Sarah McLachlan - Surfacing (A PopEntertainment.com Music Review)

PopEntertainment
Sep 16, 1997
1 min read

Sarah McLachlan - Surfacing (Arista)

With the popularity of this summer's Lilith Fair and the release of this album, Sarah McLachlan is finally being referred when people reference current superstars. Strangely enough, this album, which is already shaping up to be McLachlan's biggest hit, is one of her weaker records.

It may not be completely up to McLachlan's lofty standards, but, of course, it's a lot better than most other artists' work. McLachlan's vocals are as always top-notch, and the production by long-time collaborator Pierre Marchand is as lush as ever, but the songs could be a little stronger.

For example, the delicate ballad "I Love You," while beautiful, almost feels too fragile, like it may waft up into the air and dissipate. The mid-tempo dance track "Sweet Surrender" has the international feel of one of Kate Bush's collaborations with the Trio Bulgarka. The single, "Building A Mystery," captures a feeling of quiet anxiety.

Surfacing proves that even below average Sarah McLachlan is way ahead of the pack. (9/97)

Jay S. Jacobs