Matt LuceyBen Reel Himself
There’s something reassuring about artists who simply never stop. Ben Reel is one of those musicians — relentlessly creative and deeply committed. Spirit’s Not Broken is his latest reminder that longevity in music doesn’t come from chasing trends, but from staying honest, curious, and connected.
Reel’s résumé is nothing to sniff at. A singer-songwriter who produces his own work, he’s released four studio albums this decade alone, alongside numerous other projects, bringing his total output to an impressive twelve albums. He’s shared creative space with the likes of The Cranberries and Jools Holland, and his career stretches back to his teenage years. At just 17, Reel formed his first band in 1989 — a project that evolved into Promised Land, later Trim the Velvet — both of which built a reputation for acclaimed live performances across Ireland. Decades on, that work ethic hasn’t softened. If anything, it’s sharpened.
Spirit’s not Broken – The Latest Release
Spirit’s Not Broken, released via MARS Worldwide, is self-produced by Reel, and that creative control shows throughout. The album feels cohesive and intentional, but never overworked. Reel has spoken about the record as a response to fractured times — an exploration of hope in moments that feel increasingly hopeless, and the importance of human connection in a world that often seems to be falling apart. It’s a big theme, but one he handles with warmth rather than weight.
Musically, the album moves confidently across genres. Rock forms the backbone, but soul, R&B, indie, and folk elements all surface along the way. Rather than feeling scattered, the variety gives the album its character. This is an artist comfortable enough in his own voice to let different influences breathe.
“Better Be Better”
Opening track “Better Be Better” sets the tone nicely. A polished rock song built around a robust opening riff, it immediately establishes a sense of momentum. Vocals, bass, and drums lock together tightly, giving the impression of a band that’s spent serious time playing together. Subtle key changes keep things interesting, while background guitar textures add depth without stealing focus. Later in the track, a clear Beatles-esque influence emerges — particularly in the repeated refrain of “getting better” — lending the song a familiar but welcome warmth.
“Come What June“
“Come What June” shifts gears slightly. Lyrically clever and more understated in delivery, it leans into American folk-rock influences with a modern soft-rock feel. The rhythm is simple and unforced, allowing the vocal performance to shine. Reel reflects on time moving on — personally, culturally, and within the music industry itself. A short, tidy guitar solo breaks up the track at just the right moment, doing exactly what it needs to without overreaching. Lines like “come what may” and “it’s coming way too soon” capture a quiet resistance to letting the world slide into something worse, giving the song its emotional edge.
“Spirit’s Not Broken”
The title track, “Spirit’s Not Broken,” stands out as the album’s highlight. Fading in with a reverbed vocal hum, the song begins sparsely — almost meditatively — with monotone vocals accompanied by fingerstyle guitar. Cymbals are used sparingly, adding texture without overwhelming the intimacy of the arrangement. As the track settles into a gentle rhythm, drums and subtle guitar licks fill out the soundscape. It’s a relatively short song, but every moment counts. The guitar work, in particular, shines — understated, effective, and perfectly in service of the song.
Final notes
As a whole, Spirit’s Not Broken feels carefully assembled and genuinely heartfelt. There’s no sense of filler here, just an artist who clearly loves what he does and knows how to translate that into both songwriting and production. Ben Reel isn’t trying to reinvent himself — he doesn’t need to. Instead, he offers a thoughtful, well-crafted album that rewards close listening and repeated spins. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this is a record well worth spending time with.
