Customer Reviews

And Winter Came

5 star:		(168)
4 star:		(47)
3 star:		(23)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

First of all, let me say that I typically do not enjoy contemporary "Christmas" or "Winter" albums on the whole because I often find that the take on many of the classic carols and hymns are poorly arranged and sung. Also, if there ARE new Christmas songs by the artist, they come of sounding contrived. I am a huge Enya fan, so I am biased, but I genuinely found AWC to be probably the best Winter/Christmas-themed album I've heard. To start off with, there are only two traditional hymns--Oiche Chuin (an Irish version of SILENT NIGHT) and O COME O COME EMMANUEL (an older hymn based on Gregorian chant). Both are performed by Enya with exceptional beauty and skill on this album. Although Enya did perform Oiche Chuin years ago, this new version is is a harmony-based version instead of the single vocal line version of the past and (IMO) is better.
Many of the original compositions are heavenly. LAST TIME BY MOONLIGHT is a spectacular piece both melodically and lyrically. ONE TOY SOLDIER is very sweet and child-like (again, the harmonies are amazing). One of the big surprises is MY! MY! TIME FLIES, which is a 70's-inspired pop song with clever lyrics and a ripping electric/blues guitar solo. I really love JOURNEY OF THE ANGELS as well (it has a bit of the Lord of the Rings theme, Aniron).
There are various reasons to criticize Enya (my biggest criticism has mostly to do with the use of the same instrumentation over and over), but she consistently writes incredibly melodies and her voice is always a pleasure to hear. This album is as good as any of her last 3 albums, and I think most people will love the feeling it creates at Christmas time...the feeling of peace, happiness (and maybe a bit of reminiscence and melancholy).

I have read reviews of this album (and previous albums by Enya) where people say that Enya needs to pick some new instruments, write more complex music, and choose a new orchestra. These reviewers of Enya's work are simply not listening! Enya IS the instrument. Enya, quite simply, IS the orchestra. In spite of how airy and light her sound may seem, I urge you to turn this album up just a notch louder and listen to what you think is an orchestra or instrumentation on many of the songs. Don't forget that what you are hearing is Enya's own voice; layered and layered with great skill to achieve a remarkable, unified sound. No other artist in our time does this (layering the voice up to 20 times or more to create one pitch) with the uncanny talent that Enya has. It may all sound simple- but it is something that is very hard to pull off without sounding like a big mess. Enya has an amazing ability to be able to "see the big picture" (or "hear" the big picture) before, during, and after recording. Imagine being able to think of your own voice in several layers all at once- and then use those layers to build a single note and even a complete song. Suddenly there is a lot of complexity in the seemingly simple work that Enya creates!

And what a beautiful album Enya has crafted for us here. I don't find this to be an overly commercial Christmas album at all; in fact I commend Enya for including "the reason for the season" many times. The first song that she sings on this album, "Journey of the Angels," is all about angels bringing gifts to the Christ Child on Christmas morning. If you listen carefully to this song, you will notice that much of what you are hearing- sounds that at first listed seem to be violin, cello, and bass- are actually those beautifully layered and crafted notes that Enya creates with her own voice. Other songs on the CD, both new and classic (such as O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and Oiche Chiuin or Silent Night) continue to mention- in a gentle way- that Christ is the reason for celebrating Christmas; not going out to party and buy expensive gifts. I generally do not like Christmas albums because they are typically secular (in other words, commercial) and never mention Christ at all. THANK YOU Enya for being daring enough to include the true meaning of Christmas on this album! (Incidentally, Enya's new version of Silent Night is listed on the album as being a "chorale" version- again, the entire chorus is made up of that skillful layering and merging of Enya's own voice!)

Enya fans will not be put off by the fact that this IS a Christmas album- you can listen to it year round as that it is as lush and beautiful as all of Enya's albums. I particularly like the quiet nature of the album- many songs have the feel of snowflakes drifting over the ground; or the feel of stars on a crisp Winter night. That is another skill that Enya carries off with beauty- being able to create a feeling and a "picture" of Winter with her music. I feel that her musical vision is lost on many listeners- but many great artists who are visionary in their work are looked over by an audience that just can not understand or see their vision. Thank God that Enya still shares her vision and her fine craft with those of us who do hear what she has to say.

