Celtic Rainbow ~ CD Review

Celtic Rainbow ~ Various Artists ~ 1999 ~ Owl Records International Limited

A phrase that came to mind listening to this album was "Tour of Ireland" - via music.  This album visits musical styles from Ireland going back to the traditional Celtic sounds that many people think of coming from that region of the world to the new-age pop-style with small appearances from a Celtic rock sound.
The beginning of the album sounds vaguely Enya-esque with a touch of the Titanic soundtrack suspending the listener in earthy-airy-flowing vocals and instrumental lines.  Even before looking at the titles of the tracks, one can see the images the titles seem to intend.  However, the beginning of the album becomes mundane as there is not enough variety in the styles, rhythms, pulse, and instrumentation.  Many of the first tracks could potentially be used for meditating with the stark similarities between the tracks, the deep soothing qualities letting you relax but not encouraging sleep.
The second half of the album leans back to the traditional Celtic with folk tunes, love songs, and traditional dance tunes.  Be aware of the two Christmas carols stuck in the middle of the album - although the arrangements are intriguing.  "The First Noel" is sung in Gaelic and has a very modern backdrop; "Ave Maria" is completely instrumental - a harp like instrument plays the melody and embellishments.  After the flash to the past, the listener is revisited by modern-sounding music.  Track 18, "White Velvet", sounds like a Celtic-influenced Barry White or Neil Diamond and Track 19, "Spirit of Ages", takes the listener to a night at an Irish disco.
Overall, this is a great way to expose someone to world music - maybe don't listen to the tracks in order though.