10 Iconic Enya Songs 🇮🇪 #enya #lotr #newage #nostalgia #relaxing #music #irish #lordoftherings

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The Queen of New Age Music, Enya is the best-selling female artist and the second best-selling musical act from Ireland. Known for her ethereal voice, groundbreaking vocal layering, and ethereal compositions, Enya's music has transcended genres and generations to touch the lives of millions around the globe with her music, transporting listeners to an ethereal and otherworldly realm. From her Celtic-inspired melodies to her intricate, layered arrangements, Enya has brought endless peace and solace to a chaotic world.

Starting with her groundbreaking debut album Watermark in 1988, Enya introduced to the world her signature fusion of Celtic tradition, lush harmonies, and innovative production, becoming a sound that would become distinctively "Enya." Her signature hit, "Orinoco Flow," captured the hearts of listeners with its whimsical lyricism and flowing groove. This song would only be the genesis of her rise to contemporary music stardom and instill more peaceful music within the genre. Songs like "Caribbean Blue" and "Only Time" (which also became a famous meme), further provoke this sense of emotional resonance and reflection.

Enya would later find a brand-new audience with the inspired choice by Director Peter Jackson to have her sing "May It Be" in the Lord of the Rings franchise. This would lead her to receive an Academy Award nomination and is widely considered a cinematic masterpiece. She also sang Aníron for the Fellowship of the Ring.

What sets Enya apart is her meticulous dedication to her craft. Working closely with her longtime collaborators, lyricist Roma Ryan and producer Nicky Ryan, she creates music in isolation (in a literal Irish castle!), free from the pressures of touring or commercial demands. Enya has always "flowed" with the beat of her own drum. She has inspired countless artists in all genres, including, most surprisingly, Nicki Minaj (who is a mega fan). This only demonstrates Enya's mystique and proves that her music is not just music but a sanctuary for millions of listeners.

Enya has inspired Loreena McKennitt, Sarah Brightman, Clannad, Secret Garden, Gregorian, Adiemus (Karl Jenkins), Dido, Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding, Madonna, Kate Bush, Imogen Heap, Enigma, Climie Fisher, Within Temptation, The Corrs, ODESZA, M83, Sigur Rós, Aphex Twin, Howard Shore, James Horner, Hans Zimmer, Craig Armstrong, Bat for Lashes, Florence + The Machine, Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, Dead Can Dance, Lisa Gerrard, Aurora, Ofra Haza, Grimes, Björk, Massive Attack, Chvrches, Celtic Woman, Nightwish, and Pentatonix. She's a legend!!

It feels almost criminal to narrow down Enya to only ten songs, but here is an unranked curation of some of our favorites:
0:00 Aníron (2001) - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (with Howard Shore)
0:11 Amarantine (2005) - Amarantine
0:16 Wild Child (2000) - A Day Without Rain
0:22 Anywhere Is (1995) - The Memory of Trees
0:29 Book of Days (1991) - Shepherd Moons
0:33 Watermark (1988) - Watermark
0:40 May It Be (2001) - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (soundtrack)
0:46 Caribbean Blue (1991) - Shepherd Moons
0:51 Only Time (2000) - A Day Without Rain
0:55 Orinoco Flow (1988) - Watermark

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