After seven albums as lead singer and main songwriter with the acclaimed '80s band 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant left that overcrowded asylum and began her solo career with her successful and much-loved 'Tigerlily' album. 'Tigerlily', which is already three years old, was delicate and understated with sparse arrangements geared to allow the natural melodies of the songs to waft through without being bludgeoned by heavy instrumentation.

'Ophelia' sees a clear departure from this approach with lush orchestral arrangements, layered harmonies and a host of musicians used both in the accompanying orchestra as well as in the work-shopping, development and production of each of the tracks. Merchant hand-picked specific musicians to work on specific songs and the variety of styles and overriding sense of space, spontaneity and freedom is obvious throughout this beautiful and moving opus.

The twelve songs here are milestones on an intimate musical journey through Natalie Merchant's mysterious and magical imagination. Most of these songs are in the first person yet are more fictional than autobiographical. Among the esteemed artists adding their talents to this album are N'Dea Davenport (ex-Brand New Heavies), Tibetan singer Yungchen Llhamo and Karen Peris (Innocence Mission) who all share vocal duets with Ms Merchant. There's also the new jazz talent Chris Botti on trumpet, Daniel Lanois on psychedelic guitar and English composer Gavin Bryars adding their contributions.

Songs like the delicate 'My Skin', the euphoric 'Life Is Sweet', the cynical 'Thick As Thieves' and the lovely 'Frozen Charlotte' all share a tranquil and devotional feel. Natalie Merchant's voice has a plaintive and yearning element that adds an emotional sheen to any song she performs.

'Ophelia', in fact, is a quasi-concept album with its accompanying film made in collaboration with directors Mark Seliger and Fred Woodward. In this film, Natalie Merchant exhibits a wide range of her acting, dancing and costume-designing skills in an attempt to give a visual life to the songs on the album.

Mostly though, 'Ophelia' is a welcome follow-up to 'Tigerlily' and will keep all the Natalie Merchant devotees very absorbed until her next album.

Stephen "Sugar" Segerman

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