A new age masterpiece!
ephemeral9 | Sherbrooke, QC | 10/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been enjoying this divine album for several months already (I live in Canada) and when I came here to Amazon, I couldn't believe that no one had even written a review yet...! So let me take a few moments to share my own, personal thoughts with you. I first discovered Anael's unique artistry with her "Unconditional" album about 2 years ago, and this latest album (her 4th) is among the most compelling, beautiful albums I have ever experienced. I use the word "experience" because with Anael, there is so much more than just the "listening". If you've never heard Anael's voice, let me try and describe it: breathtaking, crystal clear, with a tone so pure it sounds like the guardia angel of heaven. With every word she sings, you can feel the effect on your soul, as though a warm, divine light is fixed upon you, shining down from above. On "Spiritual Beings on a Human Journey" she sings about both the human and spiritual worlds, and how they intertwine with each other. My own personal favorites are track 2, "Till the Womb Gives Birth," track 6 "Trace" (amazing) track 8 "Être Sans Âge" where Anael sings in French and the final one, "Sky Sent (Disclosure)." This song is over 11 minutes long(!) and has 4 distinct musical movements. It's like a mini new age opera, complete with the fascinating story of hidden ET technologies and the importance for mankind to reveal them. I think that even if this were the only song on the album, I would be satisfied - it's just that special. In terms of packaging, the people at Anael's record label spare no expense and it really makes for a feast of the senses. The album comes in a cardboard style case that opens up twice and contains gorgeous angel paintings, all arranged conceptually to match the lyrics from the song "Sky Sent". There`s even a 24 page color booklet with all of the words plus more photos. I have played this album in countless therapy sessions and my clients usually end up asking me where they can buy their own copy. I urge you gently to discover it for yourself. As one of my patients told me: "Anael`s music very simply changed my life.""
Swept away to another world
Richard W. Abrams | Middle of Nowhere, OK USA | 05/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I hear the clear, angelic voice of Anael, I think of her as the American/Canadian version of Enya. Like Enya, Anael's songs have a similar sound, feel and texture to them. Unlike Enya, Anael's songs aren't usually nearly as *busy* and are kept sparse in special effects so as to not take away from the natural beauty of Anael's voice. Admittedly, many of the composer, Bradford's works are based on the Roman Catholic Canon. However, some of her lyrics contain references and ideas that are strictly elements of the New Age religion. At times the words can be difficult to understand but even when she sings in other languages than English, one senses the mood and meaning of the song. Not many artists have the ability to bring a listener to tears of unexplainable joy and peace however this is what happens while playing any of Anael's songs. The songs are written to act as adornment to Anael's vocals. Her multi-layering vocal tracks become the lead instrument and the added strings, percussion and synthesizer accompany her, instead of the other way around. She is a joy to listen to and the enhanced CD contains desktop images of Anael while the music video of "Be Still Thy Soul", in MP4 format is a nice bonus for those able to view it. Sporting the same white gown as the cover art, Anael sings "Be Still" while the camera sweeps in and around her as she gently waves the layered linen fabric as if donning wings of an angel. The Gregorian vocal at the end of the final tract make for a nearly picture perfect ending.
My first exposure to Anael was through the CD "Unconditional". In my opinion, "Spiritual Beings..." make the perfect bookend set of CDs for this artist, if one had to chose only two CDs. I am eagerly anticipating hearing her newest release that is beautiful if only for the cover artwork. Put this CD on and you'll be swept away to another world free of the day to day madness. Enjoy this light, cotton candy for the ears!"