Every few months or so, I come across an artist or band that I previously would not have taken much interest in because their music genre didn't fit what I see as my preference. Usually, the artist blows me away and becomes an obsession of which a race swiftly brews where I must buy nearly every album they've released. Examples from the past few years are Alanis Morissette, Bjork, Sheryl Crow and Lauryn Hill. And then there's Sarah McLachlan, my latest discovery. Being an avid Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, I always knew who Sarah was, but couldn't really put a face to the voice. I'd heard her songs, but never thought about exploring her music. For some unknown reason, I went ahead and bought two of her albums on the same day. These were "Solace" and "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy." The former has received few spins on my CD player, but only because the latter has been hogging all the time...

Let me just say that once I heard this album, I was completely sold. Sarah's angelic vocals warmed me from the inside and enveloped me in a trance, and in that moment I knew I had to own her entire back catalogue. Released in 1994, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy was the third studio album from Sarah after her debut "Touch" and the sophomore set Solace. Sarah was still a fairly unknown with the release of this third album, but since its 1994 release it has gone on to become a masterpiece of the decade and touched millions with its beautiful lyrics, gorgeous vocals and soothing harmonies.

The album opens with the beautiful and sly "Possession." This song is trademark McLachlan and still one of her most popular songs. The song is a real life encounter that Sarah experienced of a stalker who constantly sent her letters. The song is unique because she sings the song through his eyes which must take courage and strength, along with a stunning voice that makes you believe everything she is singing. When she states "I'll take your breath away," you better be ready because she means it! "Wait" is a gorgeous mid-tempo song with gentle percussion and some brilliant vocals from Sarah. Her vivid lyrics paint awesome images in your mind and you can't help but love every second. "Plenty" is perhaps my favourite song on the album - it definitely has the best introduction. That sound of a door slamming after the 16th second sets the mood and the percussion coming in is eerie and masterful. When she sings finally after one minute, it's a complete revelation and the chorus is just majestic.

"Good Enough" is the first real ballad of the album. With its sombre opening and gentle beat, the song has a gorgeous composition and Sarah's voice fills the set with passion and emotion. "Mary" is a bar down from the previous four songs, but is great nevertheless. The song opens like a flickering candle and sets the soothing tone for the rest of the song. Sarah's airy vocals rise and fall all over the percussion creating a scenic and calm scene. "Elsewhere" took a while to grow on me, but once it did I was in love as with the rest of these great songs. The song takes a while to get going, but the chorus is amazing where Sarah cries, "I believe!" after around 90 seconds. "Circle" is the most up-tempo song on the album and start off with a cute laugh by Sarah. The song has a great beat and some amazing lyrics. The chorus makes this song a kind of anthem, because you can sing along to "What kind of love is this that keeps me hanging on?!"

"Ice" brings the upbeat mood down a peg or two, as Sarah sings with an icy and frigid tone in her voice. The song's title presents a chilly and Arctic feeling of loneliness and longing. The song is rather depressing, but Sarah handles the song so well by wrapping her voice around the lyrics in the most amazing way. "Hold On" is definitely one of the best songs on the album and is a fantastic song about true love and loss. Sarah has lost her man, and the section where she sings, "Oh God the man I love is leaving! Won't you take him when he comes to your door? Am I in Heaven here or am I in Hell?!" is mind-blowing! That voice. It's just stunningly professional and overpowering! "Ice Cream" is what fans see as probably the worst song on the album, even though it's still good. I have to agree - the lyrics are a tad childish, but once again, Sarah's voice save it from becoming cringe worthy.

"Fear" is another brilliant masterpiece from this album. The cello and keyboards set the atmosphere and the song peaks when Sarah sings, "There's nothing I'd like better than to fall!" She thrusts the song higher with her vocals, as they climax and gently fall down as the percussion sets in. It's superb, really, you won't have ever heard anything like it. The album closes with the brilliant album title-track "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy." The song is heavily emotional and a great album closer with more of the same that we've heard all the way through the album. If you can get the Import version of this album then I'd highly reccommend it because it contains the bonus track "Blue," which is a cover of the Joni Mitchell classic. Joni's version is still the more superior, but Sarah does a fine job of recreating the raw intensity. Very impressive.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

I had initially wanted to review Touch first, then Solace and then Fumbling Towards Ecstasy - I had wanted to review all her albums in order. However, since I don't own Touch yet, I got down to business and got this review written for this album. It's my 300th review, so I though Why not?! And also, the music on this album is just too damn good to wait to express myself on! I adore Sarah and this masterpiece, so it's hard to contain the love I feel for it. Anyone interested in exploring Sarah's music should do so instantly, starting with this.

