Iona - Open Sky
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Music CD Cover
Artist: IonaEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2001-04-24
Music Label: Forefront
Soundtracks:
- Woven Cord
- Wave After Wave
- Open Sky
- Castlerigg
- A Million Stars
- Light Reflected
- Hinba
- Songs of Ascent, Pt. 1
- Songs of Ascent, Pt. 2
- Songs of Ascent, Pt. 3
- Friendship's Door
Free Music Notes for Open Sky
Free Music Review: Their best album yet!
Hit: 5 Stars
This album, like all of Iona's work, is indescribably beautiful. On this release they refine every element of their sound, bring Joanne Hogg's haunting vocals to the forefront, and continue the simply unbelievable solo work. Iona's musicianship is probably the best there is -- I can think of no other group that can match them in that respect. They merge myriad styles in their music, most notably celtic, rock, progressive, new age, & of course the Christian faith that inspires it all. Contemplative, intelligent lyrics, soaring synth, guitar, and vocals, and the overwhelming feeling that you are listening to music that has been sent straight from heaven. People of any faith (or none at all) can enjoy this album equally, because the focus is on the beauty of the music, not converting or reaching out to people (though if you want it to, it is very capable of doing just that).Here's a quick rundown of the tracks:
"Woven Cord" is a studio version of the title track from their live album of the same name. It's an instrumental, and a great opening point for the album.
"Wave After Wave" has a beautiful melody, great lyrics, and several impressive solos, especially the tin whistle.
The rythmic chorus in "Open Sky" will stay in your mind long after the CD stops spinning.
"Castlerigg" is by far my favorite track on the CD, opening slowly, then going into a chant/bagpipe sequence. Next a soft acoustic guitar and violin melody plays in the background as Joanne whispers. As the section picks up the bagpipes return in an unbelievably fast jig to close out the song.
The instrumental "A Million Stars" deftly conveys the feeling of floating out in space and seeing the wonders of the universe around you. A violin melody repeats throughout as synth's build and then release the song. Simply breathtaking.
"Light Reflected" is possibly the most progressive sounding song on the album. A great chorus.
"Hinba" is a song of an Irish saint's traveling by sea to an island called Hinba. Yet another wonderful melody, and something of a folk type feeling in some sections.
The Songs Of Ascent should all be taken as one track, totaling over 22 minutes. This is Iona's most ambitious piece yet, and they somehow manage to pull it off surprisingly well (as always). A mix of synth, orchestra, distant drum beats, irish instrumentals, piano, and some of the best melodies on the CD, all melded together seamlessly.
"Friendship's Door" is a fitting close to the CD, and it ends with sections of the CDs other tracks phasing in and out, as if heard while changing radio stations. It leaves you with a great sense of closure.
All in all, this is an exceptional album, and should not be overlooked by anyone who is even remotely interested in music. Iona is (believe it or not) even better live, so if you have a chance to see them, -do so-! In the meantime, buy this CD! I'd love to hear other Iona fans thoughts on this album, so drop me a line!
Open Sky Poster
Open Sky by IonaThis product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.
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