Enya - Amarantine
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Free Music Notes for Amarantine
Free Music Review: ...rhymes with "Honor On Time." :o)
Hit: 5 Stars
Lord, I can hear the cynics & naysayers now...they are gonna LOVE this one. But we'll get to that (briefly) later.
For those of us who knew what quality music was way back in 1986, we suspected upon hearing THE CELTS that a new & vital talent had been sprung upon the world, and with each successive CD, Enya has proven one thing repeatedly: When you find a formula that works, sticking with it is usually a wise thing to cement a devoted fan base. For me, several elements fell together that held me spellbound from the moment I heard my first Enya track (Boadicea) on a radio program called Music from the Hearts of Space: Beautiful use of electronic keyboards. Beautiful songs varying in nature from upbeat ditties to the most heartbreakingly haunting ballads. And, of course, that beautiful, angelic voice, used as a solo instrument unto itself and multi-tracked into the most heavenly of choirs...I'd never heard an artist use her voice in that manner since the days of Jon Anderson, both as a vocalist with Yes and a collaborator with Vangelis. That formula, probably to no one's surprise, thrives and survives on Amarantine. To be honest and fair, the previously alluded-to cynics & naysayers will sigh and say, "...just another Enya disc." Let them say what they will. Dedicated Enya fans such as myself will, I am certain, LOVE this new recording and sing its praises for years to come.
The opening track, Less Than A Pearl, is a classic opening Enya track, with a majestic chorus of "Ahhh's" that will have you singing along with her immediately. The title piece: there's the hit single formula again, with the pizzicato electronic strings and the typical light melody--sure to be another in her string of hits & instantly likeable. It's In The Rain: a wistful waltz-tempo piece that does, indeed, sound as if it could have come from her previous disc. If I Could Be Where You Are: the first of the meditative ballads we've come to love (a la "On Your Shore") wherein she sings of missing her loved one terribly. This, speaking for myself, is the main thing I've come to love Enya's music for...her unique gift of balladry. The River Sings is an uptempo track with percussion that lifts us from the pangs of the previous track into realms of joy & spiritual bliss. Long Long Journey: A midtempo song reminding us of the pain of being away from all we know and love coupled with the certain optimism of knowing we'll be home soon...somewhere we've all been. Sumiregusa (Wild Violet): Enya's first excursion into Japanese poetry and a truly beautiful meditation in every way possible. Someone Said Goodbye: This is turning into one of my favorite tracks so far, and I'm guessing it could be her second single. It has a relaxing, almost swing tempo to it in a lighthearted-approach that belies yet another exploration of the sadness & complications involved in loving another human being. A Moment Lost: Another ballad telling of the regrets involved in the ending of a relationship, taking the not-very-often approached path of showing admiration for the now former object of our affection ("How strong, how brave, how true of you to bear the hurt I gave. I know it tears your heart in two; all I've said, all I say to you.") Wow. Drifting: One of Enya's classic instrumentals, sad & wistful with the addition of some nice cello sounds to round out the piano & synths...could have served as the opening track to the CD as well. Amid The Falling Snow: A reminiscence of childhood, gazing out the window and watching the beauty of a silent snowfall, this track could pass as a nice addition to a Christmas collection as well. Very nice. And finally, Water Shows The Hidden Heart: A fitting closing piece, in slow waltz-tempo, & one of 3 tracks in which Enya sings in Roma Ryan's "Loxian" language from her book of the same title. Very pleasant sounding language it is, too. It's nice to hear Enya cascading her voices one over the other toward the final section of the song, too, giving it a madrigal, chamber choir-type of atmosphere & bringing the CD to a soft, understated & yet confident-feeling conclusion.
Yes, the musical purists will berate this as just another Enya recording...but it bears repeating: For those of us who love her music, WHO CARES? Speaking for myself, I like this a little better than A DAY WITHOUT RAIN, and it's nice to see it clocking in at longer than that previous recording as well (45:34). I'm not insensitive to others' criticisms of Enya's formula--I, too, would like to see her try other things, since it's obvious she has talent coming out of her fingertips. Maybe a duet album with her sister Maire of Clannad. Maybe a recording wherein she employs a traditional band of guitar, bass & drums. Maybe a recording of her strictly unplugged...perhaps with piano, flute, acoustic guitar, harp (are you reading this, Andreas?), and her single voice. A live in concert CD and DVD, which I'm certain most of us have been clamoring for for years (Enya has spoken of touring in the past, but so far this hasn't materialized). Maybe a collaboration with other new age luminaries like Vangelis or Andreas Vollenweider. The possibilities are endless. But wherever Enya chooses to take her life and career, as long as she holds onto her indomitable spirit (especially in light of recent traumas she's been through involving deranged fans) and her obvious love for the music she creates, she will always have a place in the pantheon of musicians who make what we all know to be quality new age music. Her songs continue to have the healing Balm of Gilead effect on most who hear her music, and in an age of increasing tension and violence in a world with a tenuous future, we can be thankful for that. There will never be such a thing as The Perfect Musician, but I feel safe in saying that Enya strives for that perfection in every way possible and to the best of her ability. The bottom line: All Enya fans will love this stunning new CD. Those new to Enya's music may feel comfortable using this CD as a springboard and then explore her other releases eventually. She has yet to put out a "bad" album, and I don't see that ever happening at any point in her future. Carry on, Enya...you're doing fine, and we're glad to be along for the ride.
