Two Horizons [Extra tracks, Import]

Maire Brennan, Moya Brennan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 3, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Import
• Label: Universal
• ASIN: B0000CD7SI
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #663,694 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Show Me

2. Bright Star

3. Change My World

4. Bí Liom

5. Is It Now (Theme)

6. Falling

7. Tara

8. Ancient Town

9. Show Me (Theme)

10. Sailing Away

11. River

12. Is It Now?

13. Mothers of the Desert

14. Harpsong

15. Two Horizons

16. Show Me [Jakatta Mix][*]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A lovely work notable for both its cohesiveness and its aural richness, Two Horizons likely stands as the most broadly appealing solo disc (now numbering five) yet released by Clannad vocalist Moya (aka Máire) Brennan, the oft-overshadowed elder sibling of Enya. Brennan uses a mythic tale involving a much-traveled harp (a totem for all things virtuous) as the disc's thematic center, yet it is the recording's composite sound--resonant, sumptuous, never quite overblown--that inspires repeated listenings. Brennan, who takes several turns on harp, explores a satisfying middle ground between mod and medieval, blending traditional Irish instrumentation with understated electronics and, on occasion, gently propulsive rhythms (akin to what you might hear from Dido), then adorning the whole with a gossamer New Age veil. The effect, as displayed in transitions throughout the disc (such as the shift from the dreamy "Is It Now" to the techno-spiced "Mothers of the Desert"), can be mesmerizing. Like morphing clouds in an expansive sky, the disc's 15 core tracks float by in an enchanting, atmospheric procession, with no jarring disruptions (other than a tacked-on club remix at the disc's conclusion) to break the spell. --Terry Wood --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Product Description

Maire (pronounced Moya, as the label is now making clear) Brennan is "the voice of Clannad", the international Celtic vocal group built around her and her brothers and cousins. "Two Horizons" is a another beautiful concept album from Brennan that builds her personal vision as exemplified on her previous solo efforts, rich with the musical tradition rooted her native land and her deep, hearfelt faith. Includes a bonus track, a remix of "Show Me". --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She leaves you breathless once again., April 29, 2004

By 

Callie "chroi" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Two Horizons (Audio CD)

Ever since her first solo album, each and every one of Maire's works has always left the listener breathless. Each of her albums is a masterpiece and each one tops the others. With Two Horizans, Moya has exceeded her previous works once again. It's her best album yet! The whole album tells a story and each song triggers the imagination. One thing that I loved about this album more than her others is that almost every song features her playing the harp, not just as a background instrument. Moya also has many great accompanying instruments, such as the uillean pipes, Maire Breatnach on the fiddle again, and Nigel Eaton's hurdy-gurdy(I'm sure that Loreena McKennitt fans have heard of him). It's hard for me to come up with a favorite, but I could say that right now the songs that I love the most are "Tara", "Ancient Town", "River", and "Mothers of the Desert". I love how she gives traditional melodies a very pop/jazz sound, which "Tara" is a very good example of. It's very fun to sing along with the words, especially since Moya wrote some very beautiful words for these songs. Some songs echo the sounds of Clannad, such as "Falling". I also like her songs are very sincere. Moya really speaks from the heart and expresses herself. I'm very touched by the story that each song tells. I love the imagery of "Ancient Town", the tears of "River", and the history in "Mothers of the Desert". I was disappointed that the CD cover didn't include the lyrics, so I recommend that when you buy this CD, aslo look up the lyrics somewhere on the internet. Even without the words, each song has a very great sound and is fun to dance to. I love to crank up the volume of this CD. If you get this CD, you will enjoy it. Moya can really make you smile and cry. It's a power that runs her family(as those of you who've heard Enya and Clannad should know).

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply (or not so simply) gorgeous, February 20, 2004

By 

CollectedSounds "blog.collectedsounds.com" (Minneapolis, Minnesota USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two Horizons (Audio CD)

Well, I spent a lot of my college years listening to Irish band Clannad so I was pleasantly surprised to see that lead singer Moya Brennan had released her own CD.

I'm happy to report it is absolutely gorgeous.

If you're not familiar with Clannad's sound, think light airy vocals over rich, lush and beautifully arranged instrumentation. All with a Celtic twist. It's the soundtrack to really good dreams. The kind you don't want to wake up from.

Brennan's voice is sweeping and haunting. The CD packaging is as beautiful as the music. The photography is stunning and the colors dream inducing. My only complaint is that it's really tough to understand the lyrics unless you try really hard. But that means you can enjoy this recording on different levels. You can just listen passively and let the sounds wash over you. Or listen carefully to every nuance and every word. I believe you'll be rewarded either way.

This CD would be perfect for those candlelit nights in the tub, or having a really romantic dinner....it's very mood altering.

If you like Loreena McKennitt or Enya* you'll like Moya Brennan.

*I just found out that Enya is in fact, Moya (previously known as Maire) Brennan's sister! And that she (Enya) was also in Clannad.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last!, November 23, 2003

By 

Second Attention (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two Horizons (Audio CD)

All you Clannad fans waiting for something extra special. It's here. Seriously. I got quite blaze with a lot of Clannad's later releases. There wasn't much in there that made me sit up and listen. I can honestly say that Two Horizons is a real breath of fresh air. There was always an issue of where Clannad's music was going in the realms of contemporary music. With this album Moya, along with producer Ross Cullum, have created a stunning piece of music. It's an excellent blend of ambient and Celtic textures weaved together with such subtle ingenuity that one wonders why this couldn't have been produced in earlier years. Moya's trademark, ethereal, multi-layered vocals are in abundance but treated with various processing techniques to give a new edge to the sound. The major feature with this album is the fantastic melodies that have been produced. It really is where Clannad should be. Moya has done it on her own and what a job she's done! A true masterpiece. In interviews she has been quoted as saying this is her best album yet. An album she feels proud and excited about. I can only agree whole heartedly.
For all new age, celtic, ambient fans. A work of beauty.