With fifteen million albums sold, it is amazing it took twelve years for Loreena McKennitt to release an album of new songs ( note that A Midwinter Night’s Dream from 2008 is a holiday album and The Wind that Shakes the Barley from 2010 is a best of album) so you can imagine the anticipation from fans. It can be said that artists like her couldn’t really stray away from the musical culture/style to avoid alienating loyal  fans. And Lost Souls is still supreme McKennitt at her best and then some.

According to her official site Lost Souls is comprised of songs that never seemed to be part of her previous albums. So they sort of floated around in musical space like lost souls waiting for the right album to come. And yes we are rewarded with an eclectic collection that sound so fresh. But the track that really stands out is this one called Ages past, Ages Hence. Although this is not her typical sound, it is not surprising given her theatrical background. It has a vivacious operatic melody accentuating her vocal gifts. Dark in its subject matter yet playful in its delivery; it’s probably her best track in years:

Ever turning, ever churning, clutching the waves
This wealth
Yearning there fast, never quench it
Tumble the thoughts
Until they lie like petals on the ground
Gathered by wind stretched through the trees
To the whispering sound.- from Ages past, Ages hence

Note that she has maintained the clarity of her voice through the years. Perhaps it’s because she is into fitness. I once came across a video of  her running and doing stretches before every show. I forgot where it’s from but if you search YouTube you may find it. That strong voice is also punctuated by the fact that she has great energy on stage.

Other songs recall styles from The Visit, The Mask and the Mirror, The Book of Secrets and even in An Ancient Muse. Check out The Ballad of the Fox Hunter and tell me if that doesn’t move you! The Breaking of the Sword is also not your typical McKennitt because of it is a Vimy Ridge tribute song complete with orchestra and choir.

Overall, Lost Souls is an exciting return of McKennitt to the global Celtic stage!