Enya - A Day Without Rain

My wife loves this and me too.
Maybe the best from Enya as my personal view.

The title that I did for the review at first glance seems like an incredibly positive remark about the music you're going to hear should you listen to this. Ethereal vocals, gentle pianos and synthesizers all come together to create an audio soundtrack for anything peaceful you can think of. On the other hand, for the detractors, it becomes a telling phrase, especially the "another" part since Enya's music fundamentally hasn't changed since her first big success, 1988's "Watermark" album. However, nobody seems to do this style of music the best like Enya and thanks to its timely and amazing single, the album became quite a hit.

A Day Without Rain: Like previous albums (though strangely, not "Amarantine") the album opens with a title track instrumental which features a beautiful piano melody and later accompanied what sounds like a low choir humming. It's gorgeous and good way to open. 8.5/10

Wild Child: She's always had that one track that seems quite energetic and almost bouncy and it's pretty much a guarantee you'll be singing this one quickly. Chorus at the end goes on slightly too long but it's so catchy that you forgive it. 9/10

Only Time: Released around the time of 9/11, the hopeful message and the soothing nature of the song became an instant listen for those hoping to cope with loss and even on its own, it's still a fantastic song. Enya sounding particularly gorgeous here and I absolutely love the bridge, this is sort of one of those cases where the single did happen to be the best song. 10/10

Tempus Vernum: The requisitive Latin track which is more darker and ominous than anything on the record and though I still consider "Pax Deorum" my favorite, this one's still pretty good though you might not keep revisiting the track...unless you're in a particularly sinister mood. 7/10

Deora Ar Mo Chroi: Sounds more like a sad church hymn someone would sing at a funeral, this is another beautiful track mainly due to the vocals and the melody it sings, bringing a huge degree of sadness with them. 8/10

Flora's Secret: Another bouncy track with bass providing a bit more low end and violins doing a simple-but-effective melody, this is another likable track and another one of the album's highlights. 8/10

Fallen Embers: Back to the sadness and tranquil stuff, not that it's a bad thing realy though it might be hard to discern one track from another. There's nothing really wrong with the track and Enya does higher vocals than she usually does but having another synth/piano/vocal track might make you remember other similar songs. 7.5/10

Silver Inches: Don't get any funny ideas about the title if you're thinking naughty. It's a brief instrumental clocking in at 1:38 and the main melody is more on the stattaco strings and what sounds like a sitar or at least a bright guitar sound (or whatever she happens to use, she does too much stuff). It's good but a bit too brief to leave any impact. 6/10

Pilgrim: This was always a problem I had since she'll frequently follow a slower track with another one which makes it a bit run-on. The background vocals give it a bit more difference and changes but it's still a slow and more moody music. It's fine but she's done better. 7/10

One by One: Dare you not to get that "hey-hey-hey" hook in your head. Though Enya's vocal delivery might suggest a slow track, her melodies and phrasing make it more strangely upbeat and it becomes instantly likable. Though it doesn't have the "Wild Child" energy, it's still good. 8.5/10

The First of Autumn: More brass-y with a lot more low end instruments and Enya doing background vocals (as always), it's an alright instrumental and is more a good look into Enya's arrangement skills and using different instruments than being relaxing like the title track. 7/10

Lazy Days: At least she closes it off with an upbeat track which will most likely get you singing along to it's "daa-daa" hook. Doesn't upstage "Wild Child" or even an old goodie like "Book of Days" but it's still well worth revisiting. 8/10

Enya has an album artist always had a slight degree of inconsistency since songs on their own were great and beautiful and can evoke so much imagery but songs flowing one to next felt different as song similarities were a bit too pronounced or she'd be like the "Memory of Trees" album and have 3 slow ones in a row. This may have been the most popular but I wouldn't call it her best per se, just another great collection of music.

The album has some very good tracks, the music is relaxing and soft. Enya has proved to make some of the best relaxing music and this album confirms this.
I gave it 3 stars because of the recording. Enya`s vocal is so bright, it sounds like her throat is dry like a desert or somebody is trying to choke her. The background music is recorded badly, the instruments are not defined very well.

After the somewhat dismal Memory of Trees I was hoping for a comeback.
Didn't happen!
The same exact disc as Memory. Just as dull and uninspired. The mandatory happy opening song. The obligatory spooky second song.
Nothing new or innovative here.
Get her first three. Enya is just cashing in at this point.

