Search - Steve McDonald :: Stone of Destiny

Stone of Destiny

Colleen | SF East Bay, CA USA | 05/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stone of Destiny: My first exposure to Steve McDonald left quite an impression. I bought this one while on vacation and the first thing I did when I got home was check Amazon for more albums. After reading the reviews, I could tell that the Stone of Destiny apparently strays from his usual style but in no way should that take away from the pleasure derived from listening and reading this one. Yes I said reading. Inside the album jacket are not only the lyrics but a brief history describing the events that inspired each song. It's a wonderful way to learn a few of the myths, legends and events that contributed so significantly to Scotland's history. From the narrated poem of the battle of Bannockburn (as depicted by the movie Braveheart) to the obvious Pink Floyd influences in the song, Boadicea, this album is mesmerizing. After you've read the jacket cover to cover, it's the album that you will want put on when you need to make the most of the moments that belong to only you. When you can close your eyes and let the words and music carry you away on the wings of your imagination. For those of you who are Steve McDonald fans, please judge this one on it's own merit and not what you expect it to be. For those who've never heard him, this album has excellent orchestral and background singing but the voice of Steven McDonald and the feeling he puts into his songs is what will move you. I've just ordered all of his other albums based on this one and I'm hoping that all contain the history lessons and inspirationally moving lyrics I found on the Stone of Destiny."

Sottish history brought to life

jeff conrades | West Australia | 11/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"steve,s passion for scotland is unmistakeable andhis music is very moving.His first cd was voted celtic album of the year and whoever beat him this year must have a brilliant album as I believe this cd to be better than Son,s of Sommerled.If Fallen Flowers doesnt bring tears to your eyes then you,re heartless as this is one of the most beautiful but sad song I,ve ever heard.Harvest is a stunning piece of music,very much an inspirational tune almost Vangelis style but better.Do yourself a real favour and give this man a listen-he,s a great musician(pity he,s a Kiwi though)"

"Please forget me never"

Gina Noelle Williams | Corinth, TX USA | 10/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first discovered Steve McDonald when I walked into a Natural Wonders store. After hearing approximately 30 seconds of "Sons of Somerled," I bought it, and have been fascinated by his music ever since. I've heard it described as "like Enya, except it's a man, and it's about Scotland," and that's pretty accurate. McDonald weaves intricate, lush tapestries of music and vocals. He loves Scotland, and it shows in every anthem and ballad on his albums. Painstakingly researched and composed, the songs cover a range of emotion and subjects. "Stone" is named for a block of yellow sandstone that symbolizes the national identity and freedom of Scotland, and its story is told in the illustrated liner notes, along with the inspiration behind each of the songs. "Stone" starts out with an intriguing paean to the Loch Ness Monster, "The Lady of the Loch." "Fallen Flowers" recounts a moment of shared awareness between a young warrior wounded at the Battle of Halidon Hill and his mother, and it is heartbreakingly beautiful. It is immediately followed by "Oran," a haunting tale of one of Scotland's martyrs. "Boadicea" is a stirring tale of the Warrior Queen, full of history and yet conveying the feel of a song sung by bard or skald. "The Painted Men" tells of the Picts, the pre-Celtic people of the Isles. The mood is lifted from the very first line of the title track. As McDonald sings, "In the curragh and off we go," the listener is transported to medieval Scotland and told the tale of the Stone. "Auld Lang Syne" is the long version of Robert Burns' famous poem, with verses you've probably never heard before. "Green Alba" is a breathy, invigorating anthem of ancient Scotland, also called Caledonia or Alba. If you enjoyed the movie "Braveheart," you will understand the mood and emotion behind "Freedom," a tribute to William Wallace. "Connla and the Fairy Maiden" spins the story of a prince, spirited away by a fairy woman. The final track, "Skye Boat Song," is a sweetly sad lullaby about Bonnie Prince Charlie. This is a beautiful and memorable album, well worth checking out."