Enya

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.

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.

Enya's Music Isn't Bad.

She Aims To Keep it Airy.

But How Much Longer Will She Play

The "Ooohing" "Aaahing" Fairy?

Her Songs Are All Recycled

From Nineteen Ninety-Two.

And Everything Since Then Just Sounds

Like "Caribbean Blue."

This Album Isn't Different.

Its Melodies Are Stale.

This Platter's Flatter Than a

Pint of Day-Old Irish Ale.

She Used To Be Majestic,

Her Changing Chords Inspiring.

Yet Once Again She's Made a Batch

Of Tunes Quite Simply Tiring.

The Lukewarm Structures Bore Us

(It's Like She Isn't TRYIN'!)

Enya, Girl, It's Time To Fire

That Cloying Roma Ryan.

The Fans Expect "Generic," Though,

So Why Should Enya Mess

With Formulaic Patterns

That Have Made Her a Success?

It's White-Noise Just For Christmas,

It's Enya's Middling Show.

The Quality's Not Even Close

To "Orinoco Flow."

I do not know what album many people who say that this album is just more of the same are listening to. Of course, it is Enya, and it should sound like her, which it does, but the variation and breadth that the tracks on this CD cover is astounding. I mean, electric guitar??? Since when does Enya use electric guitar? Yet, it clearly works and it is still Enya. From somber and liturgical, to lively and celebratory, this album captures the reflective feel of Christmas without being heavy.

As an Enya album it is excellent. As a Christmas album it is outstanding. I could say that all the tracks offer something to the listener and it would be true. My My Time Flies has the feeling that it belongs in a musical, just VERY upbeat and distinctive. Dreams are More Precious and Last Time by Moonlight are very typical yet beautiful Enya tracks.

If you are a fan, you already have it. If you are looking for some new Christmas tunes because you are tired of the radio playing the same five songs in a loop over and over again, this is outstanding and you might find that you too love Enya. But be warned that once you have crossed over, there is no going back.

WELL I MUST SAY AT FIRST I WAS A BIT UPSET WHEN I THOUGHT ANOTHER CHRISTMAS CD. AND I TOLD MYSELF I AM GONNA APPROACH THIS AS A WINTER
INSPIRED CD. AND ONCE I GOT PAST THAT I MUST SAY I LOVE THIS CD.
HER VOICE IS JUST AS BEAUTIFUL AS EVER. THIS CD I WILL PLAY ALL YEAR
ROUND.

This CD can reach many audiences, instrumental,vocal, world, soundtracky. An essential for any music lover.

My grandson does not just fall asleep when I'm watching him. He is either teething or just plain fussy at times. I had just bought Enya's Paint the Sky with Stars and decided to play it for him. It instantly calms him down as he really pays attention to the music. In a very short time, he is peacefully sleeping. I've tried other music, including classical. It just does not relax him. I absolutely love her music! When I'm trying to do homework, I used to listen to classical music because there were no words to interfere with my concentration. When I listen to Enya, I don't have that problem. I'm totaly focused and able to accomplish a lot!

My oldest daughter is incarcerated right now in Nevada. We got her two Enya CDS and she said this one made her feel the freest she has been in the time she has been in prison. She was so grateful for this and said she may give it to her youngest sister when she gets home to share with her.

Kathy in Nevada

I love this CD! Everyone who hears this loves it and listens to it over and over!

.
I have been without my music for four years, and I forgot just how lucious Enya is. This is soul soothing, Celtic music with the beauty of her perfect voice blending over the back-up band -- Gorgeous.

I have never heard a bad Enya recording -- so whatever you choose, I believe that you will find a little bit of heaven when you close your eyes and let the sounds wash over you.

Nice collection of traditional music with an other-worldy sound.

The fact that you get only 6 songs for $23 seems odd. I did some searching, and GoMusic.RU has the album for $0.81. That, by contrast, seems too low, but I can live with it.

