Customer Reviews

Holy Ground

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is among the albums that Mary Black fans will point to as "essential."

To be honest, I didn't really fall in love with it on my first listen. I could tell it was a GOOD album, but at first, I wasn't sure it was a GREAT album. Her voice was strong and clear, but there was nothing very unusual about it. It was just like your basic good voice. Also, the songs were very pretty, but they kind of came across as ordinary ballads - nothing jumped out at me.

With repeated listenings though, I gradually "got it". The power of this album is a subtle one, but once you find its beauty, you'll never again understand why you didn't hear it on the first listen.

Mary Black sings with a pure, honest spirit that creates the most subtle glow around each Irish folk ballad. She is baring her soul with each note, but she doesn't do it with raw power - she does it with a tender heart and an honest lilt. The aura around her singing is unmistakable once you begin to hear it.

The songs too became more enchanting to me with each listen. ONE WAY DONKEY RIDE is a genuinely sympathetic ballad, and Mary Black's rendition is particularly heartfelt. Some of the love stories told on the album are warm with innocence, and biting with pain. And I've come to really love the song PAPER FRIENDS too, just because its simple message about knowing who your real friends are and aren't is so welcoming.

HOLY GROUND is definitely quintessential Mary Black!

I have all of Mary's CDs and find this one to be the one I listen to the most. The song selection on this album couldn't be better and Mary's marvelous voice brings a deep meaning to each one. As other reviewers have observed, the lead track and the closing track have a haunting dissimiarity. I love everything Mary has recorded but this is the very best in my opinion.

Mary Black has delivered a breathtaking CD for 1993. This CD has a more accuistic feel to it, a good follow up to Babes In The Woods. Mary chooses songs by Sandy Denny, John Gorka, Noel Brazil and Thom Moore just to name a few. I feel her song selection on this album is better then her previous efforts and with By The Time It Gets Dark can be counted as her best two albums. Mary's opening track is Noel Brazils Summer Sent You, a happy love song, she closes with a chilling song about a marriage gone bad in Poison Words. The line that sums it up is "I remember when we were sweethhears I was safe with you, you were my protector. Those days are oer, now I need someone, someone to keep me safe from you... Mary also includes great versions of Sandy Denny's One Way Donkey Ride, and John Gorkas Treasure Island. There are two songs called the Holy Ground, one is traditional and my other favorites are Flesh and Blood and Dockland, two upbeat number. For the best in singers who choose great songs you can always count on Mary Black and Maura O'Connell. Run out and buy this! Joe Benson

I love the wistful quality that Mary Black brings to all her songs, and the ones she's chosen for this CD don't disappoint. Her singing style is always versatile yet hauntingly familiar. A must-have for your collection!

I heard Mary Black's "Holy Ground" album for the first time during a visit to the UK, and fell head over heels in love with her voice and music. Although I don't own this album, it's currently at the top of my "wish list"! It's fantastic.

I am a new convert to the troupe of Mary Black fans! Her music was playing the day my friend died and I was moved to tears within seconds. I love Celtic music and Mary Black brings new and fresh tunes and lyrics to the genre. You will not be disappointed, I cannot see how anyone could! Her voice will melt your heart as well as your troubles!

She sold out. She doesn't even sound Irish anymore, I think she is trying to be Celine Dion or something.
I love her earlier work, which was a huge on influence on my singing style. What a bummer.

I had a copy of this album (in cassette format) many years ago after staying in Ireland. I was happy to see it available (used - like new) on amazon.com. I was even happier to receive it in the mail in less than five days in as good or better condition than promised.