Enya is amazing. Her music is so relaxing, but never boring. This album is everything you would want in an Enya album. You can tell she put a lot of time in creating this music. So, if you like Enya and don't already own this album, I highly recommend buying it.

I first heard of Enya when I was a child after I listened to the radio, and heard her songs on it. Ever since then, I never bought any of her music, until I bought "Amarantine", and this album called "A Day Without Rain".

When I listen to this album, I remember warm summer days when I sit outside in the warm sunshine. Every song including "Wildchild", "Only Time", "Lazy Days", "Fallen Embers", and "Silver Inches" are the most beautiful tracks on this album. When I heard the song of "Tempus Vernum", I had to look around as if there was any danger coming, but thank goodness it was only for one song. I can't wait to get her "Memory of Trees" album next. Highly recommended.

I would give this album a higher rating if the lyrics were printed in a larger size.

You can not go wrong with any of Enya's CDs. She has a different sound that you will not find anywhere else. Her songs are soothing, and are great for down time, taking a bath- even my infant son loves it. Enya's beautiful lyrics and sounds will keep you smiling all day.

This is Enya's best work. Her lyrics and music always touch your heartstrings. Romantic and happy with a touch of melancholy. Flora's Song makes me think of skipping through fields of flowers. This CD flows perfectly.

If anything, I'd say it's too short. (34:26)

Nice music, though. Especially 'Tempus'.

Just that. Heaven Music. Really Really Good compilation form Enya. for me was the last really good compilation from her. Recommended

Enya has an average voice. If I had that much electronic "stuff" happening around me, I could sound whispy and angelic too. But it's an over-produced gimic designed to prey upon the unthinking fan base of the original Enya recordings. In the past decade or so, she has virtually been entirely predictible, and is now boring.

I would challenge the producer to look into something new in order to avoid overuse of the style that has made this artist famous. But to do that would be to ensure career suicide. Put her alone without the synthetic sound, and the voice will put you to sleep... not in the good way. I'm bored!

Enya is one of my very favorite artists I love her vocal range and diversity of song and style.

A Day Without Rain truly highlight's Enya's voice as an instrument. "Rain" delivers a focus on the sound of the music and not just on the lyrics.

Now don't get me wrong -- I am an Enya fan. And as such I was looking forward to the release of the CD.

I probably listen to it the least of any of her CD's that I own (for the record, I have "Shepherd Moons," "Watermark," "The Memory of Trees," "The Celts," "Paint the Sky with Stars," and "Amarantine").

Why? Because with each previous (and subsequent) Enya release, there has been something that goes beyond the ethereal tones that we expect from her. And I just don't hear it here.

I do have my favourites on the CD just like anyone else ("Flora's Secret" and "Lazy Days"), but I wouldn't say that they stand out in any significant way from tracks on other CD's. If you have to choose one disc among Enya's later works, pick up Amarantine first, then grab this one later if you want a complete tome.

love all the selections, some are upbeat & cheery others more melancholy.

I have had this cd for about 4 years and it still has the same effect......RELAXATION. It makes me feel very calm and centered.
I have 4 cd's from Enya and this one is the one I listen to because I love Only time, A day without rain. Those are my favorites!
If you are a fan of hers this one is a must!

This CD have a meaning to me, the song Only Time have a healing message for everyone. Is like having someone who is giving you an advice in trouble times. You have to get this CD!!!!!

This selection of music from Enya could easily be called "The Best of Enya" for my money. The music is Melodic and at the same time Uplifting - - it evokes a relaxed state of mind and body and recharges the psyche. I would heartily recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys easy listening.

From the starting track "A Day Without Rain" to the ending track "Lazy Days" the listener travels through a lyrical, mystical chorus of sound. I love this album. It is one of my all time favorites. A definite Keeper.

While most reviews here are agreeing, I've read a few others that diminish this work of A Day Without Rain. I say, that unless you are detached from your Heart energy element within, you will find one of the best pieces of musical work and melody here from Enya. Very spiritual in some qualities, and one of her best releases in my experience of listening.

For all her mystical etherial talent, this recorcing is all-American pop at its poorest...Cliche lyrics, choppy tempos, flat artistry. Perhaps she finds it novel to sing in english, but this cd is nothing like her earlier beautiful work... If you're an original Enya fan, this isnt it.