I don't quite possess the vocabulary to describe this CD; I'm not sure there's words in the English language to describe the pure emotion concealed in the poetry of the beautiful lyrics and the melody of Sarah's incredible voice. I can, however, say that this is one of the most stunning CDs I have ever heard... and I will say exactly that, because it's true. Sarah has a positive genius for capturing the essense of what makes us human in her songs, lending them a depth that sets them apart from many shallow "contemporary" artists of the day. Her words have impact. You can't help being drawn in by their honesty and sheer poetic grace.

It's impossible to choose favorites on a disk like this, because all of the songs are unique and beautiful in their own way. Still, certain songs are so hauntingly lovely that they deserve a special mention: "Hold On", "Elsewhere", "Ice", "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy", "Fear", and the hidden track, a piano version of "Possession", stick out in my mind as masterpieces by this wonderful artist. The last two tracks I mentioned in particular have an elusive quality of lucid, haunting beauty that strikes me to the core each time I hear them. They are truly stirring in a way that can only be experienced, not described.

This is no ordinary album, and it's one that you simply can't afford to miss. If you don't own it, what the heck are you waiting for! Get it right away... no CD collection should overlook this priceless gem.

From what I've read, Sarah McLachlan plans to cut ties with her record label and go independent. However, she does have a contract, which may suggest the reasoning for this edition of "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" and the "Mirrorball: The Complete Concert" 2CD package that was released about a year ago... or perhaps it is a way for her current record label to get more money by repackaging two of her biggest records before she leaves. This marketing strategy has created a small stir amongst fans, which you may see in future reviews of this item. She is also releasing a greatest hits collection in October but this release will feature 2 new, original songs.

As for content, "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" is a must-have album for McLachlan fans... best known as her "breakthrough album." This edition comes with the remastered album (Disc 1). It also includes "The Freedom Sessions" album (Disc 2) that showcases early versions of the songs from "Fumbling" along with a cover of Tom Waits Ol'55. Both original albums had hidden tracks that are now easily accessible on this Legacy Edition. The third disc is actually a DVD transfer from the original home video release of "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy: Live," which showcases songs from "Fumbling" as well as songs from her previous two albums. The video contains live and in-studio performances with snippets of Sarah talking with her producer/co-writer and band. The "Fumbling" EPK (electronic press kit), music videos, and slide show are presented as bonus features.

If you are a Sarah fan, I'm sure you are looking at this product to see what this edition has to offer. Most fans will either buy to collect or replace their scratched-up original copy... and some will pass once they see there is nothing new to this Legacy Edition.

If you are new to Sarah, I would recommend picking up this edition because all discs are worth having and you would save on the price... unless you pick them up used here on Amazon. If you are a vintage collector, you should pick up the original releases because there is nothing here exclusive besides expanded packaging. The original "Freedom Sessions" album did have a fun multimedia feature for your computer, which isn't available in this Legacy Edition.

Sarah McLachlan's third released album since her entry into the music industry, and wow did Sarah take my breathe away. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy reveals the powerful artist that Sarah is through the lyrics and music itself. Each song is well written accompanied with great instrumentation. Each reveals the depth of an artist that Sarah McLachlan really is. Although this Album was a success, it still did not receive a much greater sense of success that this album truly deserves.

1. Possession: this song was written by Sarah inspired from a stalking fan that she had experienced during the past. The lyrics shows the depth of how Sarah can turn an event that affected her and channeling into a first person perspective and putting her inside her stalking fan's shoe "I would be the one, to hold you down, kiss you so hard..."

2. Wait: wait is a nice mellow song with great lyrical content. The instrumentation is nice as the guitars empower this song "Pressed up against the glass, I found myself wanting sympathy..."

3. Plenty: the song that caught my attention, and had made me purchase this album. This song is great. Sarah's vocals are great on this track. Once the percussion enters into the track, the song becomes very powerful.

6. Elsewhere: another great track from this CD. Instrumentation is great, although it takes a while to get you to feel the song aesthetically. The lyrics are great, and they can apply to anyone.. "Mother can't you see I've got to live my life the way I feel is right for me..."

8. Ice: this song is very mysterious and gloomy. What creates such strong emphasis in this track is the heart pounding percussions which further adds a whole new level of meaning. "The ice is thin come on dive in, underneath your lucid skin..."

Sarah McLachlan has matured from her first two released albums as the lyrics reveal the depth that Sarah possesses as a songwriter and singer. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is a great album for all, and