Customer Reviews

Perfect Time

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this album because of the artists' connection with "Clannad" and her other two solo albums. Maire Brennen proves that she can hold her own with her sister Enya in terms of vocal quality and musical stylings. Plus the words on this album have such a powerful message of a real expression of her Christian faith that is not trivial or preachy. (Speaking of words, unlike the Clannad albums, translations are provided in the liner notes of any song sung in Irish,and there are a few beautiful ones here.) I would recommend this album to anyone who is looking for something that seems familiar, yet totally different from anything that is currently available, or anyone just interested in modern Celtic music.

Inevitably, siblings in the same musical family will be compared, and different audiences will prefer one or the other (or like both equally for different reasons). From the reviews listed here for this album, this is obviously the case with Enya (Eithne) and Maire, two sisters in the renowned Brennan clan. For example: is Maire's voice better than Enya's because Maire doesn't use vocal layering? Maire's voice is more earthy, but Enya's is more brilliant and ethereal; which voice then is more adaptable to layering? Is Maire the most talented musician in her family? Perhaps those who know the Brennans well would say "yea verily"; but I don't necessarily see the proof of that. I'll match Enya's work against Maire's or even Clannad's as a whole any day...all of which merely means that I like Maire, Enya and (some of) Clannad equally well, but for different reasons.

Which brings me to "Perfect Time". I don't think there's a bad track on it; and many tracks are excellent to superb. My favorite is the haunting and lyrical "Song of David (Psalm 67)", with its combination of harp, synthesizer, and vocals by Maire and a children's choir. Regrettably, it is the one Irish Gaelic song that doesn't have an English translation. I can't make the lyrics match up with Psalm 67 as the Septuagint/Catholic enumeration has it; but neither can I make them match up with Psalm 67 as the Hebrew/Protestant enumeration has it. I suspect the latter, though, was the source of the Gaelic version...in any case, the song consistently brings tears to my eyes. "Perfect Time" has a wonderful honesty and realism about it, concerning Maire's personal walk with God; the story of St. Patrick, a mythic quality to match anything in Enya's or Clannad's work (one can imagine the rowing of oars to the melody) -- and so on.

A Christian contemporary music critic wrote of Maire expressing a "renewed personal faith" in this album. I assume this means he or she knows something I don't...in any case, the faith is solidly Irish Catholic. This makes her (slightly veiled) plea for peace between Irish Catholics and Protestants in "Heal This Land" all the more touching. (She uses a deliberately gentle, almost motherly touch where some might think "a plague on both your houses" would be more appropriate.) I could go on; but I leave the discovery of the rest of this album's gentle charms to you, the reader.

Máire Brennan, a talented woman who has labored earnestly to become recognized as a solo artist, has composed, arranged, and co-produced one of the most remarkable albums pertaining to the Celtic musical tradition, and that album is "Perfect Time". Máire, who grew up in Gweedore, Ireland, hails from a musically-inclined family, and is elder sister to the internationally-praised artist Eithne (Enya). Begun by Máire's father Leo in the early 80's, the family band Clannad was formed, featuring Máire as lead vocalist and harpist, Enya as keyboardist, her brother Cíaran as vocalist and guitarist, and their Uncles Pól and Padraig on various other instruments. Enya decided to detach herself from Clannad in the mid-eighties to pursue a solo career. However even Enya's successful career and critical acclaim do not match the superbly earthy work Máire has created over the years and the purely spiritual qualities that she as a person, a human being, possesses. "Perfect Time" is an outstanding collaboration of her hauntingly beautiful vibrato and the tranquilizing timbres of a broad spectrum of instruments, including the ethereal Celtic harp + keyboard (both played by Máire), Uileann Pipes, Bodhran, fiddle, and is even seasoned with the delightful harmonies of a choir. Even more poignant than the musical composition itself is the deeply-penetrating Christian message which embraces the music. The only negative aspect of this work is that this message, intended by Christ to be simple truth, is sometimes conveyed a bit too esoterically, and the message is occasionally veiled partially by the overwhelming, richly-textured music. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend this album to any who are seeking music in the Celtic genre. I found that my investment in the album was a prudent one.

There's something ethereal about hearing religious praises in a beautiful language that you don't quite understand -- like Gaelic.

I first came across Maire Breannan's 'The Light on the Hill' on the WOW 1999 album. I was immediately intrigued by her beautiful voice and unique Christian-music style. Instead of being loud and choir-driven, this album is light and delicate, poetic and captivating. It's not preachy; rather, Maire expresses the fears and struggles that we all face in our daily lives. There's real emotion here, not showy lyrics and expressions. Pleading, praise, faith...it's all here on this brilliantly-crafted album.

The songs are quite touching. The music is light, almost floaty, and has a heavenly feel. It is uplifting without being heavy. The lyrics, however, are sheer poetry. 'The Big Rock', 'Na Paisti', 'Song of David', and 'Gra De' are nearly entirely in Gaelic, and hearing praises in the ancient Irish language make them even more powerful. Gems like 'Perfect Time' and 'Our World' show human vulnerability, while 'The Light on the Hill' and 'Heal This Land' may be written about Ireland itself.

