12 tracks.

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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.

33 of 33 found the following review helpful:

The Best New Age Album of the 1900sJun 04, 2000
By Cabir Marc Davis
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?

42 of 44 found the following review helpful:

Watermark is one of those perpetually playable albumsMar 17, 2004
By Joanna Daneman
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.

21 of 21 found the following review helpful:

One of my top 5 CDs of all timeMar 21, 2004
By Justin Elswick
I was a DJ in high school when I happened upon a used cassette of Watermark. I remember picking it up and thinking "oh, this is that singer who has that strange song Orinoco Flow out on the radio." I had only heard Orinoco Flow a few times, but it was getting tons of airplay. I decided to pick it up (even though my tastes in music were totally inapposite to Enya's style). I took the tape home--and I swear--I had to sit down because I was so overwhelmed by what I was hearing. I recall thinking "this is the single most beautiful voice I've ever heard in my life." From that point on, my taste in music changed dramatically. Funny that it all started with ENYA. I played the album for my parents and my siblings and they were equally stunned by its beauty.

Watermark's production is immaculate and showcases Enya at her best (although I like everything she's done). I am amused by the bone-head comments made by Enya-haters who say "this music is sooo boring," or "it is so pretentious." It's like hearing a deaf mute gripe that Mozart's Requiem is dull or self-important. SHUT UP, BE SILENT, and take your tone-deaf selves to the local ska shop! Enya's music is only dull to individuals who have tin ears or are so musically disinclined that the don't know a whole note from a hole in their heads.

I also strongly disagree with people who say that Enya's voice is "weak." She sings in a very traditional style (the style is called sean-nos and is exemplified by aspirated/breathy singing). You'll hear no fake SOUL DIVA sliding (a la Mariah Carey or Crustina Aguilera). That's because the Irish have a traditional singing style that is not influenced by the western classical tradition (or any pseudo-gospel/soul style). Enya's range and almost vibrato-less singing is really incredible. I don't think there are many others who can match her purity of tone (maybe Lisa Gerrard who is almost superhuman).

Anyway, this music changed my entire musical perspective and still moves me to this day. It will always be the most important musical revelation in my life.
If you don't own it, you need to go drop the $2.99 and pick it up :-)

19 of 19 found the following review helpful:

Touches HeartsJul 10, 1999

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.

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