A Day Without Rain
(Warner Music)
Creating precisely the sort of cloud-free mood of its title, A Day Without Rain is a luxury. Beautifully atmospheric, it sweeps the listener away on a journey of aural indulgence - like soaking in an enormous bubble-filled hot tub overlooking a magnificent view.
With dreamy orchestral overtures and quirky interludes, such as the eponymous opening piano piece, it is reminiscent of a movie soundtrack. However, few soundtracks offer the spine-tingling harmonies and ethereal vocal talents of Enya. This is a study in moods and it creates them superbly. A Day Without Rain is modern opera and the stuff of chill-out heaven.
What is impressive about this Irish artist is her ability to hit breathtaking notes sublimely. No frenzied octave-leaping here. The album's first single Only Time is an understated performance, and one of those melodies that you find yourself humming all day. In other tracks, such as Tempus Vernum and One By One, there is a great sense of almost-religious drama, while Flora's Secret and Lazy Days offer more playful moods.
For Enya's many established fans, A Day Without Rain will not disappoint. For the uninitiated, it will be a revelation.