"And Winter Came..." is the seventh full-length studio album by Irish singer, songwriter, and musician Enya. Released on 10th November 2008 by Warner Bros. Records, this album stands as a significant departure from Enya's previous records, as it prominently features a Christmas theme. The album's title was inspired by a powerful and evocative William Shakespeare quote from his play "Love's Labour's Lost."
The album explores Winter and Christmas themes and consists of 12 track compilations with two Christmas carols, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "Silent Night" presented in the Irish language. There are ten original pieces, offering a serene enchantment associated with Enya's distinctive sound that layers her voice in a choral effect. "Trains and Winter Rains" was the first single off the album, which also became the album's most commercially successful track.
Producing this album took about two years alongside long-time collaborators Roma Ryan (lyricist) and Nicky Ryan (producer). It is Enya's second Christmas album following "Sounds of the Season with Enya" (2006), and it showcases the endearing music persona Enya is recognized for - a blend of folk, new age, and Celtic fusion. The album cover features a blue and white winter scene, reflecting the album's concept.
"And Winter Came..." received generally positive reviews from music critics upon its release and was commercially successful, reaching the top 10 in 21 countries worldwide. As of 2009, the album had sold more than 3 million copies globally. Enya promoted the album with a worldwide media tour, interviews, performances, as well as a music video for the track "Trains and Winter Rains".
Overall, "And Winter Came..." by Enya is a beautiful rhythmic tribute to Winter and Christmas, calmly yet powerfully evoking the sentiments associated with this time of year.
