Mercy

It's not everyday that you see a dobro and a glass slider as the foundation for a rock act. Rocco DeLuca is a unique artist - a true artist. Rocco is not a manufactured act marketed to the top of the charts. He is a musician who is able to translate what is happening inside himself for the outside world. He seems to be able to soak up experiences, people, feelings and keep them with him. He constantly scribbles down lyrics, words and ideas whether he is touring and traveling or at home. We as listeners are the lucky recipients of the finished product that began with those scribbled notes. Mercy is a haunting and beautiful album. Mercy is Rocco at a new level.

The pairing of Rocco DeLuca and Daniel Lanois is magic. Daniel, as a highly talented artist, songwriter and producer (who has produced U2, Bob Dylan, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris and many others) is a perfect fit for Rocco. This has been a true collaboration and his influence on the outcome of the project is apparent. The atmospheric sounds and experimentation are evident. Daniel also plays on the album and the introduction of another guitar, keyboards and other sounds are welcome additions.

Rocco is able to rock as well as mesmerize with very delicate sounds. I didn't think I could like "I Trust You to Kill Me" more, but this version is truly fantastic. The collaboration with Keane on "Mercy" the title track is a nice blend of both artists. "The Painting" is exquisite. I believe "Nightingale" is a masterpiece in it's purity and simplicity. The groove on "Any Man" is one of the best I've ever heard. The experimentation with the Icelandic voice in "Lilja" is creative. The explosiveness of "Bright Lights" makes it a great opener to a concert - releasing the pent up energy of waiting for the band. Rocco's voice is unique but sometimes reminiscent of Robert Plant or Jeff Buckley.

As for "Junky Valentine" - how Rocco is able to make something simultaneously so dark and so beautiful is mind boggling and takes tremendous talent. A real gem on this album is "When You Learn To Sing." With seemingly simple lyrics he is able to convey the pain of abandonment in childhood, the pain of broken bonds as an adult, yet acknowledging that the pain of those experiences makes us who we are and makes us stronger. Furthermore, not taking a chance in opening yourself up to the next person will rob you of human connection. Anyone who has ever trusted the wrong person or has been betrayed will relate to this song. He sings "I wanted to believe"... and then at the end..."I want to believe."

Perhaps this album may be too sophisticated for some, but it shows a clear growth in Rocco as a musician, singer and lyricist. I am convinced Rocco will remain a musician true to himself and his art. He is only at the beginning of an amazing career. It is my impression that Rocco could not care less about fame or commercialism. I think it is the creation of art, sharing that art and connecting with people that are most important to him. I look forward to all of Rocco's future endeavors.

I also cannot give a review without mentioning he is one of the best live acts around. I had the privilege of seeing him with Daniel Lanois and Ryan Carman (the sixth time I had seen him live). Brilliant! It is a joy to see "newbie" faces as they experience Rocco live for the first time!

This album is absolutely amazing. Rocco has given songwriting at its best. Not many artists around can pull off an album quite this amazing anymore. The Dobro is captivating, and hearing one these days when it isn't in bluegrass music is refreshing. (Huge fan of bluegrass by the way!haha) Not only that, but hearing the banjo in Lilja is just as refreshing.
I would recommend this album to anyone who wants true artistry.
It's an absolutely amazing album. There aren't many other words for it than that.

Why is the title track so lame? The live version(s) in the documentary film of the same name are heavy and awesome. This one is just limp.

The rest of the album is good; though, I'd have to say I like the debut album better. There is a definite improvement in production quality and the songwriting is distinctive and interesting.

I just want a heavier, studio cut of "I Trust You to Kill Me".

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