Artist: Enya Album: Watermark

Year: 1988
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Enya's Watermark Album: A Worthwhile Collection of Signature Sounds

Released on September 19, 1988, Watermark is Enya's second studio album and one of the most iconic albums of the '80s. With her unique blend of ethereal vocals, layered instrumentation, and haunting melodies, Enya has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. Her career began as part of the Irish folk band Clannad, and her exceptional talents were quickly recognised as she went solo and produced an album that became a pioneer of a new genre of music. This album is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The Watermark album is a classic masterpiece with a unique sound showcasing Enya's incredible vocal range and songwriting capabilities. The album has twelve tracks, each bursting with the signature sounds of the genre that Enya created. From the first track, Watermark, to the last Na Laetha Geal M'Óige, the album encapsulates the essence of the Celtic sound with an ethereal blend of pop, new-age, and world music.

One of the best songs from this album is the beautifully orchestrated Orinoco Flow that brought Enya to the attention of a broader audience and cemented her reputation as a sustainable artist. Another notable song from this album is Cursum Perficio, with its captivating lyrics and Enya's soothing voice, perfectly blending with the tranquil melodies.

Watermark is a masterpiece with some of the most innovative compositions. One of the best picks is On Your Shore, where Enya beautifully combines delicate melodies with grand instrumentation. Another one is Exile, capturing Enya's innovation in the use of vocal techniques and layering to create a truly immersive but emotional piece.

Despite the overwhelming positives, Watermark does have some drawbacks. The album is incredibly consistent, but it's not ground-breaking. Some would argue that the album follows the same format, and the sounds of several songs on the album are relatively indistinguishable. Overall, it takes away the charm of the album to some extent.

Watermark is the quintessential album of the '80s, with some of the most beautiful melodies you'll ever hear. Enya's ethereal voice, exceptional songwriting, and eclectic instrumentation create a holistic sound that is unparalleled. Her music reaches beyond geography, language, and race, and it has stood the test of time. Though not perfect, Watermark remains an audience favourite, and one of the most influential albums of all time. It is a timeless masterpiece that deserves a spot in any music aficionado's collection.