From the opening note of Irish singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill’s sophomore album, Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty, there’s a love of vulnerability displayed intriguing the listener in on the 13-tracks.
On the opening track ‘Should’ve Known Better’ the intimate storytelling shows resilience kick-starting the 13-tracks in style. The instrumentation has variety taking the lead track to another level on what’s yet to come.
‘Devil You Know’ has a fascinating blend of country-soul-rock with a bluesy tone.
‘Sometimes I Learn’ inspired by failure has an interesting country-pop instrumentation.
‘Ireland’ has a lonely vibe to it that will pull on the listeners’ heartstrings from the first note with its’ wistful instrumentation. Being an ode to a place the songstress loves, it conveys a lot of imagery and emotional depth.
‘Underrated’ instrumentation gives a feeling of feeling expressed along with being full of confidence alike to ‘Should’ve Known Better’.
‘Fire with Fire’ has a lot of strength and force with soaring vocals that bring the song to life. With the resonating true storytelling of women in the entertainment industry being battled against each other with hostility and unhealthy competitiveness, so though this track deals with a heavy issue that many are trying to change for the better, it’s also a celebration of women.
‘Strangers Before We Met’ is a vulnerable listen with resonating storytelling that is utterly astonishing.
‘London City’ is another ode containing a sense of wonder alongside the endearing piano keys that will cause some reflection.
‘Rootless’ is a hard-hitting smash and emotional listen as the instrumentation is soft and emotive along with the songstress’ beautiful vocal abilities.
‘Break Hearts’ featuring Joseph Dunwell is vulnerable and emotive collaboration in the sense the vocals are beautifully sung pulling on the listeners’ heartstrings.
‘Head Under Water’ acknowledges the need to be vulnerable in order to grow. It shows a lot of strength inspiring the listener. The songstress’ songwriting craft is epically displayed on this particular track.
‘Winter Sun’ is a vulnerable yet uplifting soft tune.
‘Time in a Bottle’ with Mark Caplice featured on major Netflix TV series Firefly Lane, is a haunting listen and beautiful rendition covering Jim Croce. It’s a wonderful closing track that allows the listener to embrace the calmness, gather all emotions, and close the chapter of Megan O’Neill’s second album, Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty, only to want to hit the replay button.
Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty, is full of beautifully harmony blending Irish folk storytelling fuzed with alt-rock and modern pop influences. The vocals are outstanding with heartfelt meaning, accompanied in some tracks with soaring backing vocals, along with lyrical perfection that truly bring each track to life with the effortless production.
There’s a lot of depth and meaning to this album, appearing as mostly autobiographical, Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty, discusses many topics on the touching tracks on this record that will be felt universally - including topics on struggling with career, fear of change, moving away from somewhere you love, and unhealthy relationships.
Filled with craftful songs of excellence showcasing the willingness to embrace change in a delicately beautiful way, Megan O’Neill’s vision and creativity is perfectly displayed all throughout the 13-tracks with elegance. It’s a personal record, yet it will strike a cord with each listener as there’s something for everyone.
Words by Danielle Holian