Album Review: Sarah McLachlan, Laws of Illusion

Seven years after Afterglow, Sarah McLachlan released her current disc Laws of Illusion in June. With a lot of life changes behind her like her split from her husband and having the ever ongoing experience of raising two daughters and with the revival of Lilith Fair, it was a great opportunity for the singer-songwriter to undergo a reinvention of sorts when it came to her sound. It is oftentimes that an artist creates some of their best work after facing adversity. But, alas, it was a chance apparently that McLachlan wasn’t willing to take as she delivers a project that is much in the same vein as her previous works with her signature new age flavored music that complements her undeniable vocals.

Laws of Illusion kicks off with the stand-out “Awakenings,” an appropriately titled tune that awakens the senses with a brisk pace and lyrics infused with the bitter taste of love gone wrong, which tends to be the ongoing theme of the project. The push and pull of an unhealthy relationship and the distance between those involved is explored in “Illusions of Bliss” and “U Want Me 2,” while the struggle of keeping a relationship in tact is the theme of “Changes.” Relief from the burden of hurting someone you love is sought after in “Forgiveness” but not given. Sarah finds herself trying to outrun a broken heart in “Heartbreak” before it catches up with her, but it unfortunately finds her it seems in “Don’t Give Up on Us.” Among all the bitterness and struggles of love found on Laws of Illusion is the first single from the project “Loving You is Easy,” which is a jaunty, optimistic song reminiscent of Michael Buble’s last hit “Haven’t Met You Yet.” It seems to be somewhat of an oddity with its positive message.

Although McLachlan doesn’t deviate from the musical formula that has worked for her in the past, the listener can find the real heart and soul of the album in the strength of the lyrics in each of the songs, all of which Sarah had a hand in writing with the exception of one track - “Bring on the Wonder.”

You can check out the video of “Loving You is Easy” by clicking here.

Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010

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