To be honest, I didn't really fall in love with it on my first listen. I could tell it was a GOOD album, but at first, I wasn't sure it was a GREAT album. Her voice was strong and clear, but there was nothing very unusual about it. It was just like your basic good voice. Also, the songs were very pretty, but they kind of came across as ordinary ballads - nothing jumped out at me.
With repeated listenings though, I gradually "got it". The power of this album is a subtle one, but once you find its beauty, you'll never again understand why you didn't hear it on the first listen.
Mary Black sings with a pure, honest spirit that creates the most subtle glow around each Irish folk ballad. She is baring her soul with each note, but she doesn't do it with raw power - she does it with a tender heart and an honest lilt. The aura around her singing is unmistakable once you begin to hear it.
The songs too became more enchanting to me with each listen. ONE WAY DONKEY RIDE is a genuinely sympathetic ballad, and Mary Black's rendition is particularly heartfelt. Some of the love stories told on the album are warm with innocence, and biting with pain. And I've come to really love the song PAPER FRIENDS too, just because its simple message about knowing who your real friends are and aren't is so welcoming.
HOLY GROUND is definitely quintessential Mary Black!