What makes Storms in Africa by Enya notable?

The album is notable for charting well across Europe, signaling Enya's rising popularity in the new age genre. Its ambient soundscapes played a significant role in shaping the sonic landscape of late 1980s and early 1990s music, influencing countless artists in the genre. Released in 1989, 'Storms in Africa' marked Enya's emergence as a solo artist following her departure from the group Clannad. This album showcased her unique blend of Celtic influences and new age sensibilities, setting the stage for her subsequent breakthrough with 'Watermark' later that year.

How many songs are on Storms in Africa?

Storms in Africa has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Storms in Africa

Enya · 1989

7 min · 2 tracks · new age music

A soothing blend of ethereal vocals and lush synths, evoking serene landscapes and mystical atmospheres.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Storms in Africa (Part II) — This track exemplifies Enya's signature style with its sweeping melodies and layered harmonies, creating an immersive auditory experience that draws listeners into a tranquil world.
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Storms in Africa — The title track features rich instrumentation and dynamic shifts that highlight Enya's vocal prowess, encapsulating her ability to evoke emotion through sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The record showcases Enya's signature ethereal style with cohesive arrangements and distinct vocal layering.

What we noticed

The track 'Storms in Africa' features layered vocal harmonies that create a choral effect, while the instrumentation builds gradually with synth pads and percussion.
The two tracks are variations on the same theme, with 'Part II' offering a more extended arrangement that emphasizes atmospheric soundscapes.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Enya's reputation as a solo artist in the new age genre.
Themes: African landscapes· ethereal nature· Celtic mystique
Career context: Released in 1989, 'Storms in Africa' marked Enya's emergence as a solo artist following her departure from the group Clannad. This album showcased her unique blend of Celtic influences and new age sensibilities, setting the stage for her subsequent breakthrough with 'Watermark' later that year.
Stylistic neighbors: Loreena McKennitt· Clannad· Sarah Brightman