I am an Enya fan from her first days and have all her albums - however it seems that the albums she is coming out with these days are re-mastered and nothing really new. This album is beautiful - but with only one track out of the four which is new - a bit disappointing.

It is a typical Enya music. You can see her personal photo, beautiful and soft screen etc.,

This is the EP which features on the Christmas version of the Amarantine album.

It has all the hallmarks of Enya's music, which means beautiful musical arrangements overlaid with glorious, multi-tracked voices.

Four tracks: "Adeste, Fideles" (or "O Come All Ye Faithful", sung in Latin) is just wonderful and should be the Christmas number 1 (it's the second song on the "It's In The Rain" single (see my review of that); "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", as you've never heard it sung before (it's had an Enya makeover and sounds like Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter) given to someone who can't get enough of Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter - gosh, it's soooooo good; and two original Enya/Roma Ryan songs - "The Magic Of The Night" and "Christmas Secrets", two more beautiful tracks, which make this EP just about the best thing since Turkey and all the trimmings! This is a sheer delight, which you can wallow in if you so desire.

I am not a big fan of Christmas but, strangely, really like the music. Before I bought this, the best Christmas music I had in my collection was Mary Margaret O'Hara's Christmas EP, which is pretty wonderful. This is even better!

Completely sumptuous!

Check out Enya's older sister, Moya Brennan (also spelled Maire). What many think is the "Enya sound" was actually developed by the Brennan family band, "Clannad". Moya is the lead singer. They all sound pretty much the same. Moya has an excellent album called "An Irish Christmas", consisting of 12 traditional carols performed in that beautiful ethereal sound we all love. Just do an Amazon search for "Moya". You'll be glad you did!

The title that I did for the review at first glance seems like an incredibly positive remark about the music you're going to hear should you listen to this. Ethereal vocals, gentle pianos and synthesizers all come together to create an audio soundtrack for anything peaceful you can think of. On the other hand, for the detractors, it becomes a telling phrase, especially the "another" part since Enya's music fundamentally hasn't changed since her first big success, 1988's "Watermark" album. However, nobody seems to do this style of music the best like Enya and thanks to its timely and amazing single, the album became quite a hit.

A Day Without Rain: Like previous albums (though strangely, not "Amarantine") the album opens with a title track instrumental which features a beautiful piano melody and later accompanied what sounds like a low choir humming. It's gorgeous and good way to open. 8.5/10

Wild Child: She's always had that one track that seems quite energetic and almost bouncy and it's pretty much a guarantee you'll be singing this one quickly. Chorus at the end goes on slightly too long but it's so catchy that you forgive it. 9/10

Only Time: Released around the time of 9/11, the hopeful message and the soothing nature of the song became an instant listen for those hoping to cope with loss and even on its own, it's still a fantastic song. Enya sounding particularly gorgeous here and I absolutely love the bridge, this is sort of one of those cases where the single did happen to be the best song. 10/10

Tempus Vernum: The requisitive Latin track which is more darker and ominous than anything on the record and though I still consider "Pax Deorum" my favorite, this one's still pretty good though you might not keep revisiting the track...unless you're in a particularly sinister mood. 7/10

Deora Ar Mo Chroi: Sounds more like a sad church hymn someone would sing at a funeral, this is another beautiful track mainly due to the vocals and the melody it sings, bringing a huge degree of sadness with them. 8/10

Flora's Secret: Another bouncy track with bass providing a bit more low end and violins doing a simple-but-effective melody, this is another likable track and another one of the album's highlights. 8/10

Fallen Embers: Back to the sadness and tranquil stuff, not that it's a bad thing realy though it might be hard to discern one track from another. There's nothing really wrong with the track and Enya does higher vocals than she usually does but having another synth/piano/vocal track might make you remember other similar songs. 7.5/10

