Perhaps Enya’s most recognizable song, "Only Time" became an anthem of solace and hope in the early 2000s. Its gentle melody and comforting lyrics offered a sense of peace during a turbulent global era, cementing her status as a cultural touchstone. "May It Be" (2001)
Released on November 23, 2009, by Warner Bros. Records, The Very Best of Enya was not just another “greatest hits” package. It arrived at a time when Enya had already released six studio albums, including the groundbreaking Watermark (1988), Shepherd Moons (1991), The Memory of Trees (1995), A Day Without Rain (2000), Amarantine (2005), and And Winter Came... (2008).
A comparison of how her across different decades
While some might argue that you need to own albums like Watermark or A Day Without Rain in their entirety to fully appreciate her artistry, this collection is widely considered the best single-disc anthology available.
The standard edition of the album features 18 of Enya’s finest tracks, each remastered to perfection. Here are the core highlights that make this compilation a must-have:
Decades of Enya: The Legacy Behind 'The Very Best of Enya' Enya remains one of the most successful and singular artists in modern music history. Over a career spanning four decades, the Irish singer, songwriter, and musician has sold over 75 million albums worldwide. Her signature sound—characterized by layered vocals, vast reverb, Celtic melodies, and classical synth textures—created a brand new landscape for ambient, New Age, and pop music.
– The breakthrough 1988 single from Watermark that launched Enya into international superstardom. With its pizzicato chords and hypnotic "sail away" refrain, it remains her most recognizable song.
A waltz-like masterpiece that feels like a dreamscape.
By purchasing the album, you support Enya directly and ensure that you have a high-quality, virus-free copy of the music you love.
The album has since been certified in the US, Double Platinum in the UK, and 5× Platinum in Australia. It remains the best-selling new-age compilation of the 21st century.
The album features 18 tracks spanning over two decades, from 1986 to 2008. It masterfully balances her most beloved anthems with deeper, hidden gems.