Enya - And Winter Came
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Free Music Notes for And Winter Came
Free Music Review: Holiday dreams and wishes from Enya
Hit: 5 Stars
In a way, after awhile I kind of start to miss a new release from Enya and what she does. Granted there's not a lot that she does differently and one can make a case that she doesn't alter a thing about her music however that's what she knows and it's what she knows best. Having previously done Christmas releases before, this is not only her first full-length album centered around the holiday and winter but her first of new material since 2005's "Amarantine". And like a lot of her records, "And Winter Came" exceeds as a whole but can divide in its parts.
And Winter Came: Having broken the cycle of self-titled instrumentals with last record, this one brings back the tradition of letting the music play and here we have a re-worked version of "Midnight Blue", a track found on the "Wild Child" single. Using slow piano arpeggios, her familiar background vocals, it's certainly a wonderful way to open the record though doesn't have the gorgeousness of "Memory of Trees". 8.5/10
Journey of the Angels: A slower song with Enya's vocals having lost no impact after near 20 years since "Watermark" and it's a nice one with some doubled vocals and some nice harmonies though it might be a bit slow for some people but it works well. 8/10
White is in the Winter Light: Enya's songs are either near-solemn, tranquil and gorgeous or bouncy and this one's the latter. While not as infectious as "The River Sings" or "Orinoco Flow", it's certainly a perfect holiday song to get you in a festive and lively mood and naturally, it's the second single. 8.5/10
O Come O Come Emmanuel: Her lovely vocals are back where it takes on an almost haunting/tragic quality where it's almost funereal. This gets broken up occasionally with multi-tracked vocals taking on a cathedral sound, like a holy place (perfect for Christmas naturally). Not really "catchy" but lovely. 7.5/10
Trains and Winter Rains: The first single and it's one of those tracks where it can possibly grow on you and while it's a good Enya track, it's not really a good single choice either. The mix on her vocals makes words occasionally hard to discern but it's a minor gripe. 7.5/10
Dreams are More Precious: More reflective and calmer in tone, it's one of those tracks where the more I listen, the more I "get it" since it's not really an immediate track due to its pace. I like the vocal help some words get during the chorus and the bridge works quite well. Give this one time. 8/10
Last Time by Moonlight: While it starts out like it might be another softer track, it picks up and ends up having one of the lovelier chorus on the album. Her vocals are top-notch and the arrangement is sparse and non-cluttered yet perfect. Definately an album highlight. 9.5/10
One Toy Soldier: Kind of a quirky song thanks to a melody and music and it's kind of endearing where it just sounds so charming and it brings you in. However, the song doesn't really take off and though it does add some percussion for bigger effect and a bridge adding more parts, it's not a very dynamic track. 7/10
Stars and Midnight Blue: It's worth listening to mainly for her vocals (of course) and it's one of the better slow songs on the album but the chorus makes it stand out and her singing but the disappointment comes in that it only shows up once. An affecting chorus only used once, bah. It's like "Pax Deorum"'s utterly gorgeous bridge surrounded by her ominous Latin chanting only this ain't as foreboding a song. It works in a way. 7.5/10
Spirit of Christmas Past: On the "Memory of Trees" album there's a track called "China Roses" which is not only my favorite song she's done but also one of my favorite songs, periods. The tranquility, the beauty and the overwhelming calm that track makes me feel is one of those "never-gets-old" tracks for me. This one is along those lines. While it doesn't have as lovely a coda, her vocals on this one are absolutely perfect, especially the higher ones in the chorus. Best track on the album for me. 10/10
My Time Flies: This is one of those love-it-or-hate-it ones mainly due to its uniqueness. A full-on pop song if I ever heard her do one, it's nice she's going a bit out of her comfort zone (complete with a blues-y guitar solo of all things, when was the last time you remember guitar in an Enya track?). A bouncier track and seems like a 60's pop song done Enya-style, it's notable for its atypical sound but on a record like this, it stands out a bit too much. 8/10
Oiche Chiuin (chorale): This is basically her arrangement of Silent Night but with more vocals layered in. Her original had some of the best vocals she's ever laid down and essentially an alternate arrangement still keeps its lovelyness though not the original's intimacy and almost complete bare emotion. It's certainly a great closer but when you listen to the other, having that one would've been perfect. 8/10
Like a lot of her albums, this is the kind of track where it's best to leave it on and just let it do what it does which it happens to do incredibly well. But when you look at each track separately, parts might not completely work and some could've had more time and work but for fans this is more of what she excels at and makes for a welcome soundtrack for the holidays.