Free Music Review: a cause for celebration
Hit: 5 Stars
Before I begin, I'd like to address the critics and "disappointed" Enya fans. The critics have dismissed Amarantine as just another Enya album, only for the fans. Some of the fans, on the other hand, keep invoking Watermark and Shepherd Moons, as if Enya should just keep remaking those albums over and over again (!) Trust me, this is NOT a throwaway album, and it gets better each time you listen. Furthermore, I have come to understand that no one Enya album is better than another. It's like trying to judge which Jan Vermeer painting is the best- ALL are masterpieces.
I liken Amarantine to a snow-covered forest. All of the varied colors you would normally see in a forest have been hidden, yet the snow-covered trees and foliage are a breathtaking, magical sight to behold.
Contrary to what the naysayers think, Enya has grown artistically. This time around, she limits her palatte, choosing more subtle means to craft her songs. The strings, piano, and drums are still here, just reigned in enough to put Enya's vocals in the forefront.
I winced when I read other reviewers describe Amarantine by the "a-word" (acoustic). You would think that Enya took up folk guitar. This is NOT an acoustic album. Rather, it is spare and elegantly restrained. Also, you will read that Enya's vocals are not layered as much. There are still ample servings of that famous Enya trademark, but sometimes it's just for the chorus.
Now, about the album. Things start off powerfully with Less than a Pearl. What at first seems like a typical Enya opener becomes a brilliant explosion of sound and fierce vocalization, which makes me think of being at the edge of a glacier. One of my small criticisms of Amartantine is that Enya didn't build further upon the raw energy of Less than a Pearl and The River Sings. Still, this is evidence that she is VERY capable, despite those who think of her songs as all snoozers.
Amarantine, the title track, is a simple charmer. Enya sings the word amarantine over and over in a minor-key, otherworldly style. It's in the Rain proves that Enya doesn't need that vocal-layering technique to sound beautiful. Her voice is exquisite, and, praise the heavens, the woman ENUNCIATES. She saves the vocal layering for the chorus. This is one of those Enya songs that makes me admire what her and her collaborators can achieve.
Now, on to my only other "small" criticism. Enya is sentimental at heart, and sometimes succumbs to precious, syrupy affirmations. If I Could Be Where You Are is a classic example. I can make it through the song, but it does make me gag a little. Fortunately, next up is The River Sings, and you are flying again. I've read comparisons to Ebudae, from Shepherd Moons. The River Sings is ten times better. It's like river rafting, or salmon swimming upstream, at least to my ears. This is one of her best songs ever.
Long, Long Journey takes us back down to earth. It's like a cup of hot tea, very comforting. Plus, there is a subtle drumline throughout. The first time I heard Sumigregusa, I thought it was another one of those overly precious songs, but I have since changed my mind. This is Enya singing in her best register- her voice is meltingly beautiful, making her a New Age "prima donna assoluta". In the middle third of the song, she produces this echoing effect in her vocals. If you close your eyes, you can picture the stars.
Somebody Said Goodbye sways to a Lennon-esque beat. It's definitely one of my favorites. A Moment Lost is the other syrupy song of the set, a small misstep. Enya sings in a lower, more resonant register. Again, one that makes me gag a little, but not a throwaway song. Drifting evokes John Lennon again (at least for me), and features a very poignant bass string obbligato.
Amid the Falling Snow is another subtle, majestic creation. But what comes next has got to be one of Enya's very finest, Water Shows the Hidden Heart. This is the third of three songs Enya sings in the imaginary Loxian language. There is only one other singer in the world who could sing in an imaginary language and sound good, which is Elizabeth Frasier from the Cocteau Twins. Enya starts off with the most beautiful, warbling vocalization, and weaves her singing in and out of the ravishing soundcape. It is a thrilling coda to an album that I shall treasure for a long time.
Free Music Review: Another beautiful release
Hit: 5 Stars
It's a dilemna that must face many an artist: do you repeat what you've done before because it's safe and it's what the fans want or do you do new things everytime but alienating certain people who prefer it when you did a certain sound. In the case of new age artist Enya, she doesn't really do anything new on this record or any of them. There's still her ethereal voice, lush musical arrangements and big choirs but that's what we love about her so why change it? While there's some less-than-amazing tracks, it's still a very solid record.