If there is one album you should have in your collection this year, it has to be this one. There is a reason why it reached #1 on Amazon's best seller list! This is the release of the year. Every track is outstanding in its own way, there isn't a bad song on it. And Winter Came is Enya's first "winter themed" album. Some may think of it as a "Christmas" album. Here is a breakdown of what to expect when you listen to the album.

1. And Winter Came-The album opener, an instrumental. This is a reworking of a b-side track from Enya called "Midnight Blue" (available on the Wild Child single if you want to hear it) Nice opener, the beginning of the song is the best part. I think an excellent job was done with the tweaking.

2. Journey Of The Angels-A slow, traditional/religious carol. Said by Roma Ryan (lyricist) to be the story of the nativity as it would be written in the 21st century. Gorgeous song.

3. White Is In The Winter Night-A fun, upbeat song. Enya describes it as "very descriptive" and "a song to join in on" which I think is a fairly accurate way of putting it. Its lyrics are quite catchy. This is said to be the second single pulled from the album.

4. O Come O Come Emmanuel-This has to be the most exquisite rendition of this song I have ever heard. If this doesn't leave you with goose bumps, I don't know what will! The lyrics, the arrangement, her voice, just beautiful. The best on the album.

5. Trains And Winter Rains-Everyone knows this one! It reminds me of a mixture of past Enya songs (The Magic of the Night, May It Be, some say Orinoco Flow) Somewhat dark sounding. It's about a journey, there's no turning back. It's the first single taken from the album and I think it was a nice choice.

6. Dreams Are More Precious-This one reminds me of Once You Had Gold, but much better all around. It could be thought of as the "lullaby" of this album.

7. Last Time By Moonlight-This can be thought of as one of her fine moments in song. The lyrics are very moving. The strongest lyrics: Oh, remember this/for no one knows/the way love goes

8. One Toy Soldier-A Long Long Journey-esque song. To quote Roma: "One Toy Soldier is basically a children's song, a song about a little toy soldier. He's a favorite toy. He's been in the family for many years, he's like an heirloom, and as with all things that have been with you for a long time, he's not perfect, he's broken, his little drum is broken." An inspirational piece.

9. Stars And Midnight Blue-On some parts of this song, she almost sounds like her sister Moya. This song reminds me of If I Can Be Where You Are, but much better executed.

10. The Spirit Of Christmas Past-Based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". Very wonderfully done. Lyric sample: When tears are in your eyes/it's time to look inside/your heart can find another way

11. My! My! Time Flies!-This is an upbeat, catchy song that is most different from Enya, but at the same time, not radically different. It's a tribute to the late Jimmy Faulkner. There is a clever reference to The Beatles in the song and some nice blues guitar. The most surprising track on the album. Said to be the possible third single.

12. Oiche Chiuin (chorale)-A remake of her classic rendition of Oiche Chiuin (Silent Night) Richer sound, improved from the original. It's done in the fashion of tracks on Watermark.

Miraculum-This is a bonus track that is available for downloading on this site. The track uses the background music from One Toy Soldier, but the lyrics are different. This song was created in honor of 20 years of music. Sang in Latin.

Enya has not failed to please with this album. I would more than recommend this to any Enya fan (casual, once in a while, long term, whatever!) The artwork is also a very gorgeous presentation. The photos online do not do it justice. Some are saying that this work is not up to her potential, but I believe it has reached her potential and then some. Enya has yet to disappoint (and she won't!) This is one that won't leave your CD player (put it in one that has good bass and turn it up loud, it's the most gorgeous sound ever) Do yourself a favor and don't listen to the naysayers, you'll be missing out on some of her best recordings.