I hesistated to buy this album since I have so much of her music all ready; however, I was not disappointed in the least. I expected some repetitious sound, and there are examples of her signature sounds but that doesn't bother me. She has a way of making something similar sound new and different. It's so relaxing and that's what I need after a busy day. I don't know how anyone could rate this lovely album poorly. I have almost every CD Enya has ever done and this is one of my favorites.I like it better than 'Amarantine.' I love quiet calm music with a hint of celtic. Enya is definitely my favorite musician/singer of all time. I used to love Yanni but he has become too commercial for me. I can even tolerate Enya made to elevator music. She is who she is and I love her music.

This is a fabulous CD with a winning combination of song selections, kind of mellow pop rock/classical sound. Every song on this CD is thumbs up! LOVE IT!

RECOMMENDED!

The infamous "Oscar curse" befell Enya after she won it for Best Song "May it be" in "Lord of the Rings." Success goes to people's heads,even the most talented among them.

One reviewer said this album "reveals Enya's unknown pop side." I would say "unfortunately pop side." I gave this album as a gift to my sister,thinking she'd like it;she didn't.

I enjoyed Enya's "Shepherd Moons" (which prefigured her involvement with LOTR in her great "Lothlorien" track),"Orinoco Flow","Memory of Trees"&"The Celts." She did some great New Age music;some of it quite creative.Now I hear she's doing songs in a made-up Elven language called "Loxian" on her latest "Amarantine."

This album is a disappointment.Pop music wasn't-and isn't- Enya's strength.She used to revel in being unique.Now her easy listening music is like everyone else's.Oh,how the mighty have fallen...

This was the first Enya Cd I heard, and I love it, I would love to get this Cd for my birthday or some other, day because it is calm, relaxing, and to me enjoyable at the same time.

"Only Time" was played over aftermath footage during 9/11 2001, so it will always evoke those sad memories of so many loved ones lost.

I bought this album not long after it came out in 2000 and I listen to it all the time, its soothing and very melodic. Enyas voice is without a doubt one of the most soothing voices ever! this CD is perfect for sitting down and relaxing too... i used to listen to it when i would go tanning, thats how relaxing this CD is.
I recommend it for anyone who likes instrumental melodic hymn like songs.....

recommend "a day without rain, only time, fallen embers, floras secret and the radio played wildchild"

i have boguht this album for my mother as a gift becouse she likes this kind of music and overall she was very pleased and as far as i can see she loves the music

Where's the beautiful and timeless music of _The Celts_, _Watermark_ (my favorite album ever), and _Shepherd Moons_? Definitely nowhere to be found on _A Day Without Rain_. I had been disappointed with _The Memory Of Trees_, but at least that album still showed a spark of originality on songs like the title track, "Tea-House Moon", and a couple others. Though _A Day Without Rain_ has a few beautiful songs like "Wild Child" and "Fallen Embers", most of the album follows a totally predictable pattern. Will Enya ever return to her _Watermark_ and _The Celts_ glory days? I'm starting to lose my hopes.

Enya tends to serenade of times long ago, of traditions that were abandoned, and of nature's hidden magnificance. On this album, she sings of eccentric elements that comply subtly with its background music. Her melodies are soft yet undulating on each note, as she sifts through different levels of her vocal capability. Enya's vocal quality is filtered through different layers of sound and melody, and she continues to experiment with it throughout the album.

Quite a soothing album, and a good source of reflection on scenic travels.

This is one of my favorite Enya albums. Only Time blows me away. I would also site Flora's Secret, Wild Child, and Deora Ar Mo Chroi (of course, lol) as other notable tracks. I would suggest picking up the version of this that contains the track 'Isobella' because if you enjoy Enya's music, you certainly do not want to miss that.

You could say I was a virgin to Enya's music, I previously owned no albums by her until I bought this one for my birthday. I was in awe after listening to the sound of heaven, literally, that is how good this album is. "A Day Without Rain" was a huge success for Enya back in 2000, it won a GRAMMY and went to #2 in the USA and #6 in the UK. It's biggest hit was "Only Time" which earned a US #10. "Only Time" was also used extensively a year later as background music for many news reports on the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Like every album it attracted some negative criticism for being too short, although only about 37 minutes in length "A Day Without Rain" is as good as any 'long' album.

The title track, "A Day Without Rain" is basically a short intro with a lovely piano and string section accompanied by Enya's trademark humming. Beautiful melody line. "Wild Child" was another single to be released from this album, it went to #72 in the UK. The continuous plucking of the violins and sharp staccato bowing of the other stringed instruments give a nice syncopated feel to the song.

