Enya’s "A Day Without Rain" shows that this New Age-Celtic artist is still going strong. Her trademark ethereal vocals and strong, synthesized instrumentals endure in this, her seventh album. Not only does Enya’s ability to infuse powerfully poetic lyrics with a wealth of emotion solidify on this album, her grasp of vocal harmony is at its peak. Every track evokes universal emotions, from the playful "Wild Child" to the philosophically introspective "Only Time" to the forbidding "Tempus Vernum." Enya’s vocals intertwine seamlessly - her use of layered voice is flawless and fluid.

The three tracks that stand out on this album are "Only Time", a melancholy exploration of permanence; "Wild Child", a cheerful, childish romp, and "Tempus Vernum", a dark, almost oppressive Latin chant whose lines speak of the seasons and the universe in an odd counterpoint to the driving, forbidding melody. "Only Time" seems to hint at the impartial and eternal aspects of time, painting it as a constant observer of human emotion. This haunting piece is a welcome addition to the soundtrack of "Sweet November", fitting itself seamlessly into the film’s theme. "Wild Child" is innocent and childlike, touching on everything impulsive and exuberant about youth. "Tempus Vernum" is a kind of contradiction; the main melodic theme is almost a funeral dirge, while the lines themselves translate into an anthem of life and rebirth.

As with her previous albums, Enya manages to push the envelope of Celtic music while still remaining faithful to her Celtic roots. "A Day Without Rain" encompasses a variety of musical styles and a variety of influences, not all necessarily Celtic. And yet, "A Day Without Rain" serves as yet another view into the future of Celtic music, one where technology and tradition are embraced equally, allowing the genre to grow and change just as the bearers of Celtic heritage grow and change.