Enya: And Winter Came
And Winter Came, Enya realises on her first album in three years
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Thursday, 20, Nov 2008 10:59
Warner Bros, out now.
In a nutshell.
Enya cashing in on Christmas.
What's it all about?
The Oscar-nominated singer's first album since 2005. And Winter Came is festive, haunting and typical Enya.
Who's it by?
Enya. She's sold 70 million records worldwide, is a devout Roman Catholic and loves cats.
As an example...
"Memories we share together/Moments no-one else can know/I will keep them close to me/Never let them go." - Stars and Midnight Blue
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
She's already picked up four Grammys during her career, but this is unlikely to be responsible for her fifth. Sorry Enya.
What the others say
"So there are bells and stars, there is twinkling and plinking, and a version of Silent Night that sounds exactly how you expect it to sound. Ultimately, though, this record is as inoffensive as a scented festive plug-in" - Victoria Segal, Times
So is it any good?
A few months back, Kate Bush made a semi-triumphant return with an album of songs that seemed to demonstrate her metamorphosis into a 21st century artist. Enya has attempted to do the same here, clearly with one eye firmly trained on the Christmas market which will now have been whipped into a bloodthirsty frenzy by the Chancellor's VAT-slashing wheeze, no doubt.
Unfortunately, it's all a bit bland and familiar. And Winter Came is a bit like being visited by the ghost of Enya past.
Picture the scene: turkey, stuffing, sprouts, Bailey's, the Queen's Speech and a bit of Enya warbling away in a somewhat haunting fashion in the background. If that sounds like your idea of a pleasant Christmas, then this is the album for you.
I'd much sooner recommend searching out Xfm's 2000 charity album It's A Cool, Cool Christmas which features festive covers by the likes of Belle & Sebastian, Teenage Fanclub, The Dandy Warhols and Eels.
4/10
Mike Cotgreave