Customer Reviews

Distant Shore

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Orlagh Fallon's long awaited gift to us premiered 9/22/09 after much anticipation from fans who surely felt her absence from touring the past year with renowned Celtic group Celtic Woman.
"Distant Shore" is the culmination of a long time dream of Orlagh's and after much work this CD does not in any way disappoint Orlagh fans. This is sure to bring her many new ones.

Along with World Class musicians, Outstanding arrangements and of course, Orlagh's hauntingly beautiful voice, Orlagh exhibits an honesty of musical sense, sincerity, and Love for music that is all too lacking in the music Industry today.
Orlagh's spirit just jumps out at you listening to this CD!
And the variety of styles is just amazing.
This CD is a MUST HAVE!
Beautiful Work, Orlagh..Love it!

As a devoted Orla fan, I knew I would love this new album. But I was blown away by just how much I love it! The unique texture of her voice, along with the variety of styles, join together to make this amazing collection more than memorable! I believe this will appeal to all age groups, and to genres as diverse as Country & Western to New Age. This is good stuff!

Orla, I am so proud for you - I am over the moon! Thanks!

Orla Fallon is probably best known as the harpist with the world renowned group Celtic Women. Her harp music is in my opinion the sweetest this side of the Pearly Gates. But after touring with CW she left to pursue her own music. Like many of her fans I wondered when her next CD was coming out. A Distant Shore is a winnier. You have a mixture of the traditional and modern Celtic music sung by one of tghe molst talented singers in the world. Orla has a very special talent that my favorite vocalist of the 70s had, Karen Carpenter. Like Karen Orla can take a song peel back the outer layers until she gets to its core its essential truth which all great songs have. Once shels found it Orla sings as though she was performing for the individual listenner. The gift of intimacy. If you loved Karen Carpent, Celtic Woman, Enya then you will enjoy this CD. Orla's music appeals to " the better angels of our nature". Honest Abe Lincoln 1861.

She captured our hearts as the lovely and talented harpist in the Irish group Celtic Woman, which took America by storm and continue to thrill audiences throughout the world. Now, in her first album since leaving the group, Orla Fallon has given new heart to her many fans who were devastated by her departure from the group with this wonderful new release. She has the help of first class musicians, including Celtic Woman bassist Eoghan O'Neill, who co-produced the album and guitarist Des Moore. The selection of songs and styles varies more widely than her first solo album, The Water is Wide.. Yet the beautiful voice of Orla is every bit as moving and delightful as ever. And fear not--her harp is back. The particular charm of her singing and harp playing are featured in several numbers. A first-class production all around, existing fans will not be disappointed and new fans are in for a delightful treat with this new solo album from this celtic angel. If this is any indication of what we may expect from her as a solo artist, we are in for many bright days ahead!

Edit: My original review was five stars, but after listening to more of the album as well as Orla's first CD "The Water Is Wide", I had to change it.

Some artists can cross music genras beautifully and sound great in whatever they do, but sadly I don't think Orla is one of them. Her voice is better suited for traditional Irish tunes and her faithful harp that sets her apart from other Celtic singers, not for pop. Her harp is barely heard on here, replaced with the piano and a much-louder band that doesn't fit with her voice style. The songs she wrote are catchy and pretty, but the lyrics aren't that great. I was also disappointed that she didn't choose to either cover a song by Clannad (her covers with Celtic Woman were stunning)or find a similar yet unique style, as that would have fit her nicely.

While I can appreciate Orla wanting to try new things, but I think her venture into the realm of pop is not really her true style and is a departure from her Irish roots that set her apart in her Celtic Woman days.

I've seen Celtic Woman twice at Radio City Music Hall and was dissappointed when Orla dropped out before the beginning of the most recent tour. It was said that she was recording an album but I was dubious. Several years ago, Meav, another of the Celtic Women, dropped out and it was said she was recording her own album as well. I have yet to see it. I thought the same thing was happening here. Boy was I wrong.
This is an absolutely wonderful album and Orla has never sounded better or sweeter. I won't go into all of the songs but my favorite is the song "Always There." Absolutely gorgeous. I also love the title track "Distant Shore" and the first track "Who Knows." However all the other tracks are wonderful as well. I listen to it in my car and find it totally relaxing. I saw Orla recently on PBS and surprisingly she looks younger and better than on the previous DVDs from 2004 and 2006 (not that she looked bad there either.) Some of us are getting older, Orla gets younger.
In conclusion, this is a wonderful album and a triumph for Orla. I highly recommend it.

I love Orla's music. She has always been my favorite Celtic Woman. Her new CD is beautiful. Very relaxing. Love it.

Wow, Orla! This CD is awesome. What a talented performer. This CD has quite a variety on it, but I loved every song.

After listening to Orla's " Distant Shore " cd, you will be "Dancing In the Moonlight" !

Orla's voice has never sounded better. It haunting, soulful,and joyous when it needs to be. She has surrounded herself with a studio full of talented musicians and the result is a cd full of wonderful arrangements and orchestrations backing her up. Orla's voice can stand on its own but,together with the wonderful background music, it soars to new heights. In addition, Orla shows her talent as a songwriter with several original songs.

We Orla fans waited a long time for this sequel to " The Water Is Wide" and it was definitely worth it. If you enjoy good music,this is a "must have" to your music library.

If you like popular music, you will probably like this CD. If you were expecting the Irish Traditional or Celtic songs with Orla's souring vocals and amazing harp, well, not so much.

Switching back and forth between clips of this CD and The Water Is Wide clearly shows the difference in vocal quality. The Water Is Wide brings tears to my eyes. I'm sorry, but Distant Shore almost sounds like Orla sang it after sucking on an ice cube. Also seems a little tinny. Maybe needed a better microphone? She still sounds good, but not like one of the worlds best singers she has sounded like in the past.

I'll listen a few more times. Maybe it'll grow on me. I would have prefered just Orla and her harp.