Laws of Illusion (Deluxe Version)

Sarah McLachlan exists in her own time and space. Times change, but McLachlan remains true to her original visions. In conjunction with the restart of Lilith Fair, McLachlan releases her first album of new material in seven years. It’s exactly what a McLachlan fan would want and expect. Longtime producer Pierre Marchand applies the adult-contemporary gloss, while McLachlan sings her folk-pop heart out with songs of spiritual renewal. “Awakenings,” “Loving You Is Easy,” the piano ballad “Forgiveness” and the rallying buzz of “Don’t Give Up On Us” come together as yet another assured album of effortless grace and genuine talent. In some ways, it makes McLachlan sound almost old-fashioned, as she offers up songs that could easily fit onto her other albums. (“Rivers of Love” could easily fit in on 2003’s Afterglow). Like a modern-day folksinger clinging to her values, McLachlan doesn’t compromise or try to become the next big thing.