Customer Reviews

After the Morning

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cara Dillon has been one of the artists I regularly listen to with great joy. Her voice and interpretation of the folk genre are phenomenal. Play either of her two previous albums and you'll be amazed. I've had many friends listen to Cara Dillon and become instant fans. Sadly, this album is not quite up to the standard I've come to expect from this artist.

In this album Cara Dillon begins to experiment and blend different musical styles. Rock/pop and bluegrass influences are certainly clear. Although Ms Dillon wasn't what you'd considerer a 'hard core' folk artist, she was pretty much solidly in the folk genre. When I listen to certain tracks on this album, I feel as if they have been watered down to meet public expectations, rather than a unique blend of styles. In some cases the final product just ended up sounding awkward or strange. Usually I like music that defies classification but this album seemed to be the perfect example of the pitfalls awaiting artists when they venture forth out of their niches.

Despite the problems I see in this album, there are tracks that get the balance right. It is very clear that Cara Dillon is in an experimental phase, or has taken some bad advice on how to widen her audience. Her strength is certainly with her folk roots and I hope that she'll remain true to them. If you are a fan, you might want to buy this album out of curiosity but don't buy it expecting to hear folk music.

I am really enjoying this album... The first song does veer towards pop rather than traditional, but it is an excellent song! There are also several awesome songs that tend more toward the traditional... like The Snows They Come The Soonest and Bold Jamie. Then there's Garden Valley, written by Scotland's modern poet laureate, Dougie MacLean, that Cara does a magnificant job with. Granted, there are a few songs that don't highlight Cara's ability as well as they could, but her beautiful voice can compensate for a lack in any song.

This is definitely Cara's strongest and best album to date. After the Morning has Cara successfully combining folk with a little bluegrass to produce a beautifully melodic album with every track a winner and one that should appeal to a wider listening audience. Standouts for me were Brockagh Braes and Garden Valley but I haven't skipped a track when playing the album since I first heard it a few months ago. Her angelic voice and Sam Lakeman's arrangements are more confident on this album than the previous two albums - this is one I definitely recommend.

I did not give this CD 5 stars because it is not the same quality as Hill of Thieves. However, it is very good and should get 4.5 stars. Garden Valley is IMO Dillon's best song of all in her recording career. There is more pop influnce here, and bluegrass, as compared to Hill of Thieves. Overall I like this collection very much. Several tracks could easily have been recorded by Alison Kraus, they are in that style.

Irish and celtic songstress delivers her 3rd album here. Backed by critical acclaim and the voice of an angel, this is an album that showcases her at her very best. Hers is the type of voice that you just melt into and creates a relaxing atmosphere. All the songs are strong and compliment each other with my favourites 'Garden Valley' and 'Walls' sitting out front for me. If you like Irish / Scottish airs, you will love this.

Beautiful voice...the album as a whole could be alittle better though. I do like

1. Never in a Million Years

2. Garden Valley

3. Snow they Meltest the Soonest

I stumbled on Cara Dillon as a free download. One listen and I was hooked, I bought all three of her albums. The first one has a few more traditional songs than this album, but this album still works. I love all of her songs. Actually the first two songs on this album could be released as light country. "I Wish You Well" has a bit of a blue grass sound to it.

I'm by no means a music expert but her voice is clear and beautiful. The songs are simple, no over produced. It's just her lovely voice and a piano or guitar, maybe a fiddle or occasionally a banjo. She doesn't cram runs all through the songs, her vibrato is just enough, not over done. I know it sounds cliche but if angels sing, they sound like Cara Dillon and her choice of songs is superb and the beautiful simplicity really works!

If you like The Corrs and Celtic Women, you might want to check out Cara Dillon.

After Cara's first two excellent albums that retained a real traditional feel within a modern setting, this came as a huge disappointment. The voice is just as lovely, but the music has veered right away from the traditional and into bland commercial-style music. Right in the footsteps of Mary Black. A pity.

I think it's an accurate description.

This CD popped up on Amazon as a "recommendation" and for some reason I decided to chance it. I'm so glad I did. I play this CD a lot and plan to by her others as well. The music and arrangements are more pop than I normally like, but in this case I don't mind at all. Think of the early Corrs music and you get an idea of what she sounds like. Better yet, go to the sample selections and cruise through the whole album. Every song is very listenable and very accessible.

I don't normally write CD reviews, but I was moved to write and recommend it to anyone who likes the sweeter side of Celtic music. Less ethereal and new age than Enya, and far less hard driving than Sharon Shannon, say. Another reviewer has expressed some disappointment at the eclectic nature of the song selection. But since I have not been exposed to earlier Cara Dillon, this doesn't bother me at all. Cara's voice is extremely pure and delicate, and there is something about her phrasing that comes through with great immediacy.

I took a chance and you should, too.