Annie Haslam enters the new millennium as a new age priestess, or so it would seem from this anachronistic record. Drawing alternately from her prog rock roots in early Renaissance and contemporary new age music, Haslam makes a curious metamorphosis in her first new album in nearly five years. Kind of a spiritual concept album, The Dawn of Ananda does not feel like a throwback to the days of early Renaissance as much as a deliberate launch in a new direction, toward a much older audience than that of the pop heaven she created with Blessing in Disguise and Still Life. The record is not without its high points -- "'Michael' Prince of Angels" is a beautiful and haunting tune, comparable to classic Haslam tracks. But for the most part, the album lacks a solid pop base -- and Haslam's best work has always been rooted in pop/rock in some way. An interesting experiment, but -- as a follow-up to Blessing in Disguise and Still Life -- also a bit of a disappointment. ~ Tomas Mureika, All Music Guide
Annie Haslam (Vocals), Annie Haslam (Main Performer), Annie Haslam (Cover Photo), Denim Bridges (Engineer), Larry Fast (Arranger), Larry Fast (Keyboards), Larry Fast (Producer), Larry Fast (Engineer), Larry Fast (Mastering), Mickey Simmonds (Arranger), Mickey Simmonds (Keyboards), Mickey Simmonds (Producer), Mickey Simmonds (Engineer), Tony Visconti (Arranger), Tony Visconti (Vocals (Background)), Tony Visconti (Multi Instruments), Tony Visconti (Producer), Tony Visconti (Engineer), Tony Visconti (Musician), John Arbo (Bass), John Arbo (Drums), Michael Dunford (Arranger), Michael Dunford (Keyboards), Michael Dunford (Programming), Rave Tesar (Piano), Rave Tesar (Arranger), Rave Tesar (Keyboards), Rave Tesar (Programming), Rave Tesar (Producer), Rave Tesar (Engineer), Rave Tesar (Production Consultant), David Biglin (Guitar), David Biglin (Arranger), David Biglin (Keyboards), John Cariddi (Vocals (Background)), Joe Goldberger (Drums), Laura Gardner (Artwork), Laura Gardner (Cover Design)
