The Greatest Journey (EU)

デビュー・アルバム『CELTIC WOMAN』は、全米ワールド・ミュージック・チャート100週以上独走。セカンド・アルバムは全米総合チャート4位を獲得し、アイリッシュ・センセーションを巻き起こしたスーパー・グループ、ケルティック・ウーマン初のベスト・アルバム！日本では代表曲「ユー・レイズ･ミー・アップ」が、2006年トリノ・オリンピック、フィギュア・スケート金メダリスト荒川静香さんのエキシビジョンで使用されたことで大ヒット。その後もテレビ朝日系列ドラマ「白虎隊」('07)の主題歌、パナソニック・ビエラのCM曲('07)に大抜擢されるなどロング・セールスを記録している。今やエンヤに続き、アイルランドを代表するアーティストの地位を確実に築いた彼女達が贈る、新曲、新録音ヴァージョン、リミックス、DVD収録曲(CDには初収録)などを収録したエッセンシャル・コレクション。

The modern Celtic music revival shuddered in the wake of Michael Flatley's overbearing Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, which peppered the landscape to the point of overkill. While the more traditional beat of Celtic music remained, and remains alive and well, often nestled deep in its own wooded niche, what the general public received was increasingly more watered down and less palatable than anything before. However, there was a bright light within the storm when the fantastic Celtic Woman ensemble hove into view in 2005, to help revitalize Celtic music for a public that had little to choose from. Ethereal, ephemeral, spirited, and incredibly talented, this sextet of singers and musicians sparks fire through the beat of its songs, soars with complex and octave-defying vocals, and provides a remarkable showcase through the use of contemporary and traditional Irish instrumentation. Under the musical direction of David Downes, this compilation is a delicious sampling of songs with musical arrangements that never fight for attention amidst the pure vocals, but instead provide a backdrop that ultimately allows the entire thing to be cohesive and classy. While there isn't anything at all unexpected among the contents of The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection, the comprehensive set is highlighted by the beauty of songs from "Pie Jesu" and "You Raise Me Up" to the majestic sweep of "The Sky and the Sun and the Dawn" and on to the toe-curling, redoubtable bliss of "The Voice" and "Dúlaman." "Danny Boy" is here, and feels like an overtly commercial cop-out, but the deluxe CD package makes up for that with the inclusion of bonus tracks including "Mo Ghile Mear" and "Spanish Lady," both recorded live at Slane Castle. Greatest Journey is a competent collection, a solid introduction to the group for the novice, and a fantastic mix for the fan. ~ Amy Hanson|