Loreena McKennitt
Perhaps my favorite artist of all time, Loreena McKennitt's music is always outstanding. Loreena has created seven wonderful examples of musicianship in her 14 years as a professional artist. Please take note that a 'B' for Loreena would be an 'A' for anyone else! Music Synopses as followed:
Elemental (1985):
I have the CD, but have not listened to it enough to make a conclusive review.
To Drive The Cold Winter Away (1987):
Review coming soon!
Parallel Dreams (1989):
Parallel Dreams is probably the most Celtic of all of her
albums. Traditional Celtic fare such as 'Standing Stones',
'Annachie Gordon', and 'Moon Cradle' are accompanied by several
other great songs. In particular, the 'Huron (Beltane) Fire
Dance', besides being a wonderful song, shows her first steps
towards other influences that would follow in later albums.
'Ancient Pines' gets memorable mention as a song that is the
perfect ending to a Period Drama.
My Score: A
The Visit (1991, reissued 1992):
Loreena's 4th album, the Visit shows her digression away from
only Celtic music. Songs such as 'Cymbeline', 'All Soul's Night',
and 'Tango to Evora' have more a Western European feel,
especially 'Tango', which has been heard on the television show
Northern Exposure among other things. 'The Lady of Shalott', the
album's most beautiful (and longest) song, contains most of the
verses of the Alfred Lord Tennyson poem. If only the song was 3
minutes shorter, it could be her finest effort ever.
My Score: B+
the mask & mirror (1994):
Probably her best album, mask & mirror
shows her full potential. Songs like 'Bonny Swans', 'Mystic's
Dream', 'The Dark Night of the Soul', and 'The Two Trees' are
possibly the best ever. I particularly like 'Bonny Swans', with a
rhythm and melody matched by no other. Her best lyric's are in
the song 'Mystic's Dream', where she incorporates her visits in
Africa into the emotional depth of the song. Notable mention goes
to 'Marrakesh Night Music', which includes the lyrics 'Would you
like my Mask? Would you like my Mirror?' which became the title
of the album. (and yes, it is 'the mask & mirror')
My Score: A+
A Winter Garden (1995):
Winter Garden: Five songs for the Season is Loreena's second
Christmas album, and is probably her better one. The five songs
on the album, 'Coventry Carol', 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen',
'Good King Wenceslas', 'Snow', and 'Seeds of Love', have a
slightly more modern tone than 'To Drive the Cold Winter Away',
and also include the eastern musical influences that Loreena has
adapted in recent years. The songs are all good, though 'Snow'
and "Gentlemen' are the best. This is probably her most
consistent album; all the songs are equally good. This is a good
set of songs for the whole year round.
My Score: B
Book of Secrets (1997):
Book of Secrets, her most recent album, leaves behind Celtic
Music entirely, settling more for several different international
feels. Her first album, Elemental, used only a few instruments,
but now a full orchestra accompanies her on most of her songs.
'Mummer's Dance', the hit song that has been on the radio and
MTV, is the home-run-hitter for this CD, though I think both
'Night Ride Across the Caucasus' and 'Skellig' have more depth.
'Marco Polo' and 'Dante's Prayer' are also good songs, and if she
had a few more Celtic songs mixed in, this could have been an
'A'.
My Score: B