Free Music Review: This is THE winter album to own!
Hit: 5 Stars
If there is one album you should have in your collection this year, it has to be this one. There is a reason why it reached #1 on Amazon's best seller list! This is the release of the year. Every track is outstanding in its own way, there isn't a bad song on it. And Winter Came is Enya's first "winter themed" album. Some may think of it as a "Christmas" album. Here is a breakdown of what to expect when you listen to the album.
1. And Winter Came-The album opener, an instrumental. This is a reworking of a b-side track from Enya called "Midnight Blue" (available on the Wild Child single if you want to hear it) Nice opener, the beginning of the song is the best part. I think an excellent job was done with the tweaking.
2. Journey Of The Angels-A slow, traditional/religious carol. Said by Roma Ryan (lyricist) to be the story of the nativity as it would be written in the 21st century. Gorgeous song.
3. White Is In The Winter Night-A fun, upbeat song. Enya describes it as "very descriptive" and "a song to join in on" which I think is a fairly accurate way of putting it. Its lyrics are quite catchy. This is said to be the second single pulled from the album.
4. O Come O Come Emmanuel-This has to be the most exquisite rendition of this song I have ever heard. If this doesn't leave you with goose bumps, I don't know what will! The lyrics, the arrangement, her voice, just beautiful. The best on the album.
5. Trains And Winter Rains-Everyone knows this one! It reminds me of a mixture of past Enya songs (The Magic of the Night, May It Be, some say Orinoco Flow) Somewhat dark sounding. It's about a journey, there's no turning back. It's the first single taken from the album and I think it was a nice choice.
6. Dreams Are More Precious-This one reminds me of Once You Had Gold, but much better all around. It could be thought of as the "lullaby" of this album.
7. Last Time By Moonlight-This can be thought of as one of her fine moments in song. The lyrics are very moving. The strongest lyrics: Oh, remember this/for no one knows/the way love goes
8. One Toy Soldier-A Long Long Journey-esque song. To quote Roma: "One Toy Soldier is basically a children's song, a song about a little toy soldier. He's a favorite toy. He's been in the family for many years, he's like an heirloom, and as with all things that have been with you for a long time, he's not perfect, he's broken, his little drum is broken." An inspirational piece.
9. Stars And Midnight Blue-On some parts of this song, she almost sounds like her sister Moya. This song reminds me of If I Can Be Where You Are, but much better executed.
10. The Spirit Of Christmas Past-Based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". Very wonderfully done. Lyric sample: When tears are in your eyes/it's time to look inside/your heart can find another way
11. My! My! Time Flies!-This is an upbeat, catchy song that is most different from Enya, but at the same time, not radically different. It's a tribute to the late Jimmy Faulkner. There is a clever reference to The Beatles in the song and some nice blues guitar. The most surprising track on the album. Said to be the possible third single.
12. Oiche Chiuin (chorale)-A remake of her classic rendition of Oiche Chiuin (Silent Night) Richer sound, improved from the original. It's done in the fashion of tracks on Watermark.
Miraculum-This is a bonus track that is available for downloading on this site. The track uses the background music from One Toy Soldier, but the lyrics are different. This song was created in honor of 20 years of music. Sang in Latin.
Enya has not failed to please with this album. I would more than recommend this to any Enya fan (casual, once in a while, long term, whatever!) The artwork is also a very gorgeous presentation. The photos online do not do it justice. Some are saying that this work is not up to her potential, but I believe it has reached her potential and then some. Enya has yet to disappoint (and she won't!) This is one that won't leave your CD player (put it in one that has good bass and turn it up loud, it's the most gorgeous sound ever) Do yourself a favor and don't listen to the naysayers, you'll be missing out on some of her best recordings.
