This release comes hot on the heels of Jamie’s last full release Chapter 23, which dropped back in May. He shows no signs of letting up. Once again produced by Gavin Doyle, the man behind so many of Jamie’s biggest moments, this EP feels like another serious leap forward. Honestly, taking a step back, it’s kind of mad to think about the catalogue Jamie’s built in the space of just six months. Back in Spring he was already packing massive songs like Grá and West is Home into setlists, and now he’s back with a whole new EP and two brand-new singles. The guy is relentless, in the studio, on stage, everywhere! And his hunger is now paying off in the biggest way.
The EP opens with Melbourne, and what a way to set the tone. This one’s already become a classic for Irish fans, as much for its emotional side as the way it connects to something many listeners have experienced, that bittersweet feeling of watching someone you love head off to Australia. The build into the chorus is massive, the kind of thing you feel in your chest. It’s no wonder it’s blown up both here and over there. We’ve reviewed this one already and our thoughts remain the same: Jamie’s storytelling is razor-sharp and his voice just soars.
Outside The City is the juggernaut. This track went viral in no time, thanks in part to Jamie’s very public misfortune of his car breaking down (now twice — sorry about that, Jamie), which only gave the song more charm. But all jokes aside, this is one of his strongest tracks to date. It’s heartfelt, infectious, and somehow gets better with every listen. We’ve already sung its praises when it first came out, but it still deserves to be called one of his absolute best.
Then come the two new singles, Somebody Better and Lovers Again. After countless listens I still can’t decide which one’s my favourite. Somebody Better is just gorgeous, one of the best love songs Jamie’s ever written. It’s heartfelt and honest, with a chorus that feels like a whispered confession instead of a big shouty anthem. The production on this is amazing, but for me he’s letting the raw songwriting and vocals do the work. It reminded me of his older stuff like Not Nothing or one of my favourite tracks of his, November 28th. It’s got that kind of unfiltered sincerity. On the flip side, Lovers Again is pure catchiness, with a Waterford shout-out that instantly made me grin. It’s so honest yet so relatable, and you can already imagine whole rooms belting it back at him, especially during the Waterford stop next year when the February tour kicks in. Both songs prove Jamie’s songwriting is only getting better and better.
You Got It All is another standout in an EP of standouts. It’s one of those songs that makes you want to grab the person you love and say: “listen… this is how I feel about you! I may not be able to articulate it, but this song sums it up.” So for that, we thank you Jamie McIntyre. Packed with Irish imagery and Jamie’s trademark sincerity, it’s both cinematic and intimate. Closing track Oileáin Árann is the perfect ender, it’s heartfelt, warm, and already a fan favourite since its earlier release. That lyric about rolling the dice and now selling out shows is right on the nose, knowing just how far Jamie’s come this year. And by the looks of things, he’s not slowing down any time soon.
For Folk Sake is everything you want in an EP: intimate, huge, funny, sad, hopeful, and relatable… all tied together by Jamie’s relentless work ethic and uncanny ability to make you feel like his songs are about your life too. It’s another big step forward, and if this is what he can produce at this pace, the ceiling is nowhere in sight.
Tracklist:
Melbourne
Outside The City
Somebody Better
Lovers Again
You Got It All
Oileáin Árann
‘For Folk Sake’ gets a well deserved 9 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography
EP Cover Art Credit – Louise O’Boyle