Sarah McLachlan's New Album: Laws Of Illusion {Review}

There are a lot of things that I don't have a "favorite" of. My favorite color? It varies, depending on my mood. My favorite book? I don't know, I've read a lot of good books over the years. My favorite movie? Just one? How do I decide?

And although I couldn't tell you my favorite band or favorite song, an artist that I have always, always, always loved is Sarah McLachlan. Her amazing voice, heart-grabbing lyrics and the way I have to stop everything and listen whenever any of her songs begin to play... there's just something about the way her music speaks to me and, dare I say, touches my soul.

I can't be certain, but I'm pretty sure my first Sarah McLachlan album was Surfacing, way back from 1997. Now, 13 years later, tracks like Angel and Do What You Have To Do still sound absolutely beautiful to me. Even though I've heard other artists cover her songs over the years, there is still no one with a voice like Sarah McLachlan herself. Did you see her perform on Dancing With The Stars? Sure there were dancers doing their thing, but Sarah? Simply incredible.

So, when I heard that this Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter was coming out with her first studio album of brand new material in 7 years, I couldn't have been more interested in reviewing it. Just released TODAY, June 15, Laws of Illusion can be purchased on Amazon or Barnes & Noble and has already made its way into my top music picks.

Having had a career spanning over two decades, Sarah McLachlan already has over 20 million sales to date and every single one of her studio and live albums has been certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA. I'm no music critic, of course, but I doubt that Laws Of Illusion isn't going to continue along the same path because it's just as wonderful.

The 12 tracks on Law of Illusion each have their own rhythm and style but still come together to form a cohesive and beautiful album. They are:

1. Awakenings
2. Illusions of Bliss (my personal fav)
3. Loving You Is Easy (the album's first single, available on Amazon and iTunes)
4. Changes
5. Forgiveness
6. Rivers Of Love
7. Love Come
8. Out of Tune
9. Heartbreak
10. Don't Give Up On Us
11. U Want Me 2
12. Bring On The Wonder

Ranging from fast to slow to upbeat to tranquil, I found Laws of Illusion to be reminiscent of Sarah's music from years ago, which I love. After all this time, she still has a voice that contains just enough sweet with sultry and smooth and the lyrics are just as calming and deep. Whenever I'm looking for a soothing way to sit back and relax with my thoughts, this album is the perfect accompaniment. I couldn't ask for more.

As well as promoting her new album, Sarah McLachlan will be busy this summer with the return of the historic all-female Lilith Fair festival. Opening June 27 in Calgary and running through until August 16 in Dallas, Lilith Fair will not only feature Sarah but other incredibly talented women artists such as Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson, Indigo Girls and Martina McBride. Make sure to visit their website or become a fan on Facebook for great tour information and to find out when Lilith Fair will be near you!

To keep up with Sarah McLachlan and her fantastic new album, Laws of Illusion, visit her website, follow her on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. Now shhh, I've got much more listening to do.

(Other than the copy of Laws of Illusion that I was sent in conjunction with my membership to the One2One Network, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way although I will be entered in a random drawing for a gift card for participating. This review is solely my opinion of this fantastic album.)