Hard to start a review that many will hate, but I'll try. I have to firstly admit openly that I love Enya's music, I would not say everything she has done is brilliant, but the largest bulk of her production is superb and groundbreaking in many ways. I began getting disillusioned with Enya's musical direction with 'A day without rain', Although I like the songs and find moments of true genius in all of them, I felt betrayed by the sparse instrumentation and the fixed formula (verse-chorus-bridge-verse-chorus) It became so marked that I could tell you where the bridge was in any of the songs by just sliding the progress bar past the middle of the song. In one word, I missed the complexity/simplicity she achieved before. Amaranthine was no better, besides Water Shows the Hidden Heart, sumiregusa and It's in the Rain, the rest was repetitious and the same, thin instrumental arrangements, in a way the anathema of what her musical style stood for. Well, And winter came is no solution to this. Firstly, a 'xmas' album is not one high on my list, as much as I love xmas, if I want the sound of xmas I'll get the Cambridge singers doing traditional carols, besides she already released the sound of the seasons not too long ago, that should have been enough. Here we have the same repetitive structures with the sparse musical accompaniment, so thin that sometimes I want to yell 'for the love of God Enya, get some new instruments!'. Mind you, the album is good, some of these songs are lovely songs, well made, with great vocal mastery and all that, but for someone breaking musical ground for the last 20 years, this shows no growth, it actually shows a certain boredom, as if the most she can muster is the melodies and a bit of work on the layering of the harmonies, no musical exploration, nada. For all the niceness of the melodies, musically, the album offers very little and says very little of where Enya's talent is. To the risk of crucifixion by fans, I would say that if this is the best you have to offer now, you should have stopped with the memory of trees and leave it at that. Now, don't hate me, it is my opinion after all, just that.

PS- Enya, if you read this, please DO buy new instruments, hire a little string quartet, get a couple of gypsy players, anything but the pizzicato and the Yamaha sound piano, please! and find another rhythm to write in, you have already worn this one out, everything now sounds like only time.

I had no idea that Enya was about to release another CD. I was resigned to the habit that it would be probably 2 or 3 more years before we were blessed with another dose of her angelic voice and instrument arrangements.

On a lazy November Sunday morning watching the news, I am turned away from the telly when I hear sweet tones pouring from the speakers and think "OMG! That sounds like Enya!" Lo and behold on my screen was an image of her new CD "And Winter Came" due to drop on Nov. 11th, 2008. I was SO excited my eyes started watering! No, I didn't "cry". I was just so happy my eyes watered!

Of course I bought it the day it came out! Two Copies!! One for me and one for someone I deeply cherish. I really hate it when the store puts their bleeding price tag over the sticker on every copy so I never get to see it. Grrrr!!! What the heck is up with that?!?! Why do they do that?!

Observant folk will see the number "7" in red in the lower left corner. This is her Seventh studio release. Kewel. Nice touch!

I waited a week to listen to it because I didn't want that "day after Christmas" feeling. Sigh. I'm still enjoying the ride.

Upon first listen...we get an opening number of the title track. Instrumental. Quite a lovely tune indeed! Then "Journey of The Angels". I swear, God has lent the world angel! When I go to Heaven this is exactly what I anticipate music will be like! A somber song that makes a great lullaby. As does "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and her re-re-re-re-re-release of "Oiche Chiuin" [Chorale]. Not that I'm complaining. I'm not. She just must *really* love that song. How many times has it been released on her other CD5's? I have lost count.

"White Is In The Winter Night" is a bouncy, descriptive song that can easily become a new contemporary standard Christmas Carole. I get the shivers every time I hear the last 3 words of this song!!! By now you've figured out this is a concept album. There is a theme to it. It is a collection of winter and Christmas songs.

ALL of the fast songs should be released at the same time as singles like RIGHT NOW because it's very befitting of the season! "Trains And Winter Rains" is another "WOW!" song! The video (as seen on Enya (dot) com) goes well with the song! Great visuals as per usual! Man! When will there be a collection of all of her videos on one DVD?!

"Dreams Are More Precious"....makes me so happy inside...like a nice warm blanket and a nice hot tea and biscuit on a cold winter night. Exquisite!

"Last Time By Moonlight" is another gem of a song with a landscape of tones and arrangements of a multi-layered sweet cake more juicy than a Tres Leches Biscocho!

"One Toy Soldier" is whimsical, fun and seasonal. A story song with a cadence that one would hope for and furnished with a happy end to the tale!

"Stars and Midnight Blue"....another slice of Tres Leches por favor!

"The Spirit Of Christmas Past"...Yum Hum Yummy!

"My! My! Time Flies!"....Oh-my-gawd!!! Enya's lyrics to this song channels the Beatles! The guitar is very Eric Clapton! A happy go lucky bouncy number that finishes up the *new* material from this collective of Christmas. Is there a clue as to when her next CD will be out in the ending lyric? Let's hope so!

