VOICES

A refreshing favorite of mine from the somewhat bleak (in terms of progressive rock music) 1990s. Some of the songs here are rather overtly simple, ranging between shoegaze pop and New Age, but the result is a an eminently pleasing half Blade Runner-ish, half Chariots of Fire listening experience, start to finish, with uniquely crafted and flowing songs. From the surprising militaristic-turning-monastic chant Chariots of Fire-like opener to the X-Files-like "Echoes" (8:26) (17.5/20), the Caroline Lavelle-graced Irish love song, "Come to Me" (4:34) (9.5/10), the Stina Nordenstam-blessed "Ask The Mountains" (4:27) (10/10), and the gorgeous instrumental piano melody line of "Prelude" (4:25) (9.5/10), and the evocative ALAN PARSONS PROJECT-like "Losing Sleep (Still My Heart)" 6:43) (8.75/10) (despite a rather lackluster vocal performance by Paul Young), the ENYA-like "Messages" (7:41) (12/15), and the very-Blade Runner-esque bed-time finale, "Dream in an Open Place" (5:53) (9/10).

This album managed to provide me with two songs that have forever remained on regular rotation in "Prelude" and "Ask The Moutnains" but every song on the album is close behind those two. Hauntingly beautiful!