The title track, Only Time, is a stunning piece, exhibiting what Enya does best-incorporate soothing melodies, unique instrumentation, and her own touch. Only Time sets a mood of peace, serenity, and rumination. Roma Ryan, Enya's longtime lyricist, also deserves credit for her inspirational, heartfelt lyrics that add to this mood. If you listen to what Enya is singing, you'll realize Only Time is as much a keenly felt poem/ballad as a hugely successful song (it's hit number 1 in Germany and has been charted as high as number 10 in the United States). Note: Although Only Time has been remixed, I prefer this "classic" edition for its power and gentle simplicity.

The First of Autumn is a "wow" piece. It's positively spellbinding and gorgeous, powerful and sublime. I was so very surprised Enya did this piece when I heard it on her website. It's just so upbeat, so happy and joyous-which is really the predominant theme of A Day Without Rain. It's amazing to think Enya did all the various instruments and voices of this masterpiece. I love the cellos, violins, strings, drums, voices, et cetera. This one song, which clocks in at about 3:10, is a major factor in why I purchased this rather pricey "single." In the United States, we were shorted this piece, which comes standard on a majority of A Day Without Rain pressings around the world. However, this import single from Great Britain brings such a stellar instrumental to Enya fans in the United States.

The Promise continues the feeling of simplicity in Only Time. It captures your attention with a singular note that lasts seven seconds in the very beginning and then repeats the same piano key combination several times during the piece, like a reassuring, steadfast promise. At 2:29, it is one of Enya's longer piano compositions and an extremely rare track.

At just over 9 minutes Only Time isn't particularly long, but is very memorable. It's soothing, and the title track along with the two additional songs are unforgettable.


Withstands the test of time!   July 29, 2001
D. Litton (Wilmington, NC)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

"Only Time" is an ethereal and thought-provoking ballad that, like many of Enya's songs, will bring tears to your eyes and thoughts into your head. The lyrics of this beautiful song describe the many different aspects and feelings of life that only time can tell, and done in any other fashion, this song would not have its intended effect. But, under the melodic and haunting incantations and chants of Enya, and some very moving intrumentals, the song takes flight as an emotional journey, and is passionate and distressing at the same time. One of Enya's best, and most powerful!


Only Time is one of my favorite songs!   August 22, 2001
J. Daniel (New York)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

Only Time, the first single from Enya's Newest album, "A Day Without Rain" is one of the most amazing songs (and singles) that I have ever heard. The lyrics are great, Enya is great, and the song is great.

If you want to hear more like this, Check out Enya's debut album "A Day Without Rain"

Jordan


Lovely...   December 26, 2000
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I just got this single for Christmas, and it is very beautiful. I have the U.S. recoring and it includes: 'Only Time', The First Of Autumn', and 'The Promise'. I really like 'The First Of Autumn', a very pretty instrumental. If any avid Enya fans are out there, I recomend this with 5 stars...


The missing tracks!   February 1, 2001
Mark Savary (Seattle, WA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

The Asian release of "A Day Without Rain" includes one of these tracks, which makes the album more complete.

"The First of Autumn" is a lovely and energetic piece which would have helped flesh out the 34 minute US version of the album had it been included. Mostly instrumental with strings and chorus, it certainly does bring to mind the changing of seasons.

"The Promise" is a quiet and thoughtful instrumental that deserved a space on the album as well.

In either case, the two cuts are worth the price of buying the single, and both are very beautiful.