Secret Garden - Dawn of a New Century (1999)

Secret Garden's formula is plain to hear. They have the lush string orchestrations of Yanni, the layered vocals of Clannad and Enya, and the stage-show Celtica of Riverdance. In the past these elements have weighed down the music of Irish violinist Fionuala Sherry and Norwegian keyboardist Rolf Lovland with a sweetness that would make tiramisu taste like poi. On Dawn of a New Century, they finally dance closer to the line that divides schlock from serenity, beauty from the banal. Capercaillie singer Karen Matheson gives a haunting vocal performance on "Prayer," surrounded by Clannad - like harmonies. "Children of the River" is a cinematic expanse with Asian overtones, while "Lore of the Loom" swoops through orchestral landscapes that could be Ireland or Norway. But there's also the hokey faux - Baroque of "Divertimento" and the title piece, which could stand in for "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing". ~ John Diliberto

Tracklisting:

1. Moongate
2. Prayer
3. Elan
4. Dreamcatcher
5. Sona
6. In Our Tears
7. Children Of The River
8. Evensong
9. Lore Of The Loom
10. Aria
11. Divertimento
12. Aquabell
13. Dawn Of A New Century


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