ENYA - AMARANTINE

I don't think I would offend anyone by stating that I think most of Enya's music sounds the same. And I don't think anyone would be offended because that sound she creates is timeless and absolutely beautiful. She is consistent in the generation of ethereal sound that can soothe the savage heart.

Once again, Enya embraces the language of her ancestors on a number of tracks including the opening number, 'Less Than A Pearl'. The misty sounds and drifting vocal delivery float like fog over an ancient forest. She reminds us of faeries. There are different degrees and types of songs she writes. There's the Celtic Haunt... Songs that have that tribal beat and distant sounds in native tongue. There's the Pop Blurps... Songs that have English lyrics and Top 40 potential. There's the Ballad Knot... Songs that are simple and feature a lovely vocal over sparse accompaniment. There's the Instrumental Segue... Musical pieces that flow between other tracks. Finally, there's the Shock Track... Something different and new.

'Amarantine' can be both a Shock Track and a Pop Blurp. It's the chorus that really gives this track it's unique quality. 'It's In The Rain' is a definite Pop Blurp. 'If I Could Be Where You Are' is a Ballad Knot and 'The River Sings' is a Celtic Haunt. 'Long Long Journey' is a Pop Blurp with some Celtic Haunt music.

'Sumiregusa' is a Shock Track. It has similar qualities to Ballad Knots, but I think the lyrics are Japanese. It's simply lovely. There's a stringed instrument playing I can't quite place. It has an Asian quality. Vocally, the song is sweet and relaxed, but the chorus is tense and urgent. The rest of the tunes can all be neatly categorized. The final track is one I'm quite impressed with. 'Water Shows The Hidden Heart' is a Shock Track for me because of the odd timbre of the vocal arrangement and choice of key. It's lovely, but has a dark sound.

My ultimate opinion of this album is positive. In fact, I like it more than others. Still, it follows a very reliable pattern. One Enya fans have come to expect. She'll never be known for pushing the musical envelope. But she will be remembered for creating songs with the power to inspire and touch the heart. My final words: POSITIVE WITHOUT ENTHUSIASM.

ENYA - AMARANTINE
01. Less Than A Pearl
02. Amarantine
03. It's In The Rain
04. If I Could Be Where You Are
05. The River Sings
06. Long Long Journey
07. Sumiregusa
08. Someone Said Goodbye
09. A Moment Lost
10. Drifting
11. Amid The Falling Snow
12. Water Shows The Hidden Heart