Silver Inches: Don't get any funny ideas about the title if you're thinking naughty. It's a brief instrumental clocking in at 1:38 and the main melody is more on the stattaco strings and what sounds like a sitar or at least a bright guitar sound (or whatever she happens to use, she does too much stuff). It's good but a bit too brief to leave any impact. 6/10

Pilgrim: This was always a problem I had since she'll frequently follow a slower track with another one which makes it a bit run-on. The background vocals give it a bit more difference and changes but it's still a slow and more moody music. It's fine but she's done better. 7/10

One by One: Dare you not to get that "hey-hey-hey" hook in your head. Though Enya's vocal delivery might suggest a slow track, her melodies and phrasing make it more strangely upbeat and it becomes instantly likable. Though it doesn't have the "Wild Child" energy, it's still good. 8.5/10

The First of Autumn: More brass-y with a lot more low end instruments and Enya doing background vocals (as always), it's an alright instrumental and is more a good look into Enya's arrangement skills and using different instruments than being relaxing like the title track. 7/10

Lazy Days: At least she closes it off with an upbeat track which will most likely get you singing along to it's "daa-daa" hook. Doesn't upstage "Wild Child" or even an old goodie like "Book of Days" but it's still well worth revisiting. 8/10

Enya has an album artist always had a slight degree of inconsistency since songs on their own were great and beautiful and can evoke so much imagery but songs flowing one to next felt different as song similarities were a bit too pronounced or she'd be like the "Memory of Trees" album and have 3 slow ones in a row. This may have been the most popular but I wouldn't call it her best per se, just another great collection of music.

The album has some very good tracks, the music is relaxing and soft. Enya has proved to make some of the best relaxing music and this album confirms this.
I gave it 3 stars because of the recording. Enya`s vocal is so bright, it sounds like her throat is dry like a desert or somebody is trying to choke her. The background music is recorded badly, the instruments are not defined very well.

Enya is amazing. Her music is so relaxing, but never boring. This album is everything you would want in an Enya album. You can tell she put a lot of time in creating this music. So, if you like Enya and don't already own this album, I highly recommend buying it.

I first heard of Enya when I was a child after I listened to the radio, and heard her songs on it. Ever since then, I never bought any of her music, until I bought "Amarantine", and this album called "A Day Without Rain".

When I listen to this album, I remember warm summer days when I sit outside in the warm sunshine. Every song including "Wildchild", "Only Time", "Lazy Days", "Fallen Embers", and "Silver Inches" are the most beautiful tracks on this album. When I heard the song of "Tempus Vernum", I had to look around as if there was any danger coming, but thank goodness it was only for one song. I can't wait to get her "Memory of Trees" album next. Highly recommended.

I would give this album a higher rating if the lyrics were printed in a larger size.

Don't miss this album!

"Storms In Africa" alone makes this worthwhile, & the rest is great fun!

This is my third copy of "Watermark," and second on CD. While I miss the smooth tones of my original DMM album, the CD nonetheless continues to amaze me. In "Watermark" Enya has created a lush tapestry of sound that manages to both sooth and surprise. Enya's song-writing, melodies and lovely voice are of course par excellence. What sticks with me just as much are Nicky Ryan's production values. This album sets the stage for Enya's trademark layered vocals - I believe they laid down something like 100 tracks on "Orinoco Flow." The end result is a seamless blend of sound that flows not unlike the river itself. "Watermark," along with "Day Without Rain," resonate as her best work.

Watermark

Just the kind of music I like, quiet and easy to listen to.

This is one of my very favorite CDs. I've had it for years. I recently had to put my car in the shop and when I got it back, 5 of the 6 CDs in the changer were gone (er, STOLEN!), including this one. I had to immediately re-purchase it. I can't do without!

