With the pressure of creating an album comparable to 2003's poignant, sensory "O," Damien Rice's sophomore effort "9" delves into new themes and sounds without forgoing the haunting elements and ghost-like resonance that defined the Dubliner's acoustic-folk roots. Launch single "9 Crimes" pairs lazy piano arpeggios and lingering cello. The simplicity of Rice's arrangements remains a true testament to the artist's indie roots—despite this track's appearance in, of all things, "Shrek the Third."—Marc D. Pelligrino