"Dark Sky Island" is a musical album released by renowned Irish singer-songwriter Enya, known for her unique style of layered vocals and ethereal sounds. The album was released in November 2015, after a hiatus of approximately seven years following her last release.
The title "Dark Sky Island" is inspired by Sark Island, which was designated as the first island to achieve the status of a 'Dark Sky Island' for its exceptional quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment. This concept intrigued Enya and formed the central theme of the album.
The album consists of 11 tracks, which includes a mix of both fast and slow compositions. Enya's longtime collaborators, producer Nicky Ryan and lyricist Roma Ryan, worked with her on this album. The songs are an exploration of themes like journeys, dreams, the presence of nature as well as celestial bodies like the moon and stars.
Critically, "Dark Sky Island" was well-received, celebrated for its serene and calming compositions combined with Enya’s patented layered vocals. It reached an audience on a global level, making it to the top 10 in 21 countries worldwide.
Commercially, the album was a success and obtained various certifications. It was certified Platinum in Poland and Switzerland, Gold in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Canada among others. It also debuted at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and number 9 on the US Billboard 200.
The album exemplifies Enya’s organic and distinctive sound that combines elements of new age, celtic, and pop, making it a unique addition to her discography.
