Review of Laws Of Illusion

Sarah McLachlan's formula hasn't varied since Fumbling Towards Ecstasy and Surfacing. This album uses almost the exact same template as the former. Kick off with a rocker, follow up with ballads and mellower songs, throw in a few rock flourishes in-between. I'm not really complaining though.

McLachlan's songwriting and singing are still exceptional as ever. The album grows on repeated listens, revealing the intimacy and honesty of her songwriting. In fact, this is easily her her most consistent album since the breakthrough of 'Fumbling'. She may not have the freshness of that album anymore, but she compensates with a mastery over all her musical skills that is unparalleled in the rest of her work.