Enya-"The Memory of Trees" Review

Being different can get you pegged falsely. In Enya's case, her synth-driven, slow paced music with multiple voices has led her to be put in the new age genre. It would seem like the most fitting title to someone who doesn't usually acquaint themselves outside of their norm, but one thing is certain, Enya is not exactly a new age artist. True, she's not quite pop either, but her music is too ethereal and insubstantial to be thrown in with the rest of the new-age pack. But with "The Memory of Trees", this misnomer will continue to be the public's description of music this good.

Unlike Enya's first three albums, "The Memory of Trees" is entirely synthesized. So the strings and percussion are all the product of studio craftsmanship, not actual people. But Nicky Ryan once again works his magic and carefully layers the synths and Enya's luscious voice to both compliment each other, but never take focus off one another. The title track provides a pinnacle example of this, as its swooping voice background and bright percussive effects are woven together into an enchanting opening. Then, following the pattern of "Watermark" and "Shepherd Moons", the album shifts gears and works its way into a more upbeat and driving work, this time around known as "Anywhere Is". The third track, "Pax Deorum" is where the pattern breaks. One would expect a hushed hymn-like song such as "On Your Shore" or "How Can I Keep From Singing?" but not this time. "Pax Deorum" is a chant with one underlying line repeated under several more phrases. It is without a doubt one of the most dark pieces that has ever come from our new-age/pop queen.

This change of pace is ultimately what makes "The Memory of Trees" superior to its predecessors. Even if it is all computer calculated, it rather strips away any burden that a live musician could bring and instead focuses on effects and the voice, Enya's voice, which keeps its appeal throughout all tracks. There are three instrumental tracks, all of which are strong. The closing track "On My Way Home" is definitely more pop-oriented than any of her previous work, but is also more addiciting because of it. Enya doesn't end the album on a slow and introspective note, she keeps her widespread appeal and ends it on a happy note. And even within the album, none of the songs are classic Enya. There's the overly beautiful and gentle "China Roses" and the equally magical "Hope Has A Place" that start to define Enya's music more than any of her past albums. In 1995, music as strong and as contemporary as this hard to come by.

"The Memory of Trees" is Enya's strongest, and no doubt most spellbinding, album to date.

Recommended Tracks in Bold:
1. The Memory of Trees        2. Anywhere Is             3. Pax Deorum
4. Athair Ar Neamh                 5. From Where I Am     6. China Roses
7. Hope Has A Place              8. Tea-House Moon       9. Once You Had Gold
10. La Sonadora                     11. On My Way Home