In 1986, the BBC were working on a documentary by the name of The Celts. The soundtrack was intended to be a sampler from up-and-coming New Age artists: so, knowing an opportunity when she saw one, Enya submitted her track March of the Celts. It was so well recieved at the BBC that they abandoned the sampler project and asked her to do the music for the entire series.
After the series premiered, they decided to release it on CD: so began Enya, her self-titled debut. It was largely ignored on the charts.
Then, in 1992, after her two smash hit albums Watermark and Shepherd Moons, the album was re-mastered and re-released under the title of The Celts.
This may just be her best album ever. The overall sound is smooth, romantic and silky: when listening, you will feel as if floating on air. When I go to the country, I often drive out at midnight, get out of the car and look at the stars while playing this CD: it does a great atmospheric job of suggesting awe and wonder in the face of the Cosmos. This disc is perfect for meditation, slumber or just overall relaxation.
Tracks:
#1 - The Celts
The opening title track and theme for the series. One of her more energetic melodies, Enya sings in Celtic with true pride for her people. While I like this song, I've always felt that it diverts from the general mood of the disc, feeling very much out of place.
#2 - Aldebaran
A series of string chords moving back and forward, intermingled with Enya's creepy, soft lyrics. In the rather video for this song, Enya's lips and eyes appear in the moon - and at the end, her eyes glow a glorious red.
#3 - I Want Tommorow
The first single from the album, I Want Tommorow flows quite nicely along with rather mysterious lyrics and a midway electric guitar solo. This track is rather infamous among Enya fans for it's video: it is very, very hard to track down, and is not available for purchase anywhere. In the video, a red 1960's car comes out of the thunder clouds overhead - she points at it, her eyes shine and lightning comes out her finger and blows it up! No joke!
#4 - March of the Celts
When falling asleep to this album, you usually drift off about now. This track is soft, lullaby piano with strings and Enya's strange Gaelic lyrics.
#5 - Deireadh an Tuath
Perhaps the best song she's ever recorded. I love to look at the stars while listening to this: it's wonderfully atmospheric and relaxing, and yet creepy at the same time. There is a sequel to this track, called Eclipse, that is included on her 3-CD box set "A Box of Dreams". Believe it or not, "Eclipse" is just "Deireadh" played backwards - and it still works well!
#6 - The Sun in the Stream
This track is a bagpipe used to surprisingly calming effect: I'm usually quite irritated by that instrument, but here, thanks to Enya's master hand, it works quite well.
#7 - To Go Beyond [Part One]
#8 - Fairytale
#9 - Epona
#11 - Portrait (Out of the Blue
Tracks 7 to 9 and 11 are all fairly short, very relaxing piano melodies which Enya hums her way through in the usual fashion.
#10 - Triad: St. Patrick / Cu Chulainn / Oisin
#12 - Boadicea
A very creepy song which again Enya hums her way through, for quite a foreboding, scary effect. For me, this always works best as the final track, like on Paint the Sky with Stars: Best Of Enya.
#13 - Bard Dance
I hate to say it, but this track comes across quite dated, like something Clannad would record in the 70's, or a song from a third-graders piano book. I always skip this song.
#14 - Dan y Dwr
A reprise of Deireadh an Tuath.
#15 - To Go Beyond [Part Two]
A continuation of the first part of To Go Beyond, which is basically the same song, except with an added string section.
In conclusion, this is a wonderful album for general relaxation. You may also like Watermark and Shepherd Moons: if you have a bit more money, buy the 3-CD Box Set "A Box Of Dreams" which includes nearly all the songs she recorded from 1987 to 1997.
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