Damien Rice is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician who plays the guitar, piano, clarinet, and percussion. Rice was born on December 7, 1973 to George and Maureen Rice and spent his childhood in Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. Damien spent much of his childhood on the banks of the River Liffey fishing, writing songs, and thinking. Rice found inspiration in creative arts and music which led him to study at the Salesian College secondary school. As a youth, Rice formed his own indie/rock band, called Jupiter, in 1991. The band was comprised of Rice, who used the stage name “Dodima” Rice, Paul Noonan, Dominic Philips, David Geraghty, and Brian Crosby. Jupiter toured through Ireland and claimed moderate success and attention when they released the debut extended play called Manna in 1995. Two years later Jupiter was signed to Polygram records and released The World Is Dead and Weatherman. Contractual issues and Rice’s inner strife relating to meeting producer’s demands of “radio friendly” material caused Rice to leave Jupiter in March 1999. The remaining band members continued to work together as Bell X1.
After leaving Jupiter, Rice moved to Tuscany and traveled throughout Europe, working as a busker. Rice later returned to Ireland and in 2000 Rice recorded his first solo demo and mailed his demo his second cousin, acclaimed film producer and film composer David Arnold. Arnold backed Rice in purchasing a mobile recording studio and Rice collaborated with multiple artists throughout Ireland and England. In February 2002, Rice released his debut album, entitled O, which rose to #8 charts within the United Kingdom, earned Rice the Shortlist music prize, and garnered mainstream attention with three top 30 singles titled Cannonball, The Blower’s Daughter, and Volcano. Four years later, Rice released his second album, entitled 9 and was placed amongst “The Best 50 Irish Acts Right Now” by the Irish Times in April 2009. Rice has also collaborated with many other recording artists, released live studio albums, and captivated fans with his stark, yet haunting lyrics and brilliant talent as a musician.
Here are the 12 Best Damien Rice Songs: