After six years in obscurity, Sarah McLachlan is finally back in the sun with a new album called Afterglow. Her experience only seems to add to her obvious love for musical expression. The album possesses a strong emotive quality, characteristic of McLachlan's past albums. Not only is the album a pleasant surprise to those who longed for her to reenter the musical spotlight, but it is also wonderfully representative of McLachlan's distinctive passion and talent. McLachlan has truly established herself as an accomplished artist. A three-time Grammy winner, the vocalist with fine piano skills made a name for herself by pioneering the well-known "Lilith Fair," which celebrated a round of accomplished female artists in the 90s. According to a press release, the death of her mother from cancer in 1997 and the birth of her daughter, India, were strong influences on Afterglow. Her most recent albums include Surfacing and Mirrorball.

It is easy to appreciate the profundity of McLachlan's musical gift. Her lyrics are rich in their honest illuminations about sadness and yearning. Her recently popular song, "Fallen" is a poignant calling for redemption accompanied by soothing violins. The video is equally beautiful. "World on Fire" is satisfying in its soft flow and solemn, yet consoling message. "Trainwreck" is a likely favorite on the album. The drum and guitar beats speed this song up a bit and provide a nice backdrop to McLachlan's vocals. "Stupid" has the strongest vocal power of all the songs and is also the most full of self-embittering remorse. "Drifting" and "Push" are very typical of McLachlan's elegant style, with smooth melodies. "Time" is also gentle, yet hypnotic with its rhythmic guitars. "Dirty Little Secret" is wrenching in its sorrowful request for reconciliation. "Perfect Girl" and "Answer" are somewhat lacking in uniqueness and don't have that extra spark to engage the listener as the rest of McLachlan's songs succeed in doing. Yet, overall, McLachlan's collection of songs strongly demonstrates her natural vocal abilities and characteristically beautiful melodic arrangements.

McLachlan isn't very active on the piano on this album, which is disappointing in itself. However, the string instruments present in the background for most songs are a welcome addition to McLachlan's musical ensemble. The drum beats make the listener feel like humming along, as well. Yet, no matter how many instruments the band plays, it will always be McLachlan's vocals that steal the show.

Anyone with an appreciation for expressive lyrics and an ear for truly magnificent vocals can be grateful for Afterglow. What makes her album most worthy of listening to is her genuine attempt to express sincere human emotion, with all of its tangles and thorns. It is quite safe to say that McLachlan won't be fading in her success anytime soon. Perhaps she was simply waiting for the right time to enchant us with her return.