Amarantine cover

Amarantine

Enya · 2005

45 min · 12 tracks · new age music

Ethereal melodies weave through lush arrangements, creating a serene soundscape that invites introspection and escapism.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Less Than a Pearl Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Amarantine — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of eternal love and features Enya’s signature layered vocals with an enchanting melody that lingers.
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    It's in the Rain — This song captures a sense of longing and connection through its haunting lyrics and rich instrumentation, embodying the emotional depth of the album.
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    If I Could Be Where You Are — This track stands out for its poignant expression of yearning and features a beautifully arranged orchestral backdrop that enhances its emotional weight.
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    Long Long Journey — The song offers a reflective narrative about life's path, blending Enya’s ethereal voice with gentle rhythms that create a serene listening experience.
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    Water Shows the Hidden Heart — Closing the album, this track uses imagery of water to explore themes of hidden emotions and connections, rounding out the contemplative nature of Amarantine.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Amarantine showcases Enya's signature sound with lush arrangements and ethereal melodies, maintaining her distinct style.

What we noticed

  • The album features layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, ethereal texture throughout its tracks.
  • Each song typically builds from a soft introduction to a more dynamic middle section before tapering off gently.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional Celtic instruments alongside synthesized sounds, blending organic and electronic elements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic flow throughout
  • tranquil soundscape for relaxation
  • introspective beauty for reflection
  • gentle background for solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its signature ethereal sound and introspective themes.
Themes
tranquil soundscapes· Celtic influences· longing and connection
Career context
Released on November 22, 2005, Amarantine is Enya's sixth studio album, coming after her commercially successful album, A Day Without Rain. This album continued to showcase her signature blend of Celtic influences and new age aesthetics while solidifying her status as a pioneering figure in ambient music. At this point in her career, Enya was well-established, known for her unique sound and multi-layered vocal harmonies.
Stylistic neighbors
Loreena McKennitt· Clannad· Sarah Brightman

Tracklist

  • 1 Less Than a Pearl Start here 3:44
  • 2 Amarantine 3:12
  • 3 It's in the Rain 4:08
  • 4 If I Could Be Where You Are 4:00
  • 5 The River Sings 2:49
  • 6 Long Long Journey 3:17
  • 7 Sumiregusa 4:42
  • 8 Someone Said Goodbye 4:02
  • 9 A Moment Lost 3:08
  • 10 Drifting 4:11
  • 11 Amid the Falling Snow 3:38
  • 12 Water Shows the Hidden Heart 4:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata