The unmistakable family harmonies will always be the highlight of
the Ennis Sisters' albums, but this is one to watch for the songwriting
especially. Maureen is the writer, and responsible for 10 of 11 cuts
here, with a theme of time passing, and using it wisely. Much of that
was inspired by the recent passing of their father to dementia, and is
partially in honour of him, and partially about transitions we all go
through.
Produced by NL countryman Alan Doyle
(two co-writes as well), the album has all the trad music bells and
whistles (quite literally) but feels far more contemporary thanks to the
subject matter, Maureen's way with melodies, and the vocal
arrangements, which show the group's pop sensibilities as well. While
many of the songs are poignant, none are sad, but more reflective. Of
particular grace is the title cut, written for Karen's wedding day, and
her dance with her father, with lots of mentions of past waltzes and
places and times shared. The album wraps up with the lone cover, the CSN
hit Wasted On The Way, with a new arrangement for their voices rather
than those other harmony guys. With its message about time wasted on the
way, it wraps up the theme well.
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