Customer Reviews

Dreamcatcher

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Unlike the previous reviewer, I was very much aware that this was a compilation album and not the new studio album which is due this fall. I also would have to ask the burning question, how can one lose one's creativity when you release a compilation album? Isn't the point of a compilation album to release previously released materials? With that being said, the only new material on the album is the final track entitled "The Present," which was written by a Korean artist for a movie soundtrack. It is not a bad track, however, to those who have heard their previous works, it is clear that it is not at the same level as their songs that they wrote themselves.

For those that have never heard or bought any of the Secret Garden's previous releases, this is a great way to introduce yourself to a great instrumental band. For those, like myself, who already own all three Secret Garden albums and just has to own everything by this group, the new track will get some play, but I think most will favor the older songs to the new.

This is a "good news - bad news" review since this CD is a compilation of already released Secret Garden material. If you're not yet a Secret Garden fan, this is a wonderful and delightful means of introduction. If Secret Garden is already in your collection, then you have to think twice. Songs on this CD are from their previous (excellent!) releases, "Songs from a Secret Garden" (tracks 1,5,6,12,14&15), "White Stones" (3,8,11,13&16) and "Dawn of a New Century" (2,4,7,9,10,17&18).

If you're not yet a Secret Garden fan, then I strongly recommend this CD for it's breadth of introduction to their material. Imagine a tall, gracious and strong marble piller with strings of flowering vines running up it - that's Secret Garden. Strong Danish melodies with a Celtic violin weaving throughout, supported by an evocative blend of vocals. And, should you have the chance to experience them live, don't miss it. Incredible!!

"Dreamcatcher" is a "best of" compilation of eighteen tracks from Secret Garden's first three albums plus one new "bonus" track recorded for an upcoming feature film in Korea. If Secret Garden is new to you, this is a great introduction to this exciting duo. Longtime fans will be delighted to find their favorites on one CD. "Dreamcatcher" truly indicates the range and versatility of Fionnuala Sherry and Rolf Lovland as composers as well as musicians. Drawing on influences from Celtic, Norwegian folk, new age, and classical music, Secret Garden's pieces tend to be on the melancholy, bittersweet side, but the rousing anthem "Dawn of a New Century" proves that this group has no limitations or boundaries. From breathy, ethereal vocals to various instrumental ensembles big and small to full-blown symphonic pieces, this CD will both soothe and excite, and will take the listener on a satisfying musical journey. Highly recommended!

This was recommended to me as an Enyalike recording, and I do believe that Enya fans will respond to it. There is the same Celtic flavor, and over all the ethereal beauty of the singing. For those who already have Secret Garden CD's, you may prefer buying the others, because you won't find much new on this. But for those who haven't yet tried these artists, and are into Celtic new age music, music that you can sit and dream or meditate to, or just thoroughly enjoy, this CD is most highly recommended.

Secret Garden is a favorite group of mine. It has been awhile since they have had a new album ,so Dreamcatcher was a welcome addition to their three previous albums. This album is a great disappointment as it is simply a compilation of tracks from the earlier disks,with the addition of only one new song listed as a "bonus track",which is not even up to their standards.If you already own the other three I would not advise buying this,but if you are not familar with Secret Garden this is a very good introduction to them,as it does contain the best of their previous work.

I got familiar with this CD after getting a recommendation from Enya's fan.
The only similar thing I found between Secret Garden and Enya is the Celtic roots.

Secret Garden music is more an instrumental pieces than songs. In their web site, they describes their creation as "music to a film not yet seen". I think it a perfect definition to the experience you have when you listen to this CD.

This album is a special compilation album that was released in the US. The album is a selection of tracks from Secret Garden's former three CDs, including one new bonus track called "The Present" from the Korean film with the same name.
I found it very emotional, enchanting and relaxing. Gentle, moody rhythms and colorful sound that combined together into a musical kaleidoscope. Beautiful spiritual journey.

While this is a good sampling of the excellent music Secret Garden typically produces, that's exactly what it is: a sampling of numbers from their other CD's. There is only one totally new number on this whole disk. Since I already own their other three albums, this was unnecessary duplication. I would not have purchased this 4th CD if its description had clearly explained that it was primarily a compilation from previous albums by this group.

Before you purchase this CD, do your homework. I am an avid "Secret Garden" fan and assumed this was their most current release with all new songs. While acting in haste, after purchasing it, I was disappointed to discover that this is simply a compilation of their other CD's plus 1 added bonus song, which I considered to be of insignificant value. All fans would welcome some refreshing NEW material, although if you do not already own any of their recordings, this is a sufficient introduction to a great group.

If you have no Secret Garden CD's then you will love this one! If you have any of their other CD's then you will be as disappointed as we were. We were so looking forward to new material from this group, as they are one of our true favorite New Age bands.

While this album may be a good choice for someone new to this group, all of the songs are on the three previous releases! A pretty good sampling of the very mellow Secret Garden sound.