Enya – The Very Best of Enya: A Timeless Collection
Enya, the Irish singer, songwriter, and composer, is renowned worldwide for her ethereal voice, lush soundscapes, and cinematic arrangements. Her 2009 compilation album, The Very Best of Enya, brings together the highlights of her illustrious career, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a comprehensive journey through her music.
A Brief Biography of Enya
Born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin on May 17, 1961, in Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland, Enya began her musical journey as a member of the family band Clannad. However, she soon pursued a solo career, developing a unique sound characterized by layered vocals, multi-tracked harmonies, and orchestral arrangements.
Enya’s music is often described as New Age, Celtic, and ambient, with influences from traditional Irish music, classical, and modern pop. Her work is known for soothing melodies, atmospheric instrumentation, and poetic lyrics, often sung in multiple languages including English, Irish Gaelic, Latin, and Spanish.
Over her career, Enya has sold over 80 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists in music history. She has won four Grammy Awards, received an Academy Award nomination, and remains a global icon of New Age and Celtic music.
The Very Best of Enya – Album Overview
Released in November 2009, The Very Best of Enya is a career-spanning compilation, including tracks from her early albums up to 2008’s And Winter Came…. This collection captures the essence of Enya’s timeless sound, from her Celtic roots to cinematic New Age masterpieces.
Key Tracks:
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“Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” – Enya’s breakthrough 1988 hit, with lush instrumentation and a soothing melody that became a global anthem.
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“Caribbean Blue” – From Shepherd Moons (1991), highlighting her ethereal vocals and orchestral textures.
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“Only Time” – A contemplative, emotional ballad that gained renewed popularity after the 2001 global events, often used in media for reflective moments.
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“May It Be” – From The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, nominated for an Academy Award, blending cinematic and Celtic influences.
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“Watermark” – The title track from her 1988 album, showcasing piano-driven ambience and layered harmonies.
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“Amarantine” – A later hit, featuring multi-lingual lyrics and signature Enya vocal layering.
This compilation also includes fan favorites and deep cuts, making it the perfect introduction for new listeners and a comprehensive retrospective for longtime fans.
Enya Discography Context
Enya’s career spans over three decades, with a distinctive approach to music production and composition:
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1987 – Enya – Debut solo album (originally released in Japan; internationally released later)
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1988 – Watermark – Breakthrough with Orinoco Flow
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1991 – Shepherd Moons – Grammy-winning album, solidifying her signature style
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1995 – The Memory of Trees – Ethereal and Celtic-inspired compositions
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1997 – Paint the Sky with Stars: The Best of Enya – Earlier compilation capturing hits through the 1990s
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2000 – A Day Without Rain – Includes the hit Only Time
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2008 – And Winter Came… – Seasonal and cinematic themes
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2009 – The Very Best of Enya – Definitive compilation spanning her entire career
The Very Best of Enya is notable for reintroducing her music in a seamless, remastered format, appealing to both old fans and newcomers alike.
Live Performances and Stage Presence
Enya is known for her rare public appearances and minimal touring, focusing on studio perfection and intricate recordings. Highlights of her live presence include:
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Television and award show performances – Showcasing her ethereal vocals in carefully staged, intimate settings.
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Select concert performances – Enya rarely tours but occasionally performs special events or charity concerts, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Her restrained live appearances enhance her mystique, making her music feel magical, otherworldly, and timeless.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Enya records almost entirely in her home studio, layering hundreds of vocal tracks for her signature sound.
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The track Only Time became a cultural phenomenon after being used in media coverage of 9/11.
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She often sings in multiple languages, including Irish Gaelic, Latin, and Loxian (a language she helped create).
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Enya rarely tours, yet has maintained a massive global fanbase through album releases and media use.
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The Very Best of Enya includes remastered versions, making her classic tracks sound even more cinematic and immersive.
The Legacy of The Very Best of Enya
The Very Best of Enya is more than a compilation—it is a musical journey through the ethereal and atmospheric soundscape of one of the most iconic New Age artists of all time. From Celtic-inspired melodies to cinematic soundtracks, the album captures the essence of Enya’s timeless artistry.
For fans of ambient music, Celtic influences, or ethereal vocals, this compilation offers a perfect listening experience, showcasing why Enya’s music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. 🌊🎹✨