What makes "Perfect Time" so captivating is its uniqueness. Many Christian artists tend to sound the same, but Maire Brennan has a completely different style. If you like her sister, Enya, then you will absolutely fall in love with Maire's voice and music. Rather than the usual, take a chance on something ethereal.

Ever the fan of Enya, Celtic music, and serious about my Christian faith, I found what most are looking for in a Christian CD: Something that reminds us that music is heavenly and lyrics that raise us from the earthly to hear of His Grace and honor the Lord. Maire is not Enya, and while the roots and influences are there, she is clearly worthy of being admired on her own merit. Maire has read her Bible and has stayed away from Christian cliches. That alone places this work above the normal offerings of formula, profit driven Christian music offerings. The title cut "Perfect Time" reminds me that part of the struggle of this life is learning patience in the face of rushing around. God is in control and He will bring us to His will. Her harmony and lyrics remind us what the song is about. It only remains for Maire and John Michael Talbot to do a CD together. Maybe "Sister and Brother!"

Before I say anything further, I must first confess that I don't yet own an entire album by this artist but a friend of mine burned a compilation of her work for me, spanning from her debut 'Marie' to 'Misty Eyed Adventure', 'Perfect Time', and her latest, 'Whisper to the Wild Water', and I've been listening to it all day, completely entranced and loving it more and more every time I hear it. She just amazes me and I'm so grateful for this introduction to her music. The only problem is I'm not sure where to start now because everything I've heard so far has been unbelievably great! (I especially enjoy "Ce Leis", "Jealous Heart", "A Place Among The Stones", and "Hard To Break The Seal").

Marie Brennan is probably best known for her dazzling contribution on Chicane's 'Behind The Sun' where she lets loose the magic of her voice on the classic "Saltwater", which can be found on countless dance records. The feel of that song, as well as the entire CD, is filled with dreamy trance beats as her haunting operatic-style singing majestically soars with the samples from "Harry's Game" (a popular New Age song), but here on her solo albums she takes her music in a more familiar direction that's similar to her Clannad days, which might turn some people off because she doesn't really take any chances here to make it her own, but sometimes it's better to just stick with what you're good at... Her silky smooth voice glides effortlessly through endless melodies of sheer tranquility, sweeping through lovely Celtic harps and pipes that interweave contemporary pop rhythms with a tinge of world for good measure. And while I hate to compare a singer to someone else, I can't help but hear an uncanny resemblance between Marie Brennan and the Native American singer, Rose Moore, who started out with Sacred Spirit before releasing her New Age debut, 'Spirit Of Silence', earlier this year. But despite all of that, they're both very different and that is made apparent throughout their records.

Another thing I notice is how she often tones her range down to elevate the sensation of floating for most everything she sings is subtle (even if the song is upbeat), carrying an air-like breeze that's very gentle and never overpowering; almost as if she's drifting in weightless space. I'm very taken with this teaser and I definitely plan on buying every album, even guest appearances, this artist has released and I highly recommend anything Marie Brennan has been a part of! I therefore prompt you to take a chance with this glorious music.

Trust me, you'll be glad you did

My first exposure to Maire Brennan was through Clannad 2 which was released 25 or so years ago, and I have been a fan ever since. This is the first MB album I have, and it carries on the same beautiful mix of acoustical Irish instumentation with her lush, haunting voice. Whether or not you understand Gaelic (I don't) is not not an issue for the songs in that language - the poetry of each piece comes through just fine.
A wonderful addition to any collection.

Enya's sister Moya has an equally incredible voice. the Celtic sound is strong and the worship of her heart is authentic. The song "Perfect Time" is worth buying the CD in and of itself. The rest of the CD is simply icing on the cake for me. Seriously, the song "Perfect Time" came when I really needed to hear it. I needed to be reminded that God is in control of all things and all things happen in His 'perfect time'. I can't say that I have always remembered this in my life, but this song reminds me that He is God and I am not. He knows what He is doing and I don't. In short, buy this CD and prepare your heart.

Maire Brennan, older sister of Enya and longtime lead vocalist for the legendary Irish group 'Clannad' has delivered a distinctly Irish/Gaelic Christian sound in her album/CD, 'Perfect Time.' Possessing one of the most beautiful voices on the music scene today, just about everything she touches turns to pure gold. So does this -10 track- release.

Containing the type of harmonious melodies and gentle nuances her fans have come to expect of her, Maire doesn't disappoint. There are however some subtle differences between the mood and feel of 'Perfect Time' and her other earlier endeavors.

The overtly reverential Christian tone throughout somewhat stiffles the more spontaneous and joyous Gaelic sounds conveyed in the pagan influences found in her earlier endeavors. It's only in -track 3- 'The Light On The Hill' that I get the feel of the Clannad years. Be that as it may, it's a beautiful recording and a worthy addition to anyones' music library.

A few years ago I was Program Director for Ireland's first satellite TV station, TARA Television. I commissioned Maire to write a theme song for the station, and within 24 hours she had a finished version of "The Big Rock" which we then cut some fabulous pictures to and used to open/close the channel every day. Maire always said she'd add words to the song and here it is at last together with many more beautiful tracks. A great influence on her little sister (Enya) and quite the most talented member of the family, I love her, and her music, to bits. Thanks, Maire!