Disco de Paula Abdul: “Shut up and Dance”

Like many other fans, I first discovered Sarah when "Possession" became a hit. I then stumbled upon "Solace", and it turned out to be a great stroke of luck. A local radio station played a really moving song with the lyrics "I Will Remember You". I couldn't find such a track (it wasn't in US distribution then) and I wasn't sure of the title at the time, so when I found the track "I Will Not Forget You" on "Solace", I thought this must be the song. Of course, it wasn't, but I find that this song is even more moving than "I Will Remember You". In fact, "Solace" contains some of Sarah's most heart-rending lyrics and haunting melodies. Three of the songs ("Drawn to the Rhythm", "Into the Fire", and "The Path of Thorns") have received reasonable exposure. But for listeners in anguish and pain, "I Will Not Forget You", "Back Door Man", and "Shelter" will provide true catharsis. This album shows incredible maturity from her first release "Touch". "Solace" is the Sarah CD I play the most often; it is the only CD I have bought two copies of--I was constantly playing it both at home and at work. It's no wonder that many fans still rave about it.

Hooking up with producer Pierre Marchand, who has remained her record producer ever since, Sarah McLachlan took a giant step forward with her second album, 1991's "Solace." This is an outstanding album, practically the sister album of "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy," and one of Sarah's very best works. In fact, I'd rank "Solace" at #2 right behind "Fumbling" as Sarah's masterpiece. The songs, production & arrangements are more sophisticated this time out, and Sarah's gifted soprano voice, which was already very lovely on her debut, "Touch," has matured and become even more beautiful-sounding. Every song on "Solace" is a brilliant one, from the dreamy acoustic melodies of "Drawn To The Rhythm," to the funk-pop of "Into The Fire," to the angelic atmospheres of "Path Of Thorns," to the sparkling balladry of "I Will Not Forget You." "Back Door Man" (no relation to the Doors classic) is a strong pop-rocker, "Black" has a marvelous spookiness to it that reminds me of Peter Gabriel (one of Sarah's favorite artists, and mine, too), and "Mercy" is a powerful acapella track that allows Sarah's voice to work it's magic over your senses. Sarah also does a charming cover of Donovan's "Wear Your Love Like Heaven" to finish off the album in style. I can never say enough good things about Sarah McLachlan. She's without a doubt my favorite lady in the music business right now, with a voice and musical talent that's truly unique. "Solace" is a fantastic album, one of Sarah's very best offerings, and is a definite must-buy.

This CD is absolutely breathtaking. I have Sarah's Mirrorball, Surfacing, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, Freedom Sessions, and now Solace. Into the Fire, the most upbeat track, is my personal fave. Terms is a great musical composition, and Drawn to the Rhythm is hopelessly addicting. I recommend Solace for any musicians. And fellow hardcore Sarah fans, get this one- you won't regret it! =)

I consider myself a spiritual and reflective soul, and Sarah is the only artist known to me who can express herself the same way that I do. I, however, express myself through art, and Sarah's music is, to me, art poetically expressed.

Once you've heard one of Sarah's songs, you'll be begging for more. I have a particular soft-spot for "Mirrorball", but "Solace" is a masterpiece in its own right. Be prepared for an emotionally turbulent journey, but take my word for it, every second is fulfilling.

I recently purchased her DVD of "Mirrorball", (admittedly, my favourite Sarah release) and have completely 'devoured' it. It is a definite must for any Sarah collection.

Now, my only wish is that she include London in her next tour. I have never seen her perform live and this would be the ultimate experience. Here's hoping!

EDITED:

It took me a while to enjoy listening to this whole album since I am used to listening to her recent work - Afterglow & Surfacing. This is truly an outstanding album and definitely overlooked. In my opinion, this ranks as the 3rd best Sarah McLachlan album with #1 Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, and #2 Afterglow -- even though Surfacing outsold these 2 albums.

I can't say much about the album, because some of the reviews here say what I would say for this album as well.

Drawn to the Rhythm: 5/5

Into The Fire: 5/5

The Path of Thorns (Terms): 5/5 - first song from Solace I heard. Truly unique than the rest since she sings at a lower range.

I Will Not Forget You: 5+/5 - LOVE IT, My #1 favorite of all her songs on this album.

Lost: 4.5/5 (this is a first for Sarah McLachlan to have male background singers singing - Edited: actually this would be the third as her 1st album "Touch" had male bg singers for the tracks Trust and Strange World)

Back Door Man: 5/5 - I truly enjoy this song, this song sort of reminds me of Stupid from Afterglow. I love her intense voice and wish she could do more songs like this.

Shelter: 5/5 - really sad and it's actually the second Solace song I heard after 'Path'

Black: 5+/5 - this is my second favorite song. All in all, deep lyrics dedicated to corporate pigs as Sarah says. One of her first experimental songs after "Touch".

Home: 5/5 - this is also another good song, probably the 3rd I love. I just love how the song ends. It actually sounds better live since the instruments overlap her singing.

Mercy: 5/5 - I consider this the last song from the album. WYLLH doesn't do it for me and I'm disappointed Sarah let Arista have it their way. Oh well. Sarah should do more acapella-like songs! This truly displayed her skills and got even better in the next album ;)

Overall rating: 9.5/10

Outstanding album I wish it had more praise.