This is a strangely comforting album in that it has a vibe about it that makes for a relaxed listen. This is in spite of the fairly downbeat singer/songwriter fare on offer. This probably has a lot to do with the restrained instrumentation and production supporting the performances. AP have done a very good job on the SACD mastering. The sound is spacious and inviting with instruments well separated. The AP house sound can lean towards dry, but in this case they have got it about perfect. Goldilocks would be very happy with the results.- HRaudio

The Analogue Productions reissue treatment delivers sonics and luxury packaging second to none for discerning collectors. Now we've given three titles by Canadian songstress Sarah McLachlan this premier makeover and you reap the benefits: Solace, Mirrorball and Afterglow..

 

Solace, McLachlan's second album, is considerably more mature and musically sophisticated than her 1988 debut, the promising if limited Touch. In fact, this disc is a must-have for McLachlan fans whose first encounter with her work was with her extremely popular later releases, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy and Surfacing.

 

Solace is at once comforting, mysterious, expansive, timeless, and familiar. The sophomore jinx was certainly eluded here, as McLachlan sets forth a superior collection of songs and performances with the help of longtime producer Pierre Marchand. The opening track, "Drawn to the Rhythm," serves its title well and does the job of luring you in. Intelligent, intriguing lyrics and lilting melodies abound, whether amidst the pulsing rhythms of "Into the Fire" and "Back Door Man" or the quietly profound stories of "Home" and "Shelter." Although pretty much all of the tunes will grab you at one point or another

 

"The Path of Thorns (Terms)" and "I Will Not Forget You" are especially memorable, the latter not to be confused with McLachlan's "I Will Remember You," which appears on the 1995 soundtrack for The Brothers McMullen.

 

Solace is a wonderful record that offers a glimpse of the astounding talent of a young Sarah McLachlan

 

 

1.    Drawn to the Rhythm

2.    Into the Fire

3.    The Paths of Thorns (Terms)

4.    I Will Not Forget You

5.    Lost

6.    Back Door Man

7.    Shelter

8.    Black

9.    Home