Book Of Secrets, The - Loreena McKennitt

Advantages: a fantastic collection of interwovenstyles
Disadvantages: a time and a place type of music

...The cover of 1997's release, Book of Secrets, does suggest something of what you are going to find inside. The artist herself stands framed in a sunburst of vivid reds, oranges and gold's, which itself blends into a tapestry like appearance as it reaches the edge of the cover. And this in a way is a good metaphor for the contents, a vivid tapestry, interwoven ideas and a collection of stories and themes that cross both geography and time itself. ...
...of some of Gabriel's band, Book of Secrets is a warm and inviting album, one that washes over you rather than requiring any effort to fully appreciate its worth. People may criticize its production work, it is a very polished album and for many lacks a living and spontaneous quality, but this is music that is a fusion of styles that don't sit easily together and as such may be seen as more the product of the studio than anything else. That said anyone ... Read review

Advantages: Opens up emotions in me.
Disadvantages: May not be your cup of tea.

I saw this category on Ciao and thought it would be a good opportunity to share my secrets with my friends. A lot of the way I feel about life lies within the songs of Loreena McKennitt. Her voice is haunting, and on this album, there are some of my favourites that take you into a deep and mellow place where thoughts conjure up pictures of Irish countryside, and magic and dreams. Loreena McKennitt has been on the music scene for a long time, although ...
...it is fast becoming one of my favourites of all time. The first song is Prologue and this is a really haunting experience. When you listen to it, Loreena's voice is so clear and vibrant and takes you into a world of wonderment. I live in a very celtic part of France where music such as this is very popular and when you listen to the prologue, and close your eyes, you kind of get taken into a surreal landscape of hills and standing stones. It is ... Read review

Advantages: voice, melodies, travel through music, relaxing
Disadvantages: none

...the singer. It was "the Book of Secrets" by Loreena McKennitt. Finally, I bought an extra cd that was'nt planned at first on my shopping list, but I have never regretted that purchase. Once, I lent this cd to my "stretching" teacher. She enjoyed it so much, that she bought it too and that we spent all the rest of the stretching courses till the end of the year listening to it ! This is the kind of music you can't get enough of, but you tend to ...
...is simply FABULOUS ! You travel through the world with the different rythms and sounds, and the several styles of musics. While listening, if you close your eyes, you feel once in Turkey, then in Ireland and in Asia ... But wherever the music takes you to, it is with a soft and relaxing music, maybe also good for meditation ? the album is divided into 8 "songs" : 1. PROLOGUE 4:22 2. THE MUMMERS' DANCE 6:07 3. SKELLIG 6:07 4. MARCO POLO 5:15 ... Read review

Advantages: beautiful music, inspiring
Disadvantages: none

...And she puts out yet another fantastic album: The Book of Secrets explores new celtic influences, as the celts were more widespread across all of Europe, than most people'd expect (This being witnessed with Nightride through the Causasus). Again, her voice takes on many shapes and colours. From etherical to earthy, angelic to human. She pulls it off, and all in one album. The prologue, first piece of this album, is a calm but promising intro to a true Book of Secrets. Personal favourite is Dante's Prayer, where poetry and music collide once again. Enjoy! more information on this album and music samples can be found at www.quinlanroad.com... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful