Orinoco Flow was a faint memory to me, you know, one of those songs from when you didnt undertand music in your toddler years, but it was so exposed even an embryo couldn't fail to get it lodged in their developing head. Now, thanks to this dreamy collection of haunting songs, it is on of my top snooze tracks. That isn't meant in a bad way, but with Enya's tracks you could quite easily drift off into a dream whilst relaxing to them. Having heard little of Enya's other albums, I can only assume that this is the cream of the crop (hence the 'Best Of' title), and rightly so. Enya has created her own style throughout her career, where classical/new age meets easy listening pop, and it is summed up in this collection brilliantely. There are the singles for which she is most well known 'Carribbean Blue' (although this is perhaps more famous for having Martine McCuthceon in the video as a nymph), 'Anywhere Is' and the number one 'Orinoco Flow', which everyone seems to know the refrain from (# 'Sail away, Sail away' # etc). There is also some other familiar melodies in there, ones which you will know from use in films or adverts but when you hear them on the album you'll say "I didn't know this was Enya!". Amongst these is 'Book of Days', and the beautiful 'Watermark', one of the instrumentals on the album, all of which are moving and lilting. To say this album was relaxing would be an understatement, but that is part of the appeal. Enya is a talented and thoughtful composer, and her lyrics are mysterious and thought provoking (the lyrics that are in English and not Gaelic or French, that is). Every track has a wafting aura never found in any of teh mainstream music, and her voice is dainty and airy enough for the extra magic touch. Her influences are clear, from irish folk music, Impressionism and Surrealism amongst others. Another amazing fact is that every single note is played by Enya, which must make the recording progress painstaking, but worth the result. The only criticism (for the sake of criticism) is that there is nothing that new or contrasting on the album, but after all this is a summing up of her whole career and style. If this was an album of all new material, that criticism would stand more ground. The good thing is just because it is a 'Best of' compilation, this isnt the last of Enya, as she has since released a new album I have yet to experience, and I expect their will be more. If you love this as much as I do, then there are also four previous albums from which the best is drawn from for this collection. This is serene, inoffensive relaxation at it's best- music to give birth to (not that I'd know).
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Sounds as if it is just a rehash of the other albums though - what is new in it ...?
Axis 25.07.2001 18:54
Besides Leahslad's recommendations, may I also suggest that you separate the paragraphs so
that the op can be read easily with a clear organisation of points. I have this CD too;
in fact have all hers, and I agree that this album is great, though I do have
some reservations about Only If - Craig
leahslad 06.05.2001 23:03
A lot of decent background info here, although I found only small sections about the actual CD you are writing about. How about a track listing, price etc...? A vwery worthwhile opinion but you need to focus a little more on the subject. Steve.
New Age diva Enya first became widely known when her 1988 albumWatermarksold 4 million ... more
copies and launched the single "Orinoco Flow". Her follow-up,Shepherd Moons, was even more successful, selling over 10 million copies despite its slightly lower gr...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: You can follow the paints in the sky of imagination, if you dream a little Disadvantages: It can be difficult to appreciate for some sad, depressed people
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