Album Review—Love Walks Through Rain by Ann Sweeten

A Lovely Musical Gift For The Human Soul

Humans look to music for several ends. During an unexpected hour, their soul’s search finds the most fitting composition that addresses their spiritual zest and the process reveals to them who their favorite artist is. Ann Sweeten is one such exceptional talent in the world of piano. Her world-renowned signature style has consistently enthralled her audience on the concert stages and on Airwaves. Sweeten’s unique style embraces multiple genres like classical, jazz, film scoring, new age and popular music.

When I am penning this review, I am still a captive of the magical spell of her new album ‘Love Walks Through Rain’. This enamoring composition is a deeply moving instrumental piano music, a masterly accomplishment of an artist popular among her fans for over a quarter of a century. In this album, she has proved that music is a universal language to converse with the human soul in several profound ways.

Piano is a versatile instrument, successfully serving the artists’ intents across multiple genres. However, it requires the ingenious dexterity of a gifted artist like Sweeten to unlock its fullest potential to elevate human consciousness. She seems to be always at her best in extracting soul-stirring tunes from her piano, which directly address the cravings of the subconscious mind.

Saying how this newest album touched him, Will Ackerman, American guitarist and record producer and the founder of Windham Hill Records, writes, “One of the most talented pianists and composers on the scene today…Love Walks Through Rain, continues to beguile with brilliantly played melody….Ann’s best work to date.” And from this comment, we understand where Ann’s new album stands.

Tracks List

#1. Valley Greene (4:22)

The first track ‘Valley Greene’ replicates the scenes of a lush green landscape stretching in front of us. Ann takes her audience on exotic travel inside themselves to show them what lies inside their deepest soul. The opening song works like the canvass for the artist to paint the other songs one after the other.  

#2. Glimmer (5:21)

I found the second song ‘Glimmer’ a soul stirring composition. As the song progresses, the long winding tunes in the background create a soothing effect removing the pains our daily lives have inflicted on our subconscious minds. The healing effect is rather soft and invisible under the ‘glimmering’ tunes.

#3. Seirios (4:08)

The glimmering tunes of the second track develop into glowing melodies (‘Seirios‘) in the third track. The piano harmonies are more profound and take the listener on more deeper voyages into worlds undiscovered.

#4. The Winter’s Circle (5:33)

The fourth track ‘The Winter’s Circle’ is a mesmerizing piece. Winter’s unique characteristics bestow an exceptional charm to this season. The artist intends to simulate a casual walk during winter for her audience and the process unfolds into a music that refreshes the fatigued spirit and prepares for the feast she would give them in the next track.

#5. Love Walks Through Rain (4:54)

The fifth song, also the title track of the album, ‘Love Walks Through Rain’ is a rich medley of sounds. Rain is the symbol of resurgence and hope. In the same way, inspiring music revives the human spirit and wakes up its hidden energies. The fifth song is a sumptuous feast for the listener to appease their soul’s hunger.  

#6. Red – Requiem for an Old Friend (5:58)

The sixth track is a requiem composed in remembrance of Ann’s old friend. Love and gratitude make life profound and meaningful. Recollecting the memories of our dear ones during a precious time in our lives reveal us the value of human relationships. The sixth track simulates fond memories in everyone’s life and opens up the gates to a glorious existence through feelings of love and gratitude.

#7. The Hills of Riversong (5:32)

Hills are magnificent scenes in nature that show us the heights we need to climb up in our lives. The happy tunes of the seventh track pour hopes and promises into the soul and whisper in the ears, “Climb up with swift steps, it is a long way to go”. 

#8. The Shadow of You (4:38)

Our shadow is our constant companion. The eighth track is an assemblage of joyful piano notes that remind us what is permanent in our lives, duly suggested by the track’s title. While our dear ones might leave us, we find our shadows have never deserted us. Believing in ourselves is the most precious wealth we can bank on during the most challenging times.

#9. Through Jasmine’s Eyes (5:12)

The ninth track is a unique composition in the album. Listen to it when you are alone with yourself and you will find the artist has embedded some tasty candies in her music to give a treat to your soul. The soothing melodies of this song will engage you in an intimate conversation with your inner self.  

#10. Out of the Fog (4:42)

The tenth song is composed of soft and silky notes that can have a hypnotic impact on you. Personally, I found this piece a tremendous musical work best suitable for meditation and self-introspection. 

#11. Valley Greene Orchestral Reprise (4:26)

I would call the final track the crown jewel of this album. The soft melodies of this track consolidate the experience the listener discovered throughout the album and leave lasting impressions on the audience’s deep consciousness. The journey concludes and the silence that follows tells you, “You are a new being now, happier and more powerful. 

Final Word

If you are a believer in the spiritual power of music, I am sure you will find this album a testimony to prove your stand. Ann Sweeten’s versatile musical abilities and her masterly expertise in playing the piano have made this spectacular work possible like a miracle. ‘Love Walks Through Rain’ is a proficient composition and a rare musical achievement. You are sure to recommend this album to your deepest connections on the earth in order to infect them too with the joy you and I discovered in the album.

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