Customer Reviews

Only Time / Oiche Chiun

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

ONLY TIME-the cd-single-is a strong achievement of Enya's. First, this "single" includes three beautifully orchestrated and executed songs: 1. Only time (remix) 3:13 2. Oíche Chiún 3:45 3. Willows on the Water [instrumental] 3:02, and runs ten minutes. I adore the standard, classic version of Only Time (which runs 3:36 and is available on Enya's multi-platinum hit A Day Without Rain); it's powerful, enigmatic, and sublime. Therefore, I was a little leery of a remixed version of such an already stellar song. If the remix wasn't done in such a successful manner, it could have ruined this delicate masterpiece. Luckily, Nicky Ryan and others remixed Only Time well, with yes an up-beat rhythm that imparts a distinct pulse to the song. It's more relaxed, and definitely a change of pace from the original. Oíche Chiún, is Enya's Gaelic rendition of the powerful `Silent Night.' This is a true masterpiece by itself, but singing it in Enya's trademark of Gaelic just kicks the passion and beauty up a notch. This song is a non-album track and only available on the obscure Oíche Chiún single. This song is apt for the coming holiday season and a nice edition to anyone's collection of Enya rarities. Willows on the Water (another rare track), from Enya's Paint the Sky With Stars era, is a stunning instrumental combining seemingly synthesizer and strings in a very festive manner. In short, the ONLY TIME remix single is a very nice edition to anyone's Enya collection and puts a very successful spin on an already classic song.

Frankly I love the original version of "Only Time" however I do enjoy the remix version of the song. I found the concept of remixing an Enya song intriguing. I always wanted to hear what it would sound like if someone remixed one of Enya's songs. I'll admit "A Day Without Rain" took me sometime to love because I originally thought it sounded too much like "Watermark" and "The Memory of Trees" combined but the more I listened to it, the more I grew to love "A Day Without Rain" although it is albeit too short for my tastes. And since 9/11, I have really taken too heart "Only Time". Of course this gorgeous new age track became the anthem for a lot of networks, and eventually a regular staple on the radio. The remix version of "Only Time" adds an electronic feel to the song which I found to be quite compelling to listen to.

"Oiche Chiun (Silent Night)" and "Willows on the Water" are simply breathtaking to listen to. My one problem with "Willows on the Water" sounds a bit too much like something off "A Day Without Rain" but it is possible that this track was left off on the US release of the album. I'll never know. Still I dug this song. It's just stunning and nothing short of amazing from Enya. I adore "Oiche Chiun (Silent Night)". WHat a beautiful rendition. Enya sounds even better than ever on this traditional Christmas carol.

I disagree with what everyone else says about this remix. I think the remix adds a beautiful touch to the original. That is the only reason why I want to buy this CD. I have been looking for this song for the longest time and I finally found it on Amazon not knowing she had a special CD with it on. I can't tell you anything about the rest of the CD because I haven't heard it. However, I can tell you this much: the remix is so beautiful that when I hear the original, it feels like it's missing that extra beat and it sounds kind of dull. Nonetheless, the original is still a great piece of art. The remix adds a nice touch!

Okay, to start with, I LOVE at least 90% of Enya's work. I've followed her career from Clannad to the present and her singularly pristine voice is truly incredible, as are most of
her compositions and arrangements. This CD, unfortunately, falls into the 10% that I dislike about Enya; both from a creative, as well as a marketing standpoint. Creatively, she has been in a rut since "Watermark," seemingly satisfied to keep giving her fans exactly what they want to hear, at the expense of her potential. While I still immensely enjoy her albums since 1987, she persists in putting out mediocre non-album tracks as "B" sides on maxi-CD singles (and compilations) to entice the buying public (although I realize that the "Only Time" CD is for charity). These tracks, for the most part, are simply variations on one or two themes, going back to "The Celts" and "Watermark" albums. Specifically, "Willows On The Water," from the "Only Time" single (and originally from her 1998 "Box of Dreams" set) is one of these. "Oiche Chiun," while being a very beautiful rendition, has been released over and over and over (and over) again on various Enya CD's since 1987. PLEASE STOP REPACKAGING THIS TRACK! Instead, the wonderful track, "Isobella" (incredibly, so far only available on the Japanese version of the "A Day Without Rain" album!) could have been used. As for the title track of this CD, the remix only cheapens an otherwise lovely song. I can't believe Enya OK'd this "pop" mutilation of one of her better efforts. In closing, I have to say that her recent work on "The Lord Of The Rings" soundtrack, has given me hope for her to begin a new, creative phase. How beautiful her voice sounds accompanied by a real, live orchestra ("Aniron," from LOTR)!!! Will Enya fall back into her old "safe" marketing rut, or move forward creatively, giving us what she is really capable of?
"Only Time" will tell...

The only reason i gave this album 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the only time(remix).I liked it ok but the original is better.Her rendition of silent night was a nice suprise.The best song on the album was an instrumental song willows on the water.I can take or leave an instrumental but she did a great job on this one.Some people say Enya is in a rut but i dont think so.Just like any artist,some albums are better than others.And no,all of her songs do not sound alike.I dont know how anyone who listens to her music can say that.as for me,i am glad to have this cd in my Enya collection.

I first heard this song on a 9/11 tribute website,then on an episode of Third Watch when a NYFD Parimedic was shot.Since then I've fallen in love with this song and even asked my wife to play this CD at my funeral(hope not to soon!)

Beautiful Song!!!
5 STARS.

I was looking to buy a single with Only Time, one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, but was disappointed to learn that the song included on the single Only Time/Oiche Chiun was the remix. I've heard the remix and I find the original is by far better, the rythm is right (too fast in the remix) and the accompaniement is much better, the "electronic" music doesn't add anything to the piece. Now I'm not sure I want to buy it...although I would like to have the song around with me.

Don't sell this extremely gifted artist short. She is perfection to the ears and soul.

It is good, but the remix of Only Time leaves something to be desired. I would recomend this CD because of the last track "Willows On The Water." It is an excellent track.

I've been looking for this music for a long time but I had no idea who the Singer or the album was. I found out who the Singer was, "Enya", and the name of the song.

I purchased the CD and I can't hear the songs enough. If you're looking for an angelic voice then certainly buy it.