Amarantine - Enya

Irish songbird Enya is famous for her velvety voice which is like an oasis in a desert storm. Amarantine, her first album in five years, is a beautifully crafted treat for the ears.

It is named after a mythical flower that never fades, symbolising eternal love. Like Enya's previous CDs, it has an atmospheric blend of folk, symphonic backdrops and classical elements.

Less than a Pearl, The River Sings and Water Shows the Hidden Heart are written in a made-up language.

If it's a gimmick, it works well, as Enya's smooth voice blends into the melody like a musical instrument, resulting in a harmonious confection.

Title track Amarantine - a soothing ballad about the meaning of love - is the best song. Someone Said Goodbye, a haunting piece about the pain of love, is also outstanding.

The CD isn't innovative, as it follows the formula Enya perfected in Watermark (1988). But she still stands above many female singers who have no distinct style.