Almighty Love cover

Almighty Love

Damien Dempsey · 2005

62 min · 11 tracks · music of Ireland

A tapestry of storytelling intertwines with folk melodies and soulful vocals, reflecting the spirit of contemporary Irish music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Almighty Love — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme of love as a unifying force, combining heartfelt lyrics with an anthemic chorus that invites listener participation.
  • →
    Born Without Hate — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of empathy and understanding, showcasing Dempsey's ability to address complex social issues through personal narrative.
  • →
    Moneyman — Moneyman critiques materialism and societal pressures, offering a stark contrast to the album’s more uplifting tracks and demonstrating Dempsey's range as a songwriter.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing strong storytelling but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief spoken intro that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into the title track, which features layered instrumentation and a strong vocal presence.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional Irish folk elements, such as fiddles and acoustic guitars, while maintaining a contemporary sound through modern production techniques.
  • Lyrically, the songs often feature storytelling that addresses social issues, with verses structured to build emotional resonance and connect with listeners.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • gradual build to emotional climax
  • reflective moments of community spirit
  • heartfelt storytelling in every track
  • for group sing-alongs
  • deeply resonant themes of resilience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2005, Almighty Love marked Damien Dempsey's third studio album, following his breakthrough record, Seize the Day. At this point in his career, Dempsey was solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in Irish music, blending traditional influences with modern themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Hozier· Glen Hansard· Lisa Hannigan

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 1:16
  • 2 Almighty Love 3:47
  • 3 Chris and Stevie 5:58
  • 4 Born Without Hate 5:57
  • 5 Bustin Outta Here 5:41
  • 6 Fire in the Glen 4:47
  • 7 Canadian Geese 4:45
  • 8 The Good and the Great 6:46
  • 9 Community 5:51
  • 10 Moneyman 5:26
  • 11 You're the Cure 12:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata