Dec 20

Dec 20 No Frontiers, by Mary Black

Gripping, soulful, timeless…Mary Black!

The effects of Round 2 of my friend’s chemo treatment were kicking in at this point in the Playlist (see my About page ), so I chose this song for its qualities of gently reaching into your soul with a message of strength and hope. “No Frontiers” is the title song from the album of the same name released in 1989 by Irish singer, Mary Black. As she once said in an interview, the title was apt, as it was the song that gained her popularity all around the world.

How do they do that?

What is it about this song that makes it so deeply spiritual?

The music has its origins in Irish Folk and the traditions of using song to express sorrow (lament) or other emotion. Largely in a minor key, it tugs at the soul. But it’s all done in a contemporary way without being overtly ‘Irish’, despite some of the instruments - in particular the flutes and accordion - rooting the music in its Irish tradition. The song is all about the lyrics, so prominence is given to the singer so that the words can be heard. clearly. There is occasional ornamentation in the Irish folk style, but it is restrained and the vocal harmony is more of Mary herself, so blending beautifully with the timbre of her voice.

Whenever I think about this song, it is the line “Fear will lose its grip” which stirs in my memory. The way Mary sings it captures perfectly the meaning, as she comes off the word ‘grip’ in a short and sudden half staccato that is distinct from every other aspect of the song. It’s a small thing, but makes a huge impact in the song and makes us prick up our ears at that point and really listen to the words. Maybe it will send shivers and grip your soul as much as it does mine.

Hope you enjoy it or feel inspired to listen to something new today.

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