Amazing
author: John Dover
I am absolutely in love with Hajime and Shadows. I would love to write more, but I am breathless and left with nothing to say. I look forward to Jillian\'s future works. :)
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Beautiful
author: Andrew L.
If anyone can remove the stigma of ‘blandness’ contained within New Age music from the casual listener, it’s Jillian. Her first album is not only incredibly polished, but also sounding less like a debut, and more like an inspired third or forth album from an established artist. The level of focus and confidence on display here is rare among any musician.
The focal point of the album is obviously Jillian’s amazing voice. Her complete control of both it’s power and emotion is awe-inspiring to behold, and it’s tone and clarity is unmistakable. It is one of the most pure voices I’ve heard in a long time.
Lyrically, it is pretty clear why Jillian chooses to feature English vocals as opposed to a ‘sacred’ language such as Latin. Her lyrics have a poetic, timeless quality to them, and complete the illusion of being in a different place; wherever she chooses to take us. Melodically, just about every song comes up as being expressive and interesting.
The attention to musical detail is staggering, through vocal harmonies, percussive textures, understated synths, and ethnic instruments; each song stands alone both stylistically and thematically, though the album itself feels completely cohesive. Each track segues well into the next, and though most of the tracks have an immediate hook that makes them single-worthy, the album is even stronger as a whole, making it much more than the (already excellent) sum of it’s parts.
This is an album that leaves no stone unturned. Everything is accounted for, from beautiful melodies, engaging soundscapes, and thought-provoking and poetic lyrics, all brought together with Jillian’s captivating voice.
It would certainly appeal to fans of New Age music, but ultimately transcends the genre, and I am certain it will find a much larger audience.
The year is only about half over, but this is easily the best album I have heard in 2008.
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I <3 Trance, and this puts me in a trance
author: bLiNd
I love trance because of the mood it puts me in and I love any genre that does the same. This New Age blend of pure bliss does it for me. The thing that sticks with me the most are the melodies, they are very well written. From cadence, to repetition, to rhythm, all of them have memorable qualities. That's also not to mention the beautifully written lyrics. I don't listen to a lot of lyrical music, but I do when it is done well. 'Done well' is an understatement for this ablum. Jill has an incredible voice first of all and knows how to use it, but she is also extremely talented in writing lyrics and music. Everything about this album is truly remarkable and one of the biggest things is, I DONT WANT TO SKIP ANY OF IT. This will be in my playlist/player for years to come I'm sure. AWESOME! *****
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mmmm... New Agey!
author: David L. Puga
I've always dug the new age/world music. From old school Delirium, to E.S. Posthumus of the now, I've always loved the rich texture & ambient soundscapes that seem to draw you into a world all their own. Well, this album is no slouch in those departments. Filled with thoughtful lyrics set to extremely well done backing. From the joyful chantings of "To the Forgotten Temple" to the more ominous, darker confines of "Twilight Chaser", this album has a little something for everyone. So, do yourself a favor, & pick up this here albums.
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