This is the kind of music that goes straight to the heart strings of grannies, mothers and mothers-in-law and makes them go all go wobbly in the knees and soppy-sentimental.

With Mother's Day looming it's the perfect gift from lads who want to score maxim Brownie points.

But this is not just of those clever marketing ploys for once-off sales. The album contains a fabulous selection of tender, very emotional songs and Mister Keating's gracious voice set against beautifully orchestrated backing add a very special magic to the likes of Bob Dylan's 'Make You Feel My Love', Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time' and Joshua Kadison's 'Mama's Arms'.

Woven throughout the album are lots sniffy emotions and sentimental memories — and yes, at times it does get a little syrupy, but that's what this album is all about, after all.

With a Boyzone reunion underway and the release of this, his fifth studio album, Ronan Keating could make 2009 another milestone in a long and successful career.

'Songs For My Mother' is one of the better compilations of revamped classics, sweet and pleasant without being tacky and soppy.

He made this album in memory of his mother, but all mothers the world over will love it.