Search - Anael :: Unconditional

Sumtuously textured new age vocals

Graham | London | 07/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the world of crystaline, ethereal, female vocals there is a new emerging Princess - French Canadian vocal artist Anael.How does one begin to describe the beauty of this thought-provoking musical priestesses second album, the truth is, that it is almost impossible. I can attempt to sum up my reactions to it quite simply. Listen to "Don't Trade In Your Dreams" If the beauty of the melody and it's spiritual content does not make you weep or send chills up and down your spine , then perhaps this kind of elevating, enveloping, music experience is not for you. Anael's voice is an instrument; which she uses to capture and uplift people's souls. From the opening track Sanctus, adapted from the Roman catholic liturgy, you are invited to personally audition Anael's world of beauty, peace, transformation and redemption. It feels very direct and very intimate almost as if she is singng for you and you alone, inviting you to join her for an hour in sharing her wisdom and tranquility. When that hour is over, your heart will continue to take with it Anael's message and vision.The compositions of Bradfield manage to provide a medium in which the vocals of Anael can work their magic; growing, teaching, and transcending musical plains. Although this cd will sit well in the collections of lovers of Marcomme and perhaps Enya it is a singularly beautiful and mesmerizing album that occupies a genre all of its own.Unconditional is a sumptuously textured work that deserves to be appreciated by more than just established fans."

Seond CD From ANAEL Continues In Tradition

d-moonshadow | 01/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the opening track, the majestic "Sanctus", to more subdued fare like "Come Again, I Believe", Anael's second CD does not disappoint. The sweet, crystalline vocals are there; the great arrangements are there; the fantastic songs are there; what else could you want? "Sanctus" starts out with an introductory string section that leads into Anael's fabulous vocals, and then the drums come in. Almost like a mini-symphony. "Ask Me Like A Song" has words that fit the music like a hand in glove. Beautiful image-making words combine with angelic vocals and music. The highlight of the CD for me. "Listen To Your Heart" gives the CD a little more of an "edge", if you can call it that. Actually, more appropriate would be "tempo". Created in the same vein as her other works, but slightly harder and faster, this song shows Anael expanding her musical sphere. "Willows" sways like willows on a windy day, and with the beat slightly off the mark, gives it that slightly off-balance sensation that makes it so endearing. "Come Again, I Believe" starts off as a beautiful piano solo which adds flutes and vocals as it goes along. Melancholy, yet reassuring--another winner. The sounds of a bubbly stream begin "All That's Going On Around You", and accousic guitar and synthesizers add to the mood. A mid-tempo drum track adds a little energy and Anael's vocals almost sound pop-like here. "Aeterna", like "Sanctus" on this CD and "Dona Nobis Pacem" and "Kyrie" on her debut CD "Light Of Refinement", is based on the Roman Catholic Liturgy. This uplifting song has a wonderfully catchy melody and makes you want to clap your hands. "Don't Trade In Your Dreams" brings us back to a more quiet Anael. "The Age Of Reason" combines sporadic drums and beautiful piano glissandos that come together in a powerful chorus. The title track, "Uncoditional", makes use of a harpsichord and synthesizer to bring the CD to a relaxing close, and leaves the listener once again wanting so much more."

Gemme that old time New Age religion...

Richard W. Abrams | Middle of Nowhere, OK USA | 05/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I hear the clear, breathy voice of Anael, I imagine that if angels were feminine, this is what they would sound like. Like Enya, Anael's songs all have a similar sound, feel and texture to them. This is her trademark sound. Anael's "Unconditional" is best enjoyed by people that appreciate and enjoy the richness of dark chocolate, Espresso coffee with cream and sugar and the beauty of a sunset. What I would call the simple pleasures in life. This CD takes time to enjoy; as with dark chocolate, you want to slowly savor the taste / sound of her music. Beneath her vocals are tiny intricacies in the background instruments with their own counter melodies and rhythms. One should not rush into hearing any of Anael's works. They must be listened to, to be appreciated. My first exposure to Anael was through the song "Sanctus" which could easily double as a Christmas melody. Anael's counterpart and composer of the music and lyrics, Bradford, bases most of his "spiritual" songs on the Roman Catholic Canon. However, some of his lyrics contain references and ideology that are elements of the New Age religion. Even so, the beauty of the earth and all her inhabitants isn't new as Native American songs have their roots and inspirations in the same elements. Be it "Father Sky" and "Mother Earth" or the "King of Kings", this album is a wonderful collection of melodies that will inspire anyone seeker a higher plane of spiritual significance. Then again, it's just good ol' soothing music that you don't need to necessarily think about in order to enjoy."