Shine is an antonym for dullness, so perhaps there is a hint of tongue-in-cheek humor in the title of this album. Most likely not. Sarah McLachlan isn’t one for jokes. Her music, it seems, even the happy Love songs, are meant to be taken dead-seriously. No fun allowed.

That was okay on Surfacing when most of the songs were good, but she’s slipped off that surface and fell hard since. She should never abandon Pierre Marchand and the lush soundscapes he provides, but, melody-wise, this is her third boring (non-Christmas) album in a row.

my rating : 2 of 5

2014
 

DeeGee :

I agree with this review. I couldnt put my finger on what the issue was until you mentioned that she’s not working with PM. Too bad. This music is bland.