Less Than a Pearl: Probably one of the best album openers she's done, possibly since the Memory of Trees. Verses are nice and subdued but then probably the most gorgeous chorus she's done hits and it becomes a stellar Enya track. Highly recommended. 10/10
Amarantine: Not a lot of people are big fans of this one and I can see why. It's not that it's a bad track it just doesn't really have that hook that instantly pulls you in. Of course her vocals are spot-on and the chorus is slightly catchy, it's just not one of the better ones here. 7/10
It's in the Rain: Originally I didn't like this one but the chorus struck me and I started humming it, especially the backing vocals that answer the last word in the line, so I got into it more. It's one of the more lovelier songs on here. 8/10
If I Could Be Where You Are: What sells the song completely is Enya's vocals. The music is wonderfully understated, not overpowering her with choir sounds like she usually does. While it's maybe a bit more slower and not as attention grabbing, it's anchored by a great vocal. 8/10
The River Sings: Very upbeat, very lively despite the fact you don't know what she's singing (several of the songs were done in lyricist Roma Ryan's made-up language of Loxian. A great chorus that slows down the beat a tad; this should've been a single. 9.5/10
Long Long Journey: Another album highlight, largely built around Enya's vocal melodies and the chorus with a kind of marching band drums coming in to liven things up. Best part of the song for me personally is a captivating bridge melody. 9.5/10
Sumiregusa: Originally I didn't like the song but there's this one section where her vocals almost turn cathedral sounding and I ended up liking it again. May not be a song you get into right away but give it time and eventually it'll grow on you. 8.5/10
Someone Said Goodbye: Even though there's a hook with the song, I'm not that big a fan of it. For some reason I couldn't get the chorus "adios, goodbye" from a Day Without Rain song out of my head when I hear this one. It's a nicely composed track but it may not be a favorite for all. 8/10
A Moment Lost: The further along the record goes, the more slower the songs seem to get and there isn't that more upbeat song to liven things up. As always, it's a very nice sounding song and none of these are skip-worthy but if you tend to look for specific songs to listen to, some might pass this one. 7.5/10
Drifting: I love the use of the piano on this one. Very minimalist in its arpeggios and chording but fits perfectly with this instrumental. It's very soothing to have on and like a lot of instrumentals, it's not meant to be a big pop number a la River Sings but it's still serene nonetheless. 8.5/10
Amid the Falling Snow: Nice bouncy melody to accompany Enya's multi-tracked vocals. These help the track later with tons of ethereal vocals going on at once. Even though it's buried at the end of the album, it helps bring the cd's pace up. 8.5/10
Water Shows the Hidden Heart: The third, after River and Pearl, to be sung in Roma's Loxian language, it's a more quieter album closer and it's nice to hear her vocals almost cross each other near the end. It's a bit slower and probably won't go in your iPod anytime soon but it's a lovely closer. 8/10
It's always hard to review an Enya cd. When you use too many adjectives for "lovely", it might sound kind of biased. It's then you start seeing the songs as a whole rather than just finding everything pretty. While a couple of okay songs drag it down a tad, it's still a worthwhile cd for fans.
Free Music Review: From Enya's Elvish Twin
Hit: 5 Stars
First off, I'm a new Enya fan... just this year. Yeah, I'm also the LotR freak, so I've heard Aniron, May it Be, and practically drooled over them... very lovely. That wasn't enough to get me into 'Enya'. I am also a huge lover of music, I own all three of the LotR complete recordings... I go for music. I love music. I'm also very conservative. I don't listen to rock... just hymns and some soundtrack... Narnia's first two scores were something of a disappointment. So, I'm picky. Yes, it's true... I don't go for guady jewelry, I don't like banging music. I like soft, quite, thoughtful, or happy and chipper. I am a die-hard for sad music too. I want something to make me cry. I was given Celtic Woman and expected a lot, I was disappointed. Only two songs I would ever buy... so, when I got into Enya I wasn't expecting to like every single song except one in all of her albums.
Enya is... well... Enya paints pictures in my mind. I see a scene of nature or between people everytime I hear the song. She inspires me to go write on my book... Amarantine is perfect. I love the songs...
1. Less than a pearl
this song is the perfect adventure, either that or it's provoking you to stand out in the middle of the sunlight with your arms spread out, your head back, singing to the sky.
2. Amarantine
A lovely, sometimes hyper song, with an eeire chourous. It's perfect for any helpless romantic... I'm not one of those, but hey! it is Enya! I love her music, I love this song!
