Parallel Dreams

Released in 1989, Parallel Dreams marks the third studio effort by Loreena McKennitt and serves as a pivotal evolutionary step in her discography. While her earlier works were more strictly rooted in traditional Celtic arrangements, this album begins to incorporate the world-music textures and sophisticated pop sensibilities that would later define her breakthrough, The Visit. The recording is notable for its blend of traditional instruments - harp, fiddle, and cello - with subtle contemporary production techniques that emphasize a 'cathedral-like' sonic space. Lyrically, the album is a tapestry of Irish mythology, Orkney folklore, and contemporary social issues, including a rare political turn in 'Breaking the Silence,' dedicated to Amnesty International. Critics, including those at AllMusic, have noted the album's growth in confidence and its ability to weave disparate cultural threads into a cohesive, ethereal whole. It remains a fan favorite for its balance of intimacy and epic storytelling.