Final thoughts.....BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!!! True Enya fans....buy that second copy for the car already; you know you're going to! To the curious consumer... This album will touch your soul and heart (assuming you have either or both) and if you've yet to be put into the spirit of Christmas, this will have you getting there in style! And check out her other albums! They are all AWESOME! There is only ONE Enya, and her music is a unique a gift to the world! As unique as her name! An angel among us mere appreciative mortals. Thank you Enya! I'm so happy! Yaaaay!!!! :)

Wow!
I had no idea that Enya was releasing another album.
When I learned about it I was excited all over again!
All is very beautiful, especially "The Spirit Of Christmas Past" which is sung so beautifully and elegant!
You are going to be in for a surprise, especially if your a dedicated fan, with "My! My! Time Flies!" but I will leave the surprise for you to listen!

Enjoy!

If my friends knew I listened to and am reviewing an Enya album I would get so much abuse it is not even funny. I've been a closet Enya fan ever since I listen to her album "In Memory Of Trees" (which is still my favorite album to this day). She's intrigued me with her musical style and lyrics. I picked up all of her previous albums & tried to collect every single I could get off Amazon & Ebay. If I'm in the right mood I could listen to Enya CDs all day.



I was excited when I heard Enya was putting out another album this year but was a bit disappointed to hear it was a Christmas album. I love Christmas & the Christmas themed music but it severely limits the time I can listen to this album. I can't see listening to songs about winter while I'm baking in these awful humid 90 degree Ohio summers... bleah.



At first I was a little put off by some of the lyrics in the songs on this CD. It seems the lyrics are missing something and I just can't put my finger on it. When I listen to a song like "China Roses", "Hope Has A Place" or "Isobella" and there is a poetic feeling to the lyrics & style of the song. On this CD it feels like the songwriting was a second thought. All of the song styling & rhyming seems very plain without much heart. That being said after repeated listening I'm liking a few of the songs on here. "Trains & Winter Rains" was weird to me at first but I really like the song now. "Dreams Are More Precious" is a nice song. "The Spirit Of Christmas Past" is also pretty good.



But now we come to my one big complaint with this album. *sigh*... The first song "And Winter Came.." a very nice piano piece. I like it.. I liked it back in 2000 when it was called "Midnight Blue"... I find it hard to believe an artist would repackage an 8 year old song with a new title (The piano piece "Midnight Blue" was on the "Wild Child" single from the "A Day Without Rain" album). Grant it, most people wouldn't know this but as a collector of Enya's music I can't just ignore it! Would it have been hard for them to sit at a piano and come up with a new 3 minute piano piece to set the mood of the album? Now I have two copies of the same song with different titles! As a fan it pains me to say this but this feels lazy. I love Enya's music but it feels like she is missing that magic spark she used to have.

It has always amazed me how Enya takes essentially the same melodies, and same thematic lyrics, and fashions different songs out of them for her albums. She is able though to create distinct songs, some of which are quite beautiful. This CD is no exception. It is familiar and one can hear the "Enya sound" all through the recording. But there are times that it comes together very nicely as in songs such as The Spirit of Christmas Past and One Toy Soldier. O Come Emmanuel is simply hauntingly excellent, and really there are enough songs on this CD to make it a great get.Enya is a distinctive artist who in this CD has reminded us of the meaning,the joy,the solemnity, and the spirit of Christmas.

I absolutely love this CD! My favorite track is And Winter Came. Next would be Trains and Winter Rains. The others are phenomenal as well. An earlier post stated this CD has a feel of cynical commercialism. If you go to her web site and listen to her explanation of this CD she states she wanted to do a more modern take on Christmas carols. Now days unfortunately commercialism at Christmas time is just about every where you turn. The only grievance I have with this CD is I miss when in her earlier work she would blend her native Celtic tongue with English and this CD is predominately English. Other than that I would definitely call this CD a winner!

For those who scream at the thought of traditional holiday music (like me!), here's a CD that manages to evoke the holiday mood while retaining some depth and substance. "And Winter Came" will get you into the holiday mood without causing an overdose!

While a few cringe-worthy lyrics and the notable recycling of the lead track mar the overall impression, the album is nevertheless an ambitious and largely successful attempt at creating modern holiday carols without resorting to covers.

The one great, albeit anachronistic, surprise is "My! My! Time Flies!" which alone would make the album worthwhile. Is that electric guitar I hear?!? The bluesy, retro-pop quality to this song is the most different thing I've heard from Enya since.... well, 1989. It's certainly a forced fit on a holiday album, but the song is so good that I find myself not caring. Is the lyric "could be 2010" a hint at the future style Enya intends to take? I certainly hope so.