Ireland’s Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson — better known as CMAT — delivers a third album that cements her as a fiercely original voice in 2025’s crowded pop landscape. Euro-Country blends indie, country, and pop with a witty, incisive lyrical style that’s both humorous and deeply resonant. Critics have praised the record for its emotional range and eclecticism, with Metacritic scores leaning toward “universal acclaim.”

Right from the title track — sung partially in Irish and referencing Ireland’s post-Celtic Tiger identity shifts — CMAT sets a tone that is as political as it is personal. The album vividly maps pain, humour, and existential clarity across its tracklist, whether in the satirical jab of “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station” or the raw introspection of “Lord, Let That Tesla Crash.”

What makes Euro-Country stand out is not just the catchy melodies (which it definitely has), but how CMAT uses pop forms to interrogate cultural contradictions. Her witty lyricism, blending danceable hooks with sharp societal observations, makes tracks like “Take a Sexy Picture of Me” not only compelling songs but statements in their own right.

Above all, Euro-Country feels like a record of now — grappling with identity, economy, social pressures, and the fragmented sense of belonging that many of her generation recognize. In a year packed with big releases, CMAT’s bold vision and fearless voice make this one of 2025’s most memorable albums.