Mary Coughlan - Red Blues -2002-

Finishing the album with "Strange Fruit" —a song her children used to beg her to sing on stage during her early career—serves as a stark, chilling emotional baseline that few vocalists possess the gravity to pull off effectively. Critical Legacy Red Blues: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

: This is the album’s most unexpected pivot. Coughlan reconstructs Grace Jones's iconic 1981 post-disco dance hit into a sultry, jazz-funk groove. It showcases her wicked sense of humor and musical versatility.

Mary Coughlan - The Glasshouse International Centre for Music Mary Coughlan - Red Blues -2002-

The album’s strength lies in its ability to sound both classic and contemporary. It seamlessly weaves together new tracks with re-recordings of old favorites, all unified by a "third millennium boudoir blues" aesthetic.

Red Blues is, fittingly, an album steeped in the blues, yet it is rarely formulaic. It captures the smoky, late-night ambiance of a jazz club, with Coughlan’s voice serving as the perfect conduit for tales of love, loss, and resilience. Finishing the album with "Strange Fruit" —a song

– A surprising and brilliant inclusion of Grace Jones' iconic club anthem. Coughlan strips away the 1980s synth-pop and transforms it into a slinky, low-tempo jazz-groove.

Coughlan has a rare gift for subverting familiar songs. Her take on Randy Newman’s is a highlight; by underplaying the suggestive lyrics, she adds a layer of "sass and menace" that traditional covers often miss. Similarly, the track "Portland" carries an "unsettling undertow" reminiscent of Tom Waits. The Verdict It showcases her wicked sense of humor and

While some retrospectives note that licensing issues might have excluded tracks from this era on later compilations, Red Blues remains a favorite among fans who appreciate her darkest, most soulful work. It is an essential listen for anyone trying to understand the evolution of Irish jazz and blues. Conclusion

: A strong opener that sets the tone for the album's urban, gritty feel.

Upon its release, "Red Blues" received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Coughlan's exceptional songwriting and vocal delivery. The album has since been recognized as one of her finest works, a testament to her skill as a storyteller and musician.