3. It's in the rain
sigh... the words to this song... every time it rains I begin this song in my head. So lovely, sorta peaceful. I can see the rain drops dripping from leaves.
4. If I could be where you are
a lovely song, but it's not my top fav...
5. The river sings
a highly celtic twist. Very lively. Makes me want to dance around somehow. Enya's good at that. Makes you want to go on an adventure, even when you stubornly say no to her, she takes you with her anyways.
6. Long long journey
I think Enya must have written this for Bilbo Baggins. I see scenes from The Hobbit everytime I listen to this. It begins with city lights upon the harbour... and I see Bywater reflecting the lights of Hobbiton in RotK at the end when the Hobbits are at The Green Dragon. The courous shows you Bilbo's steps from The Mountain and There and Back Again... this is Enya's hobbit-walking song!
7. Sumiregusa
Lovely! where Less than a pearl makes you look up at the sky, this has you looking for violets in the wild woods.
8. Someone said goodbye
this is my absolute favourite. it's sad and desperate, and I probably shouldn't go on about it forever! But... it's Cooper who's singing this to a friend, Samantha, or Pepper Darcy... her husband's died. She's alone... she's lost... she doesn't know why. Her dreams won't fly, her heart cries, she won't say goodbye to anyone, and for the life of her, Pepper can't figure out why! Neither can Cooper.
9. A moment lost
another great song... Tom regrets... he's ruined Awel's life, and he can never change it... his moment was lost.
10. Drifting
no real opinion. It does feel like your moving about in the water, somehow...
11. Amid the falling snow
This is a very white song! I love the strings here. it should have been The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe's credit song! It gives me chills.
12. Water shows the hidden heart
Somehow this feels elvish, in a strange way. It's lovely, but again, this isn't my top favourite, but I still like it anyhow
From where the Willows weep (and yes, Enya SHOULD make an album, call it that, and send me a copy : )
Ithilwen~
Free Music Review: Enya's "White Album": 4.6 stars
Hit: 5 Stars
There are composers; there are "stylists"; and then there are those rare people (e.g., King David, J.S. Bach, John Denver) who create their own musical genres. Add to that select list Enya, who is second only to U2 as the most popular artist that Ireland has yet produced.
People in that select list are often criticized as sticking too closely to what they know. Such a critique misses the point. Every composer has his or her preferred musical motifs; those on this list are simply more idiosyncratic in their choices than others are. Enya is even more idiosyncratic than many. Once one understands that, one may appreciate just how creative Enya is within the musical boundaries she's (quite deliberately) set for herself.
One measure of Enya's creative growth is how long it takes one's ear to assimilate a given album. This one has taken considerably longer than any other (and I've heard them all). It's no surprise that there's much familiar musical and verbal material here. Yet just when one's ear almost gets lulled into complacency, Enya will take a melodic turn, a harmonic turn, a change in the style of an entire song that she's never taken before.
The name Amarantine (a variant spelling of amaranthine) itself has several meanings. Here it no doubt means "eternally beautiful, unfading", referring poetically to an imaginary flower. (The flower amaranth is quite real; one of its names is "love-lies-bleeding".) Appropriately, the album has a good number of the delicate to intense New Age love songs (including the title song) that are one of Enya's strong suits.
The magnificent opening track, "Less than a pearl" [sic], is the first of three tracks featuring the fictional Loxian language and concepts created by Roma Ryan for her book, Water Shows the Hidden Heart. (In fact Amarantine comes close in spirit to being a concept album; one wonders what would've happened had Enya and Roma carried the idea though.) An unexpected gem is "Sumiregusa (Wild Violet)", with Japanese lyrics. (Thankfully, both the Loxian and the Japanese texts are translated into English, although I'm not sure I prefer Roma's own Loxian font over a phonetic transliteration of that language.) In total and welcome contrast, there's "Long, long journey", which (too briefly!) takes the English folk hymn style (snare drum, choir and all) to places it likely has never seen before.
In this age of adrenaline junkies, many have lost their appreciation for the beauty and power of very simple, very slow melodies. Enya serves us some exemplars ("If I could be where you are" and "Drifting"). Not to worry -- the first is followed by some rollicking good Celtic fun ("The river sings", rather strangely so given the serious Loxian lyrics), and the second by the exquisite "Amid the falling snow".
And as for my title? Besides the cover's color, there's the Beatle-esque character of many of the album's songs, a character even more prominent than in A Day Without Rain. A nod to the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death? Only Enya and the Ryans know for sure.
The one real fault of this album isn't what many critics will say it is. It's that on some songs (like "Long, long journey"), Enya hasn't thought through her ideas far enough structurally -- leaving the listener's ear unsatisfied. But I'm not about to give Enya 4 stars when I'd give her a solid 4.6 were that option available.