Global New Age music phenomenon Eithne Bhraonain, along with her lyricist Rona Ryan and producer Nicky Ryan, collectively known as Enya, can revel once again in her huge international success with the release of her 9th album. The Christmas/winter themed “And Winter Came…”

The album opens with a thought capturing ‘lyric-less’ piano solo composed by the great musician herself, it is titled after the album “And Winter Came…” The hypnotic flow continues as the Irish song bird sings “Somewhere in a winter night/ The angels, begin their flight/ Dark skies with miles to go/ No footsteps to be lost in snow” from the track “Journey of the Angels”. The songs speaks of the heralding of the angels the night of Christ’s birth, however it introduces a dark element possibly ominous of his death that would soon bare the earth’s sins.

Joyful, is “White is in the Winter Night” in which Enya expresses the deep-rooted delight that fills every good heart during the season. Next, follows, a heavenly take on, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. She includes the Latin version of the text, “Veni, Veni, Emanuel/ Captivum solve Israel!” The album’s first single “Trains and Winter Rains” sounds much like previous hits by Enya. “Trains and winter rains/ No going by, No going home/ Trains across the plains/ And in the sky, the star alone.”

In place of the “Little Drummer Boy” Enya sings of the “One Toy Soldier” whom asks “Who can mend my broken drum? / Will it be as good as new?” The album continues with “The Spirit of Christmas Past” which seeks to inspire those who are depressed by the season with words of encouragement “Believe in what I say/ Don't throw this time away/ Tomorrow will be Christmas Day”. “My! My! Time Flies!” I feel, is the most eccentric track on the album, and exhibits more extensive synthesizing of her voice.

The album closes with “Oiche Chiuin” (Chorale), the Irish version of the Christmas carol “Silent Night”. The song was originally written in German and titled “Stille Nacht” but was translated, while its melody remains world renowned.

Enya brings together calming lyrics with beautiful melodies; a mix of traditional with contemporary winter themes. The famous multiple layering of her voice pays off again to produce her signature sound and a rocket for the New Age genre. Show me someone who’s stressed, listens to this, and doesn’t come out smiling. This album which was 2 years in the making and sits at #8 on the Billboard Hot 200 this week does a great job of bringing in the season. Enya’s “And Winter Came…” gets an “A” from the Ordinary Joe Music Blog for her complete mastery of her craft, excellent compositions and the way her voice can both instill fear in the mind, while also asking it to leave reality and dwell wherever its overtones will take you.

Watch the video below, to hear Enya’s comments and hopes for the album.