Songs for My Mother

Personnel: Ronan Keating (vocals); Stephen Lipson (guitar, acoustic guitar, programming); Adam Goldsmith, Leo Abrahams (guitar); David Hartley (keyboards); Lucinda Barry (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Stephen Lipson.
Recording information: British Grove Studios; Sarm Studios.
Photographer: Ray Burmiston.
Arranger: Nick Ingman.
Hoping to capitalize on the surprising success of the recent Boyzone reunion, Ronan Keating's fifth studio album, a collection of songs dedicated to his late mother, goes back to basics following the disappointing sales of 2006's Bring You Home. With just one original composition, the acoustic ballad "This Is Your Song," Songs for My Mother relies heavily on the cover versions that Westlife, his managerial protégés, have made a career out of. Of course, Keating is not exactly a stranger to covers. Only a handful of Boyzone's singles were original material and several of his solo hits have been cleverly chosen interpretations of lesser-known U.S. country hits. The choices here include "Make You Feel My Love," "I Believe I Can Fly," "Suspicious Minds," and "Time After Time." The album strays into less familiar territory with the traditional folk songs "Carrickfergus" and "The Wild Mountain Thyme." ~ Jon O'Brien