Lisa Gerrard Issue #34

The Best of Lisa Gerrard (4AD)

By Noreen Sobczyk
Published: December 1st, 2007 | 12:00am

The Best of Lisa Gerrard provides a smattering of this Australian’s solo work as well as that with Dead Can Dance partner Brendan Perry. Effortlessly walking a tightrope between ethereal and earthy, the swirling vocals pair perfectly with the grounding music. Gerrard’s voice is distinctive, and she sometimes sings in Aramaic or Gaelic, using an abundance of instruments from other lands. After spending more than a decade scoring her personal demons or fantastical dreams, Gerrard began scoring films, and the leap befits of her talents. Her work on Gladiator garnered Grammy and Oscar nominations as well as a Golden Globe award.

Unlike some best-of collections, this compilation blends seamlessly and cohesively, almost as if it were a work unto itself. At a time when gothic-ambient music has staled — or is even archaic — Gerrard still manages to bring something fresh and sincere to the table. Where other artists fail to represent darkness without self-conscious delivery or questionable integrity, Gerrard does so with poise and intelligence. Her work provides the perfect soundtrack to a dynamic stormy night, quiet day of self-reflection, romantic interlude, or a steadfast companion to a relaxing massage.

If you have yet to hear Gerrard’s music and are searching for something off the beaten path, The Best of Lisa Gerrard could become integral to your collection. If you have yet to be indoctrinated to her otherworldly delights, this is a fine point from which to begin exploration. Let her dulcet tones serve as your guide.