First time i heard Enya was back in 1988 with the song Orinoco flow.I thought the song had a good sound,but it wasnt exactly my type of music.It wasnt untill 1997 when i heard the song Watermark i started appreciating her music.I had heard some songs such as Storms In Africa,which at one stage was played on an add.But it wasnt till 2002 when i got some Albums.This album has got such a unique sound.The music fits into certain moods,uplifting realy.I have heard it played on alot of TV shows.Every now and then i put it on,it can help you reflect on things, and is not a distraction if you are concentrating.

I was curious about Enya when I first heard of her; due to my love to U2's music and knowing that Enya became Irland's second biggest musical export after U2 (she's from Irland, such a bad stereotype on my part).

There's no way one's can deny her beautiful voice and remarkable style, but I came to think that all her music has the same redundant theme when it comes to lyrics or music.
This album reached the top 10 in both the UK and the US, peaked at number 3 in Germany, won the Grammy award for best new age album for 2007, and I'm in disbelief and trying to understand what is so special about this album.

The reason I'm giving it three stars is that she is a hard working artist with glorious presence on the stage(at least she's not winking at the audience and acting cheesy like il Divo boys). With the inimitable style she has, maybe it is expected to have a theme in all her albums, but the lyrics of this album don't measure up to the standards she had in her other albums and they are either too repetitive and empty or just beyond my mental capacity. I'll go with the first choice; the lyrics are repetitive and empty.

I have listened to Enya's Music since Watermark and I love every Album she has come out with. Amarantine is a wonderful piece of Art, making up a new language is the coolest part of this album. Not to be mean to others, but there are wrong when they say that this her worest album yet!!!

This is my favorite Enya music for a long time. I enjoy all her sounds, but this album is special. It's really her best for a long time. I recommend this CD.

I'm very pleased, not only with the price for the "slightly used/not new" CD but for the voice quality and sound of this Enya CD.

All songs in the CD are perfect!! you can listen when you would like to relax, or play in your invitations.. If you are Enya lover,I strongly suggest this album...

As with all of her work this one is very well done. Enya's a perfectionist and supremely good at hitting on catchy and haunting rhythms harmonys and lyrics.

SHE HAS SUCH SOFT MUSIC AND I LOVE IT IT JUST HELPS ME TO RELAXE.
I HAVE A LOT OF STRESS IN MY LIFE AND THIS HELPS TO GET AWAY FROM IT FOR A WHILE

I play this in the car all the time. It is a definite antidote to frustrating traffic jams.

The zenith of Enya's work. Ethereal and hauntingly beautiful. Marble Halls alone is worth the CD price.

Enya's cover albums are like a work of art in itself. Then once you listen, you can't imagine how beautiful and angelic of a voice. This compact disc was one of many. You feel like sailing away her to voice when you hear Caribbean Blue and other other songs on this disc. There isn't one song that I could pick but all of them. I recommend this collection as a must have for Enya fans everywhere. She will win you over with her soothing voice and spirituality. I always feel more energized listening to her music than getting a power bar.

This album began as the theme music to a BBC educational series on the Celts.

But they got more than they bargained for, as Enya's enchanting, sylvan music wraps itself around your brain, & charms you completely.

I knew this CD had been out for a while and if I would have known I would enjoy it so much I wouldn't have waited so long to purchase it. Great Enya sounds with a bit of a twist.

The Celts is haunting and beautiful. Enya captures the history and mystery of ancient Ireland in a most ear pleasing manner. I would recommend this album to anyone desiring a mood lift.

Something about the sound from this singer/songwriter that just gets to you.This was originally written for a series.I have never seen that series,but you can tell that the music would help it to be interesting.There is only one song i dont like much,and thats the second song Aldebaran.I like the rest of the CD though,with some stand outs.Funny thing is i dont know the name of most of her songs till i look them up.So i have actually got to play a bit of the song,so i know which songs match the names.So that just shows you,especially with the first 2 albums that you can just play the whole thing,and sort of drift away with it.I think this is slightly my favorite of the 2.My favorites are The Celts,March Of The Celts,Fairytail,Epona,Triad,Portrait,Boadicea,Bard Dance,Dan Y Dwr is also excellent,well thats just about the whole CD.I want Tomorrow and To Go Beyond 1 + 2 are great as well.So i havnt miss out on much,i try to pick my absolute favorites,but thats realy hard,because the songs like build up to something and flow into each other so well,and they realy are great to listen to.

