The Voice Of Angels (Shepherd Moons - Enya)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	Shepherd Moons - Enya
Date:	08/09/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: stunning tracks

Disadvantages: genuinely none

This album has to be heard to be believed. If music were played in heaven then Enya would surely be the choice of Gods. Enya began life in Clannad before forging her own solo career. This stunning album comprises twelve songs.

'Sheperd Moons' is a delicate piano driven affair, slow and methodical, with gentle interspersions from Enya singing choral notes. It conjures up an air of calm and the title reflects the mood perfectly. I picture lone shepherds watching flocks by night, with only the moon as company.

'Carribbean Blue' harks back to 'Orrinoco Flow' with a similar rhythm and buoyant melody it makes you feel like you are bobbing on an ocean. 'How Can I Keep From Singing' delivers a soothing vocal from Enya as she spins a tale of joy, her refined voice borders on collapse and it is quite beautiful.

'Ebudae' has an African rhythm about it which makes one think of tribesmen and chanting around a campfire. Atmospheric and uplifting, it is a splendid and short piece of music. Next up is the glorious 'Angeles,' which sounds so Christmassy. The vocals sound like they have been recorded in the biggest oldest church and the harmonies are spellbinding and ghostly.

'No Holly For Miss Quinn' is a brisk number, a well tempered piano drives it. Not as engaging as the aforementioned songs, though pleasant enough to keep the calm air running. More appealing is the thunderous 'Book Of Days' which has momentum at every turn and a wonderful galloping rhythm where Enya canters through at breakneck speed, thrusting crescendos upon you.

'Evacuee' begins with a brass band fanfayre, before slowly unfolding into a weepy ballad. Enya's vocals are restrained and show a fragility. The song is sad and touching and would be a lovely funeral track.

'Lothlorien' is just over two minutes long, amazing resonating electric pianos create a warm ambience and an air of mystery. I imagine searching for sunken treasure as this plays. It is followed by Enya's take on 'Marble Halls' which is sung so softly you could hear a pin drop. Absolutely exquisite and so moving.

'After Ventus' is taking us towards the end and we see the return of angelic harmonies and notions of stillness. The track develops into a complex maze of vocals weaving in and out of each other. The final track 'Smaointe' is over six minutes and is a shockingly acute Irish ballad, which sounds like it has been sitting in a cave waiting to be sung for centuries. It is a superb ending to what must be one of the most relaxing and most enduring albums ever.

Summary: amazing