When I first discovered Secret Garden, I was sitting on my sofa watching PBS as I sipped a Shake 'n' Stake chocolate milkshake. A preview came on for an upcoming special featuring Secret Garden--I saw, I heard, I was captivated. Already a fan of New age and Celtic artists such as Lorreena McKennit, Enya, Delerium, and Enigma, I jumped at the chance to find a new New Age obsession and did what any intrigued Irish girl would do. I bought the CD. I admit, Dawn of a New century was my first Secret Garden CD (I liked the cover the best--I know, great way to choose a CD), so I'm a little biased, although I still enjoy it more than their other albums.
The music is extremely compelling, and I soon found myself listening to it around the clock. The album has a wonderful mix of upbeat songs and soothing melodys, so it fits in well with any part of the day-- it helped me get to sleep at night and helped me get up in the morning. Listening to this music was an emotional experience- it swept me away to some hidden recess of my mind, where I was free to experience my hopes and dreams through the power of song. Thus, I fell madly in love with the album and the band.
However, I have to agree with most reviews I have read that this CD is incredibly similar to Secret Garden's previous works. There is really no new sound and no surprises if you have already heard some of their other CD's, and much like Enya's A Day Without Rain many songs on the CD sound the same.
I love this album, and I think both New/Age and Celtic music fans and serious Secret Garden fans will love it :-) However, if you've heard their other albums, and you weren't intrigued don't waste your time, there is nothing new here.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Romancing