Loved this CD. Can't get enough Enya. I own every CD out thus far. The tones, soothing rythyms all are enchanting. Even the dark images and vibes brought to mind in her chants offer a perspective of music I never realized could be so entertaining. Those who have never listened to Enya have missed an appreciation of a beautiful music style.

This CD by Enya, the first one I ever discovered years ago, is still my personal favorite, with the title song being my personal favorite song of Enya's. But just that does not do her justice. She is many times classified as New Age/New Age Celtic, but that title does not do her justice to the music which she produces. She is able to sing not only in English, but in Gaelic, Latin, Welsh, Spanish, French, and even a made up Elvish (LotR). She has the amazing ability to be so universally adored even winning the 1997 Grammy for Best New Age Album; and one can clearly see why she was graced with this honor. Between Enya herself and the two Ryan's, there could be no better album made, although one can say this about each and every CD of Enya's (which I do own, with her new CD "And Winter Came" soon to be added to the collection!)

At first listening to this CD, the music sounds a lot like that on the Watermark album. But upon a second listening, the music sounds different, though of the same style. The tone and pace of the music on this album is similar to that of other albums, but the melodies are different. This album has both instrumental and singing, and both are enjoyable. This album makes for great background music, whether over dinner, eating, or napping.

Enya, despite being a successful recording artist, doesn't have the broad appeal as other artists; one reason might be that her kind of music is not very pop station friendly while another reason could be people think they're too "macho" for music that she makes. But people with open minds could find there's some beautiful melodies and harmonies as well as lively, upbeat tunes that are a joy to put on. I find the Memory of Trees to be one of her most consistent albums; plus it helps it has probably one of my top 5 favorite songs ever.

The Memory of Trees: Like all of her records (except the recent Amarantine), the albums open with a wordless instrumental and this album's title track is probably my favorite with gentle piano arpeggios and a beautiful vocal track. I always like the sparse use of percussion. 9/10

Anywhere Is: The lively single; it's actually a good sing-along with staccato beats and a great chorus. It's also a perfect length since it's under 3 minutes so whereas some pop songs drag after awhile, this one hooks you in then lets you go, leaving you wanting more. 9/10

Pax Deorum: Another album, another ominous Latin-sung piece. The music sounds like something you'd hear in enemy territories in video games while Enya gives a low-voice, almost monotone performance over the music. Slightly repetitive until a 2nd higher voice comes in but the piece hits its stride halfway with a gorgeous bridge. 8/10

Athair Ar Nearmh: There's some songs she does where it's more about the song itself rather than a poppy, catchy quality a la Only Time and this song's similar. Another ballad with some of her best singing, it's a more low-key track but it's also one of the album highlights. 8.5/10

From Where I Am: Another instrumental; this one's a more piano-based piece that would be a nice song to learn for all pianists out there since it's not technically complex or fast but it's pleasant to listen to. 7.5/10

China Roses: There's only a handful of songs I could have on repeat and never get sick of them and this is one of them. Everything from the vocals and background instrumentation, the lyrics and not to mention one of the most relaxing and almost tranquil ending codas I've ever heard, this is definately my favorite song on here, plus her whole career even. 15/10

Hope Has a Place: For me, any song after China Roses will probably suffer a tad but this song doesn't do much for me. Granted, her vocals are as great as always and the song has a nice, relaxing mood but either this kind of track is too familiar (a kind of Athair part 2 if you will) or it's just not as memorable. 7/10

