I loved her back when she was Maire Brennan
R. Kyle | USA | 03/28/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Harry's Game" was my first exposure to Clannad, but not my last. I've followed Moya Brennan's career from Clannad to her first solo CDs under the name Maire and now Moya, which is a more phonetic spelling of her Irish name.
"Signature" is a slightly different sound for Moya. It's less layered atmospheric with a stronger pop rhythm than her earlier slower folk music works. Vocals are still the signature chantlike beauty with an accompanying underpinning of Irish harp, bodhran, flutes, and uillean pipes. What I like better is the sound is engineered so the vocals are clearer and up-front of the orchestration.
If you're expecting Jimi Hendrix' rock standard from the opening title, "Purple Haze," you'll be disappointed. Moya's "Purple Haze" is a strong opener that will conjure up images of the Irish landscape.
"Hear my Prayer" is a reflection of Moya's faith and a rededication:
Angels walk with me
Guard me to the waters edge
Wash away my doubts, my fear
Lord, strengthen me and bring me back to you
Fans of her Gaelic singing will be disappointed there's only one non-English song, "Pill a Run O". But do no not despair, this one very spare song with just Moya, light strings, and the Irish harp is possibly one of the most beautiful I've ever heard her sing.
"Signature" is a great introduction to Moya's sound if you're more a fan of pop than folk. If like me, you've loved Moya since Clannad, it's still a good addition to your music collection, particularly if you want a mix that spotlights Moya's amazing, hauntingly beautiful voice.
"
The world needs more Moya!
Jimmy*C | Stuck in Ohio | 03/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ok, that was a cheesy title. My apologies. I hate trying to come up with a title for reviews! Anyway, I just wanted to write a quick review of this CD. I had never heard of Moya Brennan until I picked up her CD Two Horizons (Which I recommend checking out. It's really good!) I was captivated by it. I loved the style and I really loved her voice. This CD is done in a slightly different style than Two Horizons but I have taken to it all the same. Even if the style of music is different it is still Moya's voice that is the star here. So soothing and easy to listen to. I especially enjoyed "Gone Are The Days", wonderful song! All together I really think this is a great CD. Keep it up, Moya!"
Smooth like flowing water, relax like laying on the water
matt.mingkee | Brooklyn, NY United States | 12/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been listening her sound (Clannad, Maire Brennan) for several years
this CD brings her back to previous age (after Clannad)
just listened once, the sound is pretty smooth and relaxing like flowing water
btw, she has been with 3 record companies in 5 years (Atlantic, Universal, and now Capitol), it seems Capitol would like to bring her old sound back, and it's just right
I give 98/100
very relaxing and smooth"