The haunting Latin "Cursum Perficio" was inspired by an inscription written on the portico of the Brentwood house Marilyn Monroe died in. Loosely translated, it means "my journey ends here." The frenzied part of the song and chorus reflects the whirlwind way in which Marilyn's life ended. "Eternum" is sung four times, and then comes that final chord, signalling her last breath.

The lush instrumentation in "On Your Shore," "Exile," and "Evening Falls" really highlight Enya's vocals. A flute breaks the silence in the second song as a deep contrast from the strings. It really does paint a stark portrait of an exile, especially with the lyrics: "I'll wait the signs to come/I'll find a way/I will wait the time to come/I'll find a way home." Somehow, the exile will come home to his (her) family and friends. These three songs alone is reason enough to get this album.

The lush "Orinoco Flow," which became a #1 single in the UK stands out with its plucked pizzicato strings and vibrant sound. It evokes waterfalls, springs, and sailing into a wondrous fantasy-land. Sail away, sail away, sail away!

"River" is a gentle melodic keyboard instrumental that highlights Enya's talents in other ways. She provides all instrumentation on this album.

The Celtic-sung "The Longships" does evoke the image of the said ships sailing across the Irish Sea, with the pounding drum serving as the beater's drum, which sets the stroke of the oars striking the water.

"Na Laetha Geal M'oige," also sung in Celtic, is a forlorn song, with pipes lending the melancholy atmosphere.

"Storms In Africa II" begins with a clap of thunder and is also sung in English. There's a lot more drumming in this version, and also a part where she sings, accompanied only by the rhythmic pounding of African drums. This is also the version on her Moonshadows video collection. It's better than the first version on the album. Both have that exotic "na-na-na, ne-ne-ne" sound.

A giant leap from the understated Enya album (now called The Celts), Watermark is a watershed and benchmark for the former Clannad vocalist. Enya probably has THE best female vocal ever, even surpassing Sarah Brightman at her best. Watermark only hinted at better things to come.


Watermark is one of those perpetually playable albums   March 17, 2004
Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA)
40 out of 42 found this review helpful

There are only a few albums that last year after year after year and "Watermark" is one of them. While there are plenty of subsequent albums from Enya that are great, "Watermark" has some of her best work, from the Latin "Cursum Perficio" to "Orinoco Flow." There isn't one bad cut on this album and the Celtic singing and Latin are hypnotic and mysterious. It's no wonder many of the tunes were used in advertisements--you just have to stop to listen. I love this one.


The Best New Age Album of the 1900s   June 4, 2000
Cabir Davis
22 out of 22 found this review helpful

Enya's Watermark has had its fair share of praise in its shortlifetime since being released in 1988. However, what makes it standout apart from other albums of the same genre, is that it simply defies genre. It could be called 'New Age' just to fit it in somewhere, but its not. Its certainly not pop music, and not even Irish traditional. What it is, though, is sheer magic. What is undisputably the century's finest New Age album, gets better with each repeated hearing. Listeners who are familiar with the works of Loreena McKennitt, Altan, Clannad, or Maire Brennan (Enya's sister, by the way), should already be well versed with the contents of this epic masterpiece. If you aren't, then please treat this as a very very strong recommendation ! Enya has largely stayed out of the public eye, for the most part of her years in the music business. Her first album (titled 'Enya' and re-released 'The Celts' in 1993) set the standard for her later works, but this, her second album is by far her most accomplished work. The title track, a simple, melodious piano piece is definitely one of the most beautiful orchestrations heard on any recent album. Enya always slips in a few music-only pieces in all her albums, and this one is no different. 'Miss Clare remembers' and 'River' are positively radiant - 'River' is one of my personal favorites. 'Cursum Perficio', is a Latin chant that is as haunting as 'Pax Deorum' from 'The Memory of Trees', and far more addictive. 'Watermark''s strengths lie in the slow ballads, and the lush instrumentations. 'On your shore' is highly spiritual, as is 'Evening falls', and both shine. Surprisingly, 'Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)', which was the single that brought Enya to public attention, pales in the face of all the other songs. It is highly 'pop-ish' and while distinctly hummable, I have found myself skipping the track and moving through the rest of the album. Its a pity that most of the world remembers Enya for this one song, when she has so many more fulfilling works to her credit. Many people express their fury at later editions of 'Watermark' not containing an additional track called 'Storms in Africa II', which was available on pressings made in 1988, when the album was first released. One can only guess as to why such a fine composition has been removed from later editions, but if you do wish to find it, try obtaining an Asian edition of 'Watermark' - some Japanese versions of the album still carry the track. The great thing about Watermark, is the continuity. Never is the pace or the melody broken, and the listener is never let down, ever. The closer 'Na Lactha Geal M'Oige' is a beautiful Gaelic song, and one that you'll find yourself learning and singing along to, no matter if you dont know Gaelic. Enya fans will recall 'Smaointe' from her 'Shepherd Moons', instantly, but this track beats that one to the post. Its instantly mesmerising. For those of you who dont have this CD, I can vouch for its absolute must-have property. What was the 80s best New Age album, grew into the 90s best New Age album, and now , in the 2000s, it is still fresh, vibrant, and magical. And thats the hallmark of a classic, wouldn't you say?


Rating: five galaxies, not five stars   November 23, 1999
Kelley (Arkansas)
60 out of 70 found this review helpful

It's simply a masterpiece. My guess is that people will be listening to this music 100 years from now and it will still be available for purchase.

I bought the tape several years ago, which has different titles than the CD by the same name. I liked it even more than the CD version.

For months I used to listen to the title track each night as I went to sleep. Simply amazing! It would often bring tears to my eyes.

Although it was the song that brought me to her music, I have finally tired of Orinoco Flow (Sail Away.) It is the only song that I've tired of, and I listen to her CD's constantly.

I hesitate to say that Watermark is her best album because in Enya's case, each one is a masterpiece. Five stars? How about five galaxies!

As I read other people's comments and the beautiful expereinces that they have while listening, it reminds me a bit of the many miracles Jesus performed. His ability was to give to each person what they needed. Enya's music does much the same. Although she'd never say it, Enya is a living master, one of the all time gifts from God.


Touches Hearts   July 11, 1999
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I had heard "Orinoco Flow" off the Pure Moods CD, and before this, I had never heard Enya. After I did, I looked for other songs of hers, and found this CD. It touched my heart. Usually I am into classical and the more modern songs you hear on the radio, like Madonna and Celine Dion. I have never been to much of a New Age fan. But this just completed me. I am only 14, and yet this just let my soul fly. I don't know why other teenagers get this kick out of rap and hard rock. It seems as if they have no grasp of the deeper things in life. Enya lets me get a grasp of them. Even though I still love "Orinoco Flow", my favorite lyrics are the ones in "Evening Falls..." : "Forever searching; never right, I am lost in oceans of night. Forever hoping I can find memories, those those memories I left behind. Even though I leave, will I go on believing that this time is real - am I lost in this feeling? Like a child passing through, never knowing the reason. I am home - I know the way. I am home - feeling oh, so far away.