Top 10 Songs by Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennitt is one of those recording artists whose ethereal, enchanting voice transports you to a surreal, mystical world where images of the past still exist. A native of Canada, Ms. McKennitt combines a Celtic sound with other musical elements to produce beautiful works of art for her listeners’ ears. Here are my ten favorite songs by this incredible vocalist:

1. Mystic’s Dream (1994) – This selection from the album “The Mask and Mirror” makes you think of a beautiful lady crossing a misty lake or river in an ornate boat in order to meet her true love who awaits her on the distant shore. You can envision the two lovers’ tender embrace as they meet under the moonlit sky.

2. Prologue (1997) – This song from the album “The Book of Secrets” has a thoughtful, almost melancholy sound that makes you think of a kingdom that was once mighty and strong but has since fallen into ruin. You can see the bright and glorious days that the kingdom once enjoyed and how, as time has gone by, those days have come to a close.

3. The Mummer’s Dance (1997) – This musical piece from the album “The Book of Secrets” makes you want to take your family or a group of friends into a forest, hold hands, and dance around in a circle. As a result of a wonderful youtube.com video produced by a woman named Arendil, this song also makes you think of various scenes from the Lord of the Rings movies.

4. Marco Polo (1997) – This beautiful selection from the album “The Book of Secrets” has a Middle Eastern flavor to it and conjures up images of riding across a vast desert while seated on a camel. You can almost see the colorful tents and beautifully decorated people contrasted against the rich, golden sand.

5. Santiago (1994) – Inspired by Loreena McKennitt’s travels to Spain and Morocco, this upbeat melody from the album “The Mask and Mirror” will make you want to dance throughout your home. You can almost envision making your way through an open market where all sorts of exotic goods are available and all of the vendors have smiles on their faces.

6. All Souls Night (1992) – This Celtic song brings to mind the image of hooded figures carrying lanterns as they make their way through a dark forest. The scene is almost reminiscent of Arwen’s and the elves’ departure from Rivendell.

7. Night Ride Across The Caucasus (1997) – You can visualize yourself riding across a gorgeous mountain range on the back of a beautiful horse under a clear, moonlit night sky. This melody from the album “The Book of Secrets” gives the impression of a gentle, galloping movement.

8. She Moved Through The Fair (1994) – This traditional Irish folk song featured on the album “Elemental” brings to mind the image of an attractive woman appearing to her beloved in a dream. Loreena McKennitt’s marvelous harp playing is a wonderful touch to this enchanting selection.

9. The Lady of Shalott (1992) – This captivating Victorian ballad written by Lord Tennyson can be found on the album “The Visit.” While listening to this poetic masterpiece and after viewing the bewitching painting bearing the same name, you can imagine a stunning woman with long red hair and dressed in the medieval attire of royalty with a look of sadness upon her face as she floats down a lake in an ornate vessel.

10. The Highwayman (1997) – This narrative poem by Alfred Noyes featured on the album “The Book of Secrets” tells the sad story of the love between a highwayman and the black-eyed daughter of a landlord. While listening to this song, you are reminded of the great price that some people will pay in order to be with those whom they love.

If you have never experienced Loreena McKennitt’s music, I strongly encourage you to do so. You will be glad that you did.