives, even when we aren’t sure what exactly lies ahead. It also celebrates the lessons learned in times of darkness that make the joyous times feel that much sweeter. Clare’s vocals and harmonies on this track make you feel as if you’re being enveloped in one giant, warm, comforting hug! With all that can feel uncertain in this world, “You Know Where I’m Going” helped me feel a little more peace in the not knowing.
As a former Catholic, with my own reservations around organized religion and Christianity, it could’ve been really easy for me to write off this album based off my own personal history. However, I would have done myself a great disservice by not listening. Clare’s lustrous voice belting out these heartfelt stories on this album served as my daily sermon, with the music serving as my church. No matter your background or beliefs, music brings us all together, and “Helping Hand” accomplishes just that.
With all of that being said, go support Clare Cunningham by streaming “Helping Hand” and giving her a follow at any of the links below!
Follow Clare: Facebook| Instagram | Website | Spotify
