Enya’s “And Winter Came”

By Sebastian DiNatale

As winter continues to sustain it’s icy hold on Gettysburg College, one can find solace in Enya’s fantastic new winter album, “And Winter Came.” Unlike most Christmas albums, “And Winter Came” explores the both the distinction between and tranquil fusion of Christmas and winter. The title track displays this perfectly, easing the listener into a winter fairyland where harmonies, melodies, and her trademark new age combination of electric harp and synth truly place us in a state of tranquil bliss.

There of course are some trademark Christmas songs; such as O Come O Come Emanuel and Oiche Oiche, a fantastic rendition of silent night sung in Gailic. But noticeable is her very upbeat My! My! Time Flies! which introduces the listener to an Enya never heard before, both in her fast paced descending melodies and message-filled lyrics. Presenting themes of the evolution of thought, music, and art, Enya steps out of her traditional role of placating music to that of carefully thought lyrics, providing a side I was very comfortable witnessing.

Overall, Enya delivers her spell-casting chants again and again with “And Winter Came,” while providing personal covers of classic carols as well as introspective facades that keep the listener guessing what she’ll do next, solidifying her ability to not be painted simply as a “new age artist.”