Tea-House Moon: Very oriental in its instruments, it's another wordless song although it's more enjoyable than From Where I Am is, mainly because the melodies are more memorable and it's a bit more song-oriented. It's different but strangely likable. 8/10

Once You Had Gold: We're getting into the album's final stretch and the problem is that with this one, it's a more quieter affair as you can feel the album almost winding down. With Enya's more higher vocals (for some reason, reminiscent of her Silent Night rendition), it's another beautiful track but it's also a bit...same-y? 8/10

La Sonadora: Spanish lyrics for once, it's another slower paced track complete with "aahs" for background vocals and synths but again, the album could've benefited from a more perkier track. I do like what it does at the halfway point and gives the track a little boost. 7.5/10

On My Way Home: A church organ opens the track and with a more bouncy synth, you'd think it was a bit more upbeat. While it's not as lively as her vocals on Anywhere Is, it does give the album a bit more memorable closer, especially when the chorus comes where the track gets more fuller in its arrangements. 9/10

While A Day Without Rain or Watermark is usually marked as one of her best (probably because her big hits Only Time and Orinoco Flow were on them), I find the Memory of Trees a more likable album and despite a lack of more upbeat tracks, it's still one of her finest outings.

~~-~~

i love all of enya, and im pretty sure i own everything by her. this is definitely one of my favorite cds by Enya. Her singing is wonderful and the music is just great. I love playing it at night when i go to bed; it seems to calm down my puppy so he doesn't get too restless at night, plus i just like hearing it on. My favorite songs are On My Way Home and China Roses.

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I love Watermarket and Shepperd Moons but this record is just pure boredom, I am very disappointed, I cannot listen to it without getting this feeling of stupidity due to the constant repetition of the musical lines. That's not music, its boredom. Get Watermark instead.

Part of the reason of The Lord of the Rings movies success is due to the awesome score that Howard Shore has so magnificently created. A trully brilliant piece of art that pulls you into the world of Middle-Earth and keeps you there. You seldom hear genius any more, but this soundtrack is a stunning reminder that it still exists. The music raises its tempo gracefully with its drums without falling. It uses the choir and Celtic influences brilliantly. Each track fits the next like a hand in the glove. The music screams its power to submerse you in the magic of the Lord of the Rings. It gives you the chance to feel like you really were there buried under the mountain resting for eternity. It makes you feel the sadness of the elves, great and eternal beings. It shows the strength of men and the power of fellowship. It successfully creates a mood for the Hobbits and their Shire. Its power will not be lost on an artistic mind. Not many soundtracks have the power to force your mind into a dreaming, yet realistic world. This score really is something. Something that can last the test of time. Something that stands a head above the rest. It and the rest of the musical trilogy are trully the greatest score of them all.

Movie Soundtrack to the first The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. If you like instrumental scores you will enjoy this CD.

I really enjoyed the 3 series of The Lord of the Rings movie so I wanted the music. The soundtracks are good but if you like the movie the soundtracks watch the movie. They remind you of certain parts in the movie like the song Concerning Hobbits. The song is whimsical. Enyna has a great voice, very haunting. The Ring Goes South is another favorite of mine. I can enjoy these soundtracks as classical or dramatic music. I bought them because I loved the Lord of the Rings which has many similarities to Braveheart. Bravery, courage, strength, honesty, selflessness, love and other good human qualities people try to attain and admire them in the people and movies they view.

One of Howard Shore's best soundtracks around. The music is strong enough to tell its own separate story apart from FOTR. You will never tire of the heart-pounding excitement from The Bridge of Kazaad-Dum track.

Having made an earlier mistake of buying 2 C.D.'s which were not original soundtrack, I can truthfully say these are the best. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, look no further - no one does it better than The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the composer Howard Shore. You will be back in Middle Earth reliving all those wonderful scenes. I bought only The Fellowship of the Ring and The Return of the King from Amazon.com because I already had the Two Towers from Amazon.co.uk and I would recommend all three - magical.