Oiche Chiun (Silent Night) [US Maxi-Single] [Maxi Single] (CD - 1992)

Released as a stand-alone single first in Japan in 1989, then in America three years later with an extra track, Oiche Chiun serves as Enya's own entry into the popular world of reinterpreting traditional Christmas numbers. As might be thought, the results are gently beautiful, with just enough calm but present drama to make it more than simply pretty, her immediately identifiable, rich voice singing the standard in Irish with a hushed power. Only the title track itself directly deals with the holiday -- as for the others, the first, "Oriel Window," is a fine enough instrumental, title-wise continuing in the vein of medievalism from much of her other work. The last track, "'S Fagaim Mo Bhaile," also is fair without being immediately memorable compared to much of her other work, but obsessed fans will find it an enjoyable addition to the original release. ~ Ned Raggett minimize