Review of Róisín Murphy's 'Róisín Machine' Album

I think that 'Róisín Machine' and 'Overpowered' are the best albums by Róisín. She reinvents herself every now and then, and this incarnation of her is magnificent. There is something about the albums that came out during the pandemic. Gaga, Dua, Taylor, Róisín—they all have a special place in my heart because they released their best work as my personal emotional support during this sh*t show.

Review of Róisín Murphy's 'Róisín Machine' Album:

'Simulation' has a great video and a hypnotic sound that prepares you for this hit album. I heard this song long before the album surfaced in 2020. The music is compelling, and the beat is captivating. Coming back to this album after 'Hit Parade' feels right for me. Like I mentioned in the 'Hit Parade' review, I was a bit shell-shocked by the left turn she made with her music. Of course, the album is growing on me, but nothing can replace 'Róisín Machine' at the top. 'Simulation' is the perfect opening for this full of house music art piece.

'Kingdom of Endz' is a sweet appetizer to my favorite song on the album. It warms you up for the house bonanza that is coming your way. Her vocals, as always, are flawless, and I can't wait to see her in March in Amsterdam so I can experience her tour with all the classics and hits she has up her sleeves.

It is hard to reach a peak once reached before and keep yourself in the public eye as a successful songwriter and singer, but she did it with 'Something More.' A lyrical masterpiece, emotional tempo fused with powerful vocals. The live pandemic video will forever go down as the best music video ever made during lockdown, say some fans, including me. 'Something More' has a couple of variants, one including an 11-minute version of the track. All of them were at some point on repeat. I had to up the volume when I heard it right now. This song is special, cementing Róisín as the Queen of the house scene. Boy, every version of this track is my gem. I love to run while listening to this album.

The transitions in this album are something else. Going from one track to another with such ease speaks to the final concept and idea of the album. This piece of work is complete, focused, and masterfully executed. 'Shellfish Mademoiselle' is a lyrical dream. Once again, the fusion between the text, the vocals, and this house beat delivers a finished track that you can enjoy every single time you put this album on.

'Incapable' is another favorite of mine. Lyrically flawless, just like the beat that carries the emotion of the song. As more of her songs have different versions, this one has an amazing live performance in her movie that she created and directed in PRG, a then desolate warehouse used to house live-music production equipment. Her direct response to and during the second prolonged lockdown of 2020. 'Incapable' is another track that fits right into this album.

'We Got Together' was a fun surprise. I went into this album knowing most of the songs before it came out, so discovering something new in it gave me joy. Another dance and house pump-up beat to carry the wave of this album onto the next masterpiece.

'Murphy's Law' is such a clever song, just like 'Something More'; this one delivers on all fronts. Lyrical joy mixed with her raw voice and a powerful beat. The intro is played twice in the album, once when you press play and the other time as an invitation to 'Murphy's Law.' I love this song so much. There is a really cool live version from 'The Graham Norton Show.' If you do not love her work by now, I do not know what could transform you into a fan. And I am one, from way back, back when Moloko existed.

When I said that Róisín was an emotional support during the pandemic, I meant also her lyrics in 'Game Changer.' I've always liked her voice; she has a lot to say, and I am listening with pleasure.

'Narcissus' is another hit that came out before the album. I do not know if the idea for this album came first or the songs just created the final product, but it works. The whole collection here is connected into one arc. The club music is alive.

'Jealousy' is the last track on this connected journey that will carry me countless times through the ages. This music is here to stick. 

For me personally, this album is a house extravaganza and has indeed reached the peak of the Overpowered era. In some cases, it builds on it, while in others, it surpasses it. Like I said, this album and many others that came out during the pandemic are holding a special place in my mind, and one of the things that are keeping me excited for the next year is her tour that will cover all of her music catalogue.

Iliya Badev