"Only Time" is the best known track from the album, it continues in a slower vein to "Wild Child". The vocal harmonies are expressive and nicely arranged. The lyrics are quite solid as well. "Tempus Vernum" comes across to me as a Celtic inspired war-chant, the chant certainly does work wonders giving the song a very dark atmosphere.

"Deora Ar Mo Choi" is a beautiful song, Enya's vocals may be soft but they are incredibly effective. It sort of sounds a little bit like her LOTR Soundtrack song, "May It Be". In the first couple of seconds of "Flora's Secret" I though I was listening to an alternate version of "Wild Child", while not an alternate version it does sound incredibly good and is surprisingly catchy.

"Fallen Embers" is a sombre track that displays amazing emotion, depth and longing. Enya proves on this track that her vocal capabilities go beyond backing hums to superb soprano tones. "Silver Inches" is a nice little instrumental track, that provides some sort of structure to the overall album.

"Pilgrim" starts off sounding like a hymn sung in any Irish church, it does continue the overall theme of the album well. I like how the lyrics fit perfectly with the music. "One By One" is a gem of a song, it has a catchiness and I love the "Adios" bits of this track. The simplicity of this song is amazing.

"The First Of Autumn" may have no lyrics but its bass line and humming work surprisingly well, the imagery created is fantastic. "Lazy Days" is a lovely way to end such ab great album, with it's catchy beat and hook-line "Da da da da" it has a little bit of commercial appeal which is always needed on even the most underground of albums.

Overall, "A Day Without Rain" is unlike anything I've heard before, it combines catchy rhythms with small doses of commerciality in an album which at times has no mainstream appeal. It's beautiful but accessible, enough to satisfy even grunge and heavy metal fans. I strongly recommend you to buy this album, tempt yourself, treat yourself to a piece of heaven.

I'm one of those people that listens to all kinds of music ... but I also love the New Age sounds of ENYA.... this CD is probably one of my most overplayed CDs that I own.. I pretty much listen to it once a day.. either when i'm working alone in the quiet or trying to fall asleep.. there is no way to go wrong with A Day without Rain.

Favorite Tracks:
1) Day without Rain- all instrumental. took me a while to like it.. but now i absolutely LOVE it. it's so soothing.
2) Wild Child- this is my most-played song
3) Only Time- probably the only song I really knew when I first bought the CD. still great.
6)Flora's Secret- pretty song :)
7) Fallen Embers- this is the song that you want to listen to when you're asleep by the fireplace :)
8) Silver Inches- another instrumental. really good
10) one by one- another reason to love enya.
11) Lazy Days- i find myself humming to this all the time. Great way to end the cd (da da da da da )

Enya sings right from heaven, calming and soothing, but also touching, more than ever. If you are familiar with Enya's previous albums, you will fall in love with "A Day without Rain" immediately, right from the opening theme song. Most listeners will recognize "Only Time", probably Enya's best-known song. If you are new to the world of Enya, you will like her peaceful style, rich with voice harmonies sung by herself alone, ethereal melodies, and an accompaniment consisting of synthesized textures and string orchestra. If you want to let yourself relax, simply put on this CD and drift away. One final recommendation: if you like Enya's music, you will love Arye Geiman, a very romantic composer, whose music really awakens your imagination. You can listen to it on the CDBaby web site.

Enya totally captivated my heart with her music. Her voice is so alluring,so sensual it makes one forget all distraughts.Each and everyone of her fans[me included]have their own interpretations of Enya's music-An adventure in some magical land,or you become great legendary Celtic hero-Each one of her songs depicts different feelings and emotions in everyone who listens to her music that just makes them dream away....

An incredible CD incorporating Enya's beautiful voice with enchanting music throughout. Wild Child, Only Time and One By One are my favorite tracks although every other demonstrates a variety of tones and overall arrangement that compromises little. Enya remains a truly gifted, spontaneous talent that gives most any listener the chance to relax and settle one's thoughts. Am curious as to what her up and coming release Amarantine has to offer although to surpass the elegance of A Day Without Rain indeed could impose an interesting challenge.

I bought it 5 years ago and still is my favorite Enya CD!
I can hardly wait to hear the new Amarantine.

I have no doubt that 'Only Time' is among the great songs she have ever wrote along with 'Evening Falls'.

'Deora ar mo chroí' is another great gaelic. Deep and moving.

Pilgrim is touching and very personal for both of us - listener and singer...

'Wild Child' is the perfect single for a perfect album such as this.