What makes Sentimental Killer by Mary Coughlan notable?

Sentimental Killer received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to jazz and storytelling, securing Coughlan's position in the music scene. The album features notable tracks that showcase her vocal prowess and lyrical depth, helping to influence subsequent generations of Irish artists exploring similar themes. Released in 1992, Sentimental Killer was Mary Coughlan’s third studio album, following her acclaimed 1990 release, Ghosts. At this point in her career, Coughlan had begun to establish herself as a significant voice in contemporary Irish music, blending jazz influences with deeply personal lyrics.

How many songs are on Sentimental Killer?

Sentimental Killer has 11 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Sentimental Killer

Mary Coughlan · 1992

42 min · 11 tracks · jazz

Mary Coughlan’s jazz-infused vocals intertwine with poignant storytelling, creating a hauntingly emotional soundscape throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Magdalen Laundry — This track powerfully addresses themes of shame and redemption, drawing from the historical context of Ireland's Magdalen Laundries. Its haunting melody combined with Coughlan's emotive delivery makes it a standout piece on the album.
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Ain’t No Cure — Coughlan’s rendition brings raw vulnerability to this track, highlighting the struggles of love and loss through its soulful arrangement. It encapsulates her ability to convey deep emotion through both lyrics and vocal interpretation.
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Sentimental Killers — The title track serves as an introspective exploration of human emotions, blending elements of jazz with poignant lyrics that reflect on life's complexities. Its reflective nature resonates as a thematic anchor for the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

Coughlan's blend of jazz and storytelling creates an engaging but uneven album that showcases her vocal talent.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate storytelling elements, with lyrics that reflect on personal and social themes, enhancing the emotional weight of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 There Is a Bed 4:43
2 Hearts 3:21
3 Magdalen Laundry 4:24
4 Francis of Assisi 3:49
5 Love in the Shadows 3:38
6 Ain’t No Cure 4:57
7 Handbags and Gladrags 3:44
8 Just a Friend of Mine 3:05
9 Ballad of a Sad Young Man 3:40
10 Not Up to Scratch 3:29
11 Sentimental Killers 3:43

What to play next

Listen next

After the Fall

1997

Go back to

Uncertain Pleasures

1990

Full Mary Coughlan discography Artists like Mary Coughlan

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata