To put it mildly, "Shepherd Moons" is a carbon copy of Enya's second album "Watermark". Just like 'Watermark', 'Shepherd Moons' opens with an instrumental title track, moves on to a piece with a more lively tone (Caribbean Blue), and then it progresses to a hushed church-like piece (How can I keep from singing?). Also, a clarinet is once again featured in the album (on the song Angeles). The second to last track "Afer Ventus" reminds me of "The Longships", the second to last track on "Watermark", and then the closing title "Smaointe" features a pipe solo, just like "Na laetha Geal M'oige" on 'Watermark'. Lastly, another piano instrumental is placed right in the middle of the album (No Holly for Miss Quinn), just like "Miss Clare Remembers" in 'Watermark'. So the similarities are abundant and very present as you listen to this album. Because of this, "Shepherd Moons" kind of pales in comparison to its predecessor. Enya once stated that she would never let anything compromise the music she wishes to make, but one can not help but feel that she could have taken another direction with "Shepherd Moons" instead of basing it on the same formula as she did with 'Watermark'. But, with all of the shared aspects, this albums does a couple things that its predecessor didn't, and these subtle changes save the album from being brushed aside as an exact replica. 'Shepherd Moons' is her only album to re-create traditional hymns (How can I keep from singing and Marble Halls), and it is her only album to feature cornets and wind instruments (Evacuee). Two of the best tracks are the dramatic gaelic tune "Book of Days" and the eerie and mystical song "Lothlorien". Now that song should send chills down your spine because of its majesty, and it ultimately reminds you of the theme of this album. Enya wishes to whisk you away to the heavens, to travel to a world that is so beyond this one. She still does an excellent job this time around, but because of its striking resemblance to "Watermark", this album would've been perfect if Enya had changed her game a little more drastically.
Recommended Tracks in Bold:
1. Shepherd Moons 2. Caribbean Blue 3. How Can I Keep From Singing?
4. Ebudae 5. Angeles 6. No Holly for Miss Quinn
7. Book of Days 8. Evacuee 9. Lothlorien
10. Marble Halls 11. Afer Ventus 12. Smaointe...
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