Sarah McLachlan- Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

Okay, I didn't buy this today, or even recently, I'll admit that but this album begged to be written about. I bought this last summer in Canada after reading that this is her best album. Well although I don't own the other three (At time of writing I didn't but as of now I most defintely do!) I personally prefer this album to Afterglow. Fumbling just showcases Sarah's talent better, Afterglow does have a more glossy produced feel -not to say that I don't love it which i do but you know... This album is beautiful, the lyrics are fantastic but once again it is Sarah's vocal abilities that stun me. Her voice is undeniably great. Her capability as a songwriter is also amazing. The lyrics on this album capture their subjects perfectly. true, this is definitely no the happiest album I've ever heard - songs that chronicle betrayal, rape and miscarriage (in my head anyway) don't exactly leave you jumping with joy - it is just wonderful to listen to. Sarah's voice has just hte right mix of honey and husk, clarity and edge. I could sing, I'd want to sing like her.
The best songs on this album are: 'Ice', 'Fear', 'Circle', 'Plenty', and 'Elsewhere'. In fact the only song that I don't particularly like is 'Mary, 1/11 isn't bad. I can't wait to buy Surfacing and Solace, hopefully they are just as good.

Ava