Free Music Review: Beautiful, lush, inspirational, and yes- even complex!
Hit: 5 Stars
I have read reviews of this album (and previous albums by Enya) where people say that Enya needs to pick some new instruments, write more complex music, and choose a new orchestra. These reviewers of Enya's work are simply not listening! Enya IS the instrument. Enya, quite simply, IS the orchestra. In spite of how airy and light her sound may seem, I urge you to turn this album up just a notch louder and listen to what you think is an orchestra or instrumentation on many of the songs. Don't forget that what you are hearing is Enya's own voice; layered and layered with great skill to achieve a remarkable, unified sound. No other artist in our time does this (layering the voice up to 20 times or more to create one pitch) with the uncanny talent that Enya has. It may all sound simple- but it is something that is very hard to pull off without sounding like a big mess. Enya has an amazing ability to be able to "see the big picture" (or "hear" the big picture) before, during, and after recording. Imagine being able to think of your own voice in several layers all at once- and then use those layers to build a single note and even a complete song. Suddenly there is a lot of complexity in the seemingly simple work that Enya creates!
And what a beautiful album Enya has crafted for us here. I don't find this to be an overly commercial Christmas album at all; in fact I commend Enya for including "the reason for the season" many times. The first song that she sings on this album, "Journey of the Angels," is all about angels bringing gifts to the Christ Child on Christmas morning. If you listen carefully to this song, you will notice that much of what you are hearing- sounds that at first listed seem to be violin, cello, and bass- are actually those beautifully layered and crafted notes that Enya creates with her own voice. Other songs on the CD, both new and classic (such as O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and Oiche Chiuin or Silent Night) continue to mention- in a gentle way- that Christ is the reason for celebrating Christmas; not going out to party and buy expensive gifts. I generally do not like Christmas albums because they are typically secular (in other words, commercial) and never mention Christ at all. THANK YOU Enya for being daring enough to include the true meaning of Christmas on this album! (Incidentally, Enya's new version of Silent Night is listed on the album as being a "chorale" version- again, the entire chorus is made up of that skillful layering and merging of Enya's own voice!)
Enya fans will not be put off by the fact that this IS a Christmas album- you can listen to it year round as that it is as lush and beautiful as all of Enya's albums. I particularly like the quiet nature of the album- many songs have the feel of snowflakes drifting over the ground; or the feel of stars on a crisp Winter night. That is another skill that Enya carries off with beauty- being able to create a feeling and a "picture" of Winter with her music. I feel that her musical vision is lost on many listeners- but many great artists who are visionary in their work are looked over by an audience that just can not understand or see their vision. Thank God that Enya still shares her vision and her fine craft with those of us who do hear what she has to say.
Free Music Review: Penetrating Music Evoking Emotions with Depth; Simultaneously Powerful and Gentle
Hit: 5 Stars
Obviously, reviewing music is very personal, but there is something about music that can be universally penetrating. After Enya's last 2 albums, I feared that she might make the adjustments or changes in her voice that Sarah Brightman made (not impressed with Sarah's "A Winter Symphony"--based on Sarah's MP3 samples only). I placed this CD into the player with trepidation.
(Sigh) How do Enya and Roma make it happen? I wanted so deeply for the music to be good... And... The music and words penetrate my soul and declare they are not of this Earth. The music on this CD evokes emotions that I can scarcely describe. How can she sing these songs without tears cascading? Enya and Roma plumb the depths of music dancing with lyrics. Here are some thoughts on each song. Some of what I write might make more sense if you already have the CD, but hopefully my words help those who do not yet have this beautiful music. I decided to go with the songs numbered format.
1. And Winter Came: Sweet, instrumental preparation for what is to come (on the CD and in the future).
2. Journey of the Angels: An imaginative, soulful journey of clear, pure music ringing a true and complex picture of a new-born king.
