Laura Powers once again ponders spirituality in a pop music setting with this album of richly melodic Celtic tunes. Citing Dan Brown's best-selling novel "The Da Vinci Code" as inspiration, the album shows the best of Powers, both in terms of popular previously released songs and newly composed cuts. For those unfamiliar with the artist, she has a rather characteristic voice, one that blends the traits of innocence, femininity and graceful elegance. Her arrangements have Celtic hues (the running "Goddess" theme furthers that), although they don't rely heavily on traditional instruments of that genre. Instead the music is much more folk-like in nature, with occasional hard guitars, percussion and synthesizers coming in at the climactic points of her songs. Highlights include "Sweetest Song" and "Mystic and the Muse."
Laura Powers introduces the listener to the ethereal romanticism of Celtic pop music with LEGENDS OF THE GODDESS. Opening with songs like "Winter of Dreams" and "I Surrender All," Powers immediately captures one's attention with her passionate vocals. Celtic instrumentation like the tin whistle, Irish flute, uilleann pipes and the mandolin further enhances her sound with their added richness. The album, based on the myth of the goddess of Celtic lore, is a perfect blend of folk, traditional Celtic, euro-pop and even a little country. The combination works well and results in an album that is simply timeless.
Armed with a passionate voice, imaginative lyrics and the kind of pop-edged Celtic folk that propelled Loreena McKennitt to fame, Laura Powers proves her conviction hasn't waned the second time around. BEYOND THE PALE: LEGENDS OF THE GODDESS II once again gravitates toward the topic of Celtic mythology, most specifically the myth of the Goddess. Powers approaches each song with a pop sensibility not commonly seen in the genre, opting for catchiness and a subtle country feel, undoubtedly stemming from her Nashville roots. The result is refreshing and quite gripping, perfect for anyone who loves a good tunes...especially those filled with the beauty of mandolins, flutes and uilleann pipes.
An enchanting blend of Celtic folk, country music and acoustic instrumentation with the occasional splash of symphonic orchestration, each of the albums in Laura Powers' "Legends of the Goddess" series offers a wonderful example of pop music on the mystical side. With the third and final album in her trilogy, Powers continues to weave romantic folklore and natural themes into beautiful songs of love, spirituality and redemption. Fans of her previous two albums will be right at home with songs like "Pale Sister" and "Mystic and the Muse," which echo the upbeat arrangements and poignant singing they've come to expect from Powers. Other highlights include the ethnic-flavored "World is a River" and "Silver Wheel."
Laura Powers once again ponders spirituality in a pop music setting with this album of richly melodic Celtic tunes. Citing Dan Brown's best-selling novel "The Da Vinci Code" as inspiration, the album shows the best of Powers, both in terms of popular previously released songs and newly composed cuts. For those unfamiliar with the artist, she has a rather characteristic voice, one that blends the traits of innocence, femininity and graceful elegance. Her arrangements have Celtic hues (the running "Goddess" theme furthers that), although they don't rely heavily on traditional instruments of that genre. Instead the music is much more folk-like in nature, with occasional hard guitars, percussion and synthesizers coming in at the climactic points of her songs. Highlights include "Sweetest Song" and "Mystic and the Muse."
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Laura Powers introduces the listener to the ethereal romanticism of Celtic pop music with LEGENDS OF THE GODDESS. Opening with songs like "Winter of Dreams" and "I Surrender All," Powers immediately captures one's attention with her passionate vocals. Celtic instrumentation like the tin whistle, Irish flute, uilleann pipes and the mandolin further enhances her sound with their added richness. The album, based on the myth of the goddess of Celtic lore, is a perfect blend of folk, traditional Celtic, euro-pop and even a little country. The combination works well and results in an album that is simply timeless.
Armed with a passionate voice, imaginative lyrics and the kind of pop-edged Celtic folk that propelled Loreena McKennitt to fame, Laura Powers proves her conviction hasn't waned the second time around. BEYOND THE PALE: LEGENDS OF THE GODDESS II once again gravitates toward the topic of Celtic mythology, most specifically the myth of the Goddess. Powers approaches each song with a pop sensibility not commonly seen in the genre, opting for catchiness and a subtle country feel, undoubtedly stemming from her Nashville roots. The result is refreshing and quite gripping, perfect for anyone who loves a good tunes...especially those filled with the beauty of mandolins, flutes and uilleann pipes.
An enchanting blend of Celtic folk, country music and acoustic instrumentation with the occasional splash of symphonic orchestration, each of the albums in Laura Powers' "Legends of the Goddess" series offers a wonderful example of pop music on the mystical side. With the third and final album in her trilogy, Powers continues to weave romantic folklore and natural themes into beautiful songs of love, spirituality and redemption. Fans of her previous two albums will be right at home with songs like "Pale Sister" and "Mystic and the Muse," which echo the upbeat arrangements and poignant singing they've come to expect from Powers. Other highlights include the ethnic-flavored "World is a River" and "Silver Wheel."
