Shea Rafferty “Livin’”
I host my own radio show each week, so when I was asked to review Shea Rafferty’s new album Livin’, a small smile crept across my face. I’ve already been championing several of the advance singles on air, and the prospect of hearing the full record felt like a genuine treat.
A little context first. Shea is a Northern Irish Americana singer‑songwriter who—quite rightly, in my view—has quickly become one of the most exciting new voices in UK and Irish roots music. His work blends evocative storytelling with a widescreen, cinematic sound, and his rise has been punctuated by some remarkable moments: a performance at London’s O2 Arena for C2C Festival, a nationwide introduction on BBC Radio 5 Live, sold‑out headline shows across the country, and an acclaimed appearance at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café.
Livin’ is his third album, produced by Ed Harcourt, and it’s an absolute cracker. Shea’s voice often put me in mind of British artists Robert Vincent and Dean Owens—both multi‑award‑winning figures in the Americana world—and I can easily imagine Shea travelling a similar road.
Given all the praise I’m about to heap on him, it feels almost churlish to say that the opening track, “The Storm,” didn’t quite land for me. The heavy guitar presence felt a touch over‑muscular; I know the first track is meant to grab the listener by the scruff of the neck, but this one flexes a little harder than I’d prefer. There’s a very good song in there, but I’d love a lighter touch. You may well disagree.
Track two, “Candle Is Burning,” is where the album truly begins for me. It’s built around a superb vocal hook—catchy as anything—and Shea delivers a sublime performance that sets the tone for what follows. “The Lucky One” offers subtle harmonies and an understated guitar arrangement that lets the drums drive the song beautifully, with a tasteful hint of piano.
“Blowin’ Smoke” is the most overtly country track: pedal steel, a glorious vocal, and an unexpected piano burst halfway through that lifts the whole thing. In a similar vein—and one of the album’s standouts—is Nashville Life, an upbeat reflection on his Bluebird Café appearance (I’m jealous).
The title track, “Livin’,” leaves no doubt about Shea’s vocal ability. I’d love to hear this one in an intimate acoustic setting. He name‑checks Springsteen, Madonna and—by necessity of rhyme—Nirvana, which adds a playful touch.
I also sympathise with the sentiment behind “The Trouble Times,” which carries a faint echo of Springsteen in its songwriting and emotional weight.
At ten tracks, the album never overstays its welcome; if anything, it encourages you to start again from the beginning (or, in my case, from track two). It’s a tremendous record—possibly my album of the year so far. I received a review copy, but I’ll be buying my own to support the artist. You should too.
Shea celebrates the release with a full‑band show at The Duke’s Head, Highgate on 24 September, followed by a UK tour in November.
Discover more information here on his website: https://www.shearaffertymusic.com
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Shea Rafferty “Making History”