Mirrorball [Live]

Whilst many people have complained that Mirrorball sounds too polished to really give the impression of a live album. This seems to be argumentative for the sake of it, because this is an absolute stunner of an album that is a reward for any long-term fans due to the fact that all the favourite tunes are reworked. It starts with Building A Mystery, a song with decidedly unique lyrics depicting a thorny relationship. It's a lot harsher live, transforming from a softly plaintive song into a more defiant one. Following this is Hold On, one of the standouts from Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, which Sarah injects with even more sorrow (if that's possible) than in its original form, which is appropriate given the song is about a woman whose husband was dying. Good Enough in any incarnation is fantastic, taking a completely new and perhaps even hopeful view on the destructive family scenario, and the reworking helps modernise it, making it rockier so that it fits neatly alongside McLachlan's more recent songs. I Will Remember You was previously only available on Sarah's Rarities album and on the Brothers McMullen soundtrack, but it's included here (albeit minus one verse) and wisely so. Its deceptively simplistic lyrics can't mask the amazing soul that McLachlan's vocals add, making it every bit as worthwhile as any one of her singles. Adia was her breakthrough song, even meriting being released in Britain, due to its huge popularity in the States. This is certainly confirmed by the reaction it gets from the crowd, which is understandable given that it's perhaps Sarah's most accesible tune. After this comes I Love You, probably the most banal song on the album but by no means not worth listening to. Some older fans have been worried that Sarah has sold out to gain a more commercial crowd, but I Love You is actually a very sweet little love song that once again gains enormously from the emotional live performance. Indeed, Do What You Have To Do is proof enough that McLachlan certainly hasn't run out of ideas, and its sad tone reflects even the best moments from Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. Path Of Thorns is vastly different to the studio version, losing its folky roots and becoming much rockier, which is by no stretch of the imagination a bad thing, as McLachlan adds even more fervour to an already excellent song. Fear is the song that really shows off Sarah's vocal range and talent, reaching the high notes in a yearning tone that's simply beautiful. Now it's only appropriate that Possession, perhaps the epitomy of Sarah McLachlan's talent, should get a full reworking that's wildly different to the album version. Telling the story of a stalker with some gorgeously poetic lyrics it's much more upbeat here, even suggestive of a contemporary rock ballad, although of course those hauntingly ironic words that finish the song off - 'just close your eyes' - certainly don't lose their resonance. Sweet Surrender, in the manner of I Love You, is more contemporary than Sarah's older material but not really less worthy. It's well arranged and provides a nicely happy counterpoint to the sadder songs here. This is followed by the anthemic Ice Cream, simply yet perhaps the catchiest song that she's ever done. There's even a bit of crowd involvement on this track that lays testament to Sarah's popularity. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is perhaps the song that leans most towards rock influences than any other on the album, and the defensive lyric 'I won't fear love' definitely fits into the style. Angel, a song concerning drug addiction, is a fitting finish to a more or less perfect album. It's haunting, beautiful and poignant (although most people will have only heard this song as the abysmmal cover that Westlife did) and every bit as good as the older tunes like 'Hold On' or 'Drawn To The Rhythm'. Quite simply, it's one of the saddest and most affecting songs I've ever heard.

Like I said beforehand, this is a perfect introduction to Sarah McLachlan's best-known work, although it's definitely worth buying her older material. In particular, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is a modern masterpiece. If you're looking for Sarah's more folk-orientated music look for Solace, although the recent Surfacing is a gem too.

Being a Canadian and growing up with the sounds of Sarah, I have always been impressed by her versitility, honesty and creativeness. Now living in London, this album is a thankful addition to my music collection.

As an artist, I have found her going from strength to strength with every album, and this is no different. Mirrorball is a good album if you are unfamiliar with Sarah as it gives a good overview of her songs, albeit her more popular.

Unfortunately, I have never seen Sarah in concert, but would definitely after hearing this album. It would be oh so nice if she skipped over the pond and performed in London!