"Catholic Boys," "Angel of Mercy," "Something Almost Sacred" – rich with the sin-steeped Irish imagery that colors Van Morrison's songs and Joyce's fiction, Scenes From My Last Confession is a passionately literate debut. Tutored by songwriter Barry Mann, O'Brian also learned melody – with sufficient smarts to collaborate with such masters as Brian Wilson and J.D. Souther. An agreeable singer and a sure hand on guitar and keyboards, O'Brian, still in his 20s, has amassed a pro's skills. The sweet surprise, then, of Confession is its freshness. Family, fraternity, romance and the burden and honor of heritage, O'Brian tackles the universal subjects and wrests wisdom – and human compassion – from his struggles. (RS 694)

PAUL EVANS