McLachlan resurfaces with 'Afterglow'

Jolene Craig
Staff Writer

    "Afterglow" marks Sarah McLachlan's return to the music world after nearly five years away from the limelight.

    McLachlan most notably created the "Lilith Fair" concert tour of all female music artists that ran three years from 1997 to 1999, but she had made a name for herself long before those groundbreaking events.

    Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she was raised with music as a central builder of her character. By the time she was 12 years old, McLachlan played the piano, ukulele and three forms of guitar - while also taking voice lessons. She would eventually drop out of art school to pursue a career in music.

    Her first album, "Touch," was released in 1988, and she soon developed a following for her mystical and vocally-strong music.

    With the release of "Solace" in 1992, she had dropped some of the mysticism and developed her own form of alternative pop.

    Fame eluded her until two years later when "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" reached stores.

    Her third LP contained the first single "Possession," which came from McLachlan's personal experience of being stalked.

    This track, written from the point-of-view of the stalker, became an instant hit and gained her recognition in the States.

    It was not until her fourth album, "Surfacing," that she gained worldwide notoriety and fame for her work.

    The release of "Surfacing," mixed with the promotional buzz surrounding "Lilith Fair," gave McLachlan attention and made the concert series one of the highest grossing of the decade, raising millions of dollars to charities.

    With "Afterglow," this Grammy Award winner has again made some changes and revamped her musical style. The first single, "Fallen," tells of making mistakes and living with them. Her songwriting and sweet vocals are reminiscent of her previous works, but with "Fallen" she fesses up to life's mistakes.

    "Don't come around here and tell me I told you so" demonstrates McLachlan's strength and views on how she can take care of herself.

    Unlike her previous works, McLachlan has chosen to primarily use piano instead of her trusty guitar.

    "Answer" lends itself to be the perfect example of this change working amazingly.

    "Answer" tells of true love and how with it she can overcome all of the obstacles life gives her. The simplistic piano accompaniment shows off her Academy Award nominated vocal prowess perfectly.

    One of the best tracks of "Afterglow" happens to be "World on Fire," which gives a glimpse into McLachlan's views on the world in these times and how she feels in her life.

    The piano sounds do wonderfully with the catchy pop rhythm and the in-depth lyrics. The line, "I watch the heavens for my final calling/ Something I can do to change what's coming," makes a powerful, yet understated point.

    McLachlan has certainly grown up and developed into a more confident and powerful songwriter. Her music has done nothing but go up and secure her a spot in the consciousness of the music world.

    "Afterglow" makes itself a perfect catalyst for the changes she has made in her music and in her life. Although her music no longer has that "angry at the world" vibe it once held, it still carries a lot of depth and weight.

    She has become something of a softy after becoming a mother and taking time off before producing this record. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her music.

    McLachlan will definitely surprise fans and new listeners with her raw honesty, but she will win them over with the sheer brilliance of her latest work.

    "Afterglow" will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

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