3. White is in the Winter Night: The palpable images and colors enliven my senses and the music builds and builds toward a glorious song experience. I long for the song to continue.
4. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: Stop; listen; you can hear the past, the present, and the future calling in a melodic voice, "Rejoice!"
5. Trains and Winter Rains: a nice song to recover and rest from emotions.
6. Dreams are More Precious: I hear the protection of the Shepherd bringing light from darkness and sweetly singing comfort to endeavor the sorrowful journey and seek the precious.
7. Last Time by Moonlight: How music surfaces the memories and encourages us to remember! Cherish this song and cherish the memories and cherish today for no one knows.
8. One Toy Soldier: The music and rhythm birth this story of redemption from sorrow to joy (and so glad she stayed with the "Happy" Christmas). I am glad for the joy Enya celebrates here or the next song might be unbearable.
9. Stars and Midnight Blue: I did not think that she could sing a song more sad than "Fallen Embers." In this song "Stars," Enya clings to and mourns intimate memories, and the music and lyrics cut to my heart and leave me still as cold, cold stone, staring at the stars (and blue).
10. The Spirit of Christmas Past: She knew. She wrote the first line: "When tears are in your eyes * it's time to look inside * your heart can find another way." The hope coming in Christmas lifts my head through this song and points me to tomorrow.
11. My! My! Time Flies: A thoughtful song that I am still thinking about. My daughter caught the "4 guys" reference before I did (a 14 year old who has been brought up well on classic rock).
12. Oiche Chiuin: Enya's care, thoughtfulness, precision, and clarity ring their flight and carry me over the years to a silent night.
But don't take my word for it. Experience the music for yourself.
Free Music Review: If you like most of Enya's work to date, you will like this.
Hit: 5 Stars
Basically, this album is classic enya. Regardless of the themes of Christmas and winter, she hasn't done anything remotely drastic to her sound ... so if you believe enya's music to be too samey and you are hoping for change, this isn't for you.
If you are an Enya fan and liked her most recent albums (a day without rain, amarantine) as well as her earlier work, then I think you will like this.
The music- instruments and arrangements, vocal layering etc are classic enya... I personally don't find her music too samey and enjoy listening to every album when it comes.. I can see why some people complain she won't change, but I (like many others I suspect) wouldn't want it any other way... it's this sound I want and am buying into, that soothing, relaxing gentle sound...
This Christmas / winter album won't disappoint if you accept she isn't straying too much from the enya sound we know and love.
I should point out, the album is really a Christmas album, this winter tag is something of a new record industry gimmick I suspect... people don't want to call their albums Christmas albums anymore in case it offends non-christians or restricts the market for the album too much I guess..
This album is laden with Christian refernces to the nativity story of the birth of jesus, so if that is likely to offend , disinterest you, this won't be for you.
As a Christian, this is exactly what I want, meaningful Christmas music.
Winter is a theme that does run through the album but the album really is a Christmas album... because most of the tracks reference Christmas more. Still, there are a few tracks (slightly less than half ) that could be listened to throughout the year.
My faves: I love the instrumental And Winter Came, the dark but uptempo Trains and Winter Rains, the soothing Last Time By Moonlight, and the reflective and gentle The Spirit of Christmas Past and My My Time Flies is terrific... really catchy and a change on sound for enya, more pop sounding.
Also, White is the Winter Night is the catchiest song on the album... I agree with many others... this would have been the best choice for single and it would be much more radio friendly too.
Also, I've heard many criticise this as a commercial and cynical album... the idea and the label pushing for a full Christmas album from enya would indeed suggest to many that yes this is this case (don't forget we've had 2006's Amarantine Christmas re-release edition and last years Christmas secrets ep.) but, enya has avoided the pitfalls of simply cashing in with a Christmas album... she has stayed true to her sound and self... the songs all maintain her deeply reflective and spiritual tones of past work... nothing vacuous here.
Finally, enjoy if you buy. And thank you enya for a perfect chrsitmas album to relax to...
Just as no one else can sound like enya generally, her Christmas album is a unique gem in the Christmas music market... a soulful, soothing listen.