Most people will be familiar with the singles "Building a Mystery" and "Angel", both which are strong tracks. But, probably the most impressive songs on the album are "Sweet Surrender", "Adia", and "Witness". Overall, the sound quality of this CD is excellent. I like to listen to this album with headphones to get the full impact of the songs.

I highly recommend this album to any Sarah Mclachlan fun, if you do not already own it. If you are unfamiliar with her work, I would use this CD as a great starting point.


"Surfacing" is a stellar, heartfelt work of art!   February 13, 1999
 66 out of 66 found this review helpful

Originally, I purchased this album, without knowing much about the artist, because I really liked the song "Building A Mystery. I played "Building A Mystery" over and over for a long time, then I listened to the rest of the disc and was astounded. Every song on "Surfacing" is thoughtfully written and uniquely beautiful. Personally, I believe that the best song on this CD is track #2, "I Love You". With its unique instrumentation, superb acoustic guitar solo (by Sarah), and expressively sung lyrics which I could personally identify with, it quickly became my favorite song. I have played it so many times, I can't believe that the CD isn't worn out! Each track is pleasantly different and has its own charm. "Sweet Surrender" is upbeat and inspiring, while "Angel" is tranquil and meditative. The calming instrumental, "Last Dance" is the perfect choice for the concluding track. "Surfacing" is the one CD I cannot live without. I am now a huge fan of Sarah and have gone on to purchase her older CDs. I love every one of them, but "Surfacing" is the absolute best. It deserves nothing short of five stars. If you don't already own a copy of this collection of musical poetry, do yourself a favor and go order one now! I promise that you will not be disappointed!


serious music from a noted female artist   September 18, 2002
 58 out of 63 found this review helpful

Nowadays, the radio plays so many songs by women artists dressed like prostitutes, crooning (rather off-key) about how they like men, like to tease men, like to break hearts, etc., etc. But there exists a different class of female vocalists out there, with a more independent message--the Lillith Fair set, if you will--and Sarah MacLachlan is squarely at the forefront.

With her CD "Surfacing," many longtime fans may feel that she has gone too mainstream or too 'radio-friendly.' Oftentimes artists will have to do this to increase sales. Look at how much New Age recluse Enya has popularized her once arcane, Celtic-spirited style. However, I think that Ms. MacLachlan has lost little if any of her iconic individuality with this release. It's not as if Delilah had slain Sappho, so to speak.

Of course, we cannot keep Sugar Ray fans from singing along when "Building a Mystery" or "Angel" plays on the radio. But there is enough depth to her lyrics, as always, to keep the more emotionally/soulfully attuned listener satisfied. In songs like "Adia," for example, MacLachlan makes the most of her gifted voice range and lyrical sensitivity. I feel that this is one of her best recordings to date, and I look forward to more music of this kind.


Some of the most beautiful music ever recorded   May 17, 2006
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

This album is still one of my favorite recordings, and this is by far her finest hour. With the angelic 'Angel', deeply sad and moving, to the single 'Building a Mystery' which is her most commercial offering, Sarah serves up quality on EVERY track. 'Sweet Surrender' and 'Witness' provide haunting yet beautiful lyrics wrapped up in her velvet voice, while 'I Love You' provides a stunning arangement and beautiful soul. My favorite track here is the haunting 'Adia' which gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. I'm not quite sure what the song is about but I picture it to be about failing as a parent, failing to give your children the love and support they deserve and the regret you feel after you realize you could have and should have done better. Regardless of what she means, music only matters when it means something to the listener, and her music means something to me...so it matters.


Beauty surfacing   May 9, 2000
 15 out of 19 found this review helpful

At the reccomendation of a friend, I bought this CD. Also, I'd heard her song "Adia" and really loved it. I've never heard such an agile, beautiful voice and thoughtful, powerful songs. Sarah's voice can change from throaty and strong to airy and ethereal. She makes real music that actually has an aesthetic quality, unlike much of what the music industry churns out today. Some highlights on the CD(besides "Adia") are "Sweet Surrender", "I Love You", "Do What You Have to Do", "Angel"(although it's overplayed on the radio), and my personal favorite, "Black and White". One flaw is that often you can't understand what Sarah's singing. Putting lyrics in the booklet would help. Once she learns diction, she will be on her way. Also, I personally didn't like a couple of the tracks, but most of them were great. Many CDs you buy often have only one good song, but not so here. This album is of a rare quality and, as one review says, "cut from the finest of cloth". I reccomend it to anyone who appreciates beauty.