Elemental
This 1985 album represents the debut of Loreena McKennitt. If there was justice in the world, it would have represented her commercial breakthrough. (That didn't come until 10 years later). Though her work became more complex as time passed, all the elements were already in place: her beautiful voice, ethereal arrangements, and her exotic adaptations of traditional songs. McKennitt is smarter than Enya and a better singer to boot. Her version of William Blake's "Lullaby," the best yet put on CD, is alone worth the price of this CD.--Charles R. Cross