Right Here is hardly the most original album title, there having been eight other LPs using exactly the same name already released in the last decade. Neither, sadly, is it the most original material with nods to Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks reaching such vigour that O’Connor’s studio recording time must surely have been interrupted by numerous dizzy spells. What saves this sophomore release, though, is O’Connor’s voice.

Indeed, it was Esther’s dulcet tones which got her first noticed. The daughter of Wet Wet Wet guitarist and producer Graeme Duffin, the 24-year-old stepped in to provide guide vocals to one of her father’s tracks. Later, when Duffin played the tracks to a publisher in London he was quizzed as to the identity of the singer.

And O’Connor keeps it in the family. Her band is made up of bassist/percussionist brother Jamie on bass and percussion with hubbie Tim on guitar and backing vocals. These family ties are fine; O’Connor just needs to loosen bonds with her idols.

(3½/5)