CheekyChicago

Though Sarah McLachlan’s first album in seven years, Laws of Illusion, is all about painful heartbreak, you’d never know. McLachlan, who releases this album following her divorce from husband Ashwin Sood, is as cool and collected as can be. Though the lyrics may be somewhat angry and forlorn, the melodies are pristine and McLachlan’s voice is as angelic as ever.

For fans of her later work, this album will be a fine addition. Any of these songs could have appeared on Surfacing or Afterglow. One possible exception to this could be the opener “Awakenings” which is reminiscent of her earlier, experimental work – something that could have worked on Fumbling Toward Ecstacy. Her earlier fans – ones that have been following her since her career began in 1988 – might be a little disconcerted since Illusion stays planted firmly in the realm of Adult Top 40.

But McLachlan is willing to step out of her comfort zone just a little bit. For one thing, this entire album was recorded live in her (and longtime collaborator) Pierre Marchand’s respective home studios, something she had never done before. Lead single “Loving You Is Easy” is a catchy tune (although it is the same beat as Michael Buble’s “Haven’t Met You Yet”). A song titled “Forgiveness” is a tad misleading – because McLachlan doesn’t grant forgiveness at all. Instead, she sings: “When you ask for forgiveness / You’re asking too much…You don’t know much about heaven, boy, if you have to hide to feel.”

“U Want Me 2” makes an appearance here – fans may recognize it from her greatest hits album. “Bring On The Wonder” is a delicate, fantastic song with only hints of piano and McLachlan’s multilayered voice.

Newly single and a mother of two, McLachlan must have her hands full between that and the Lilith tour. Hopefully she’s as calm in juggling personal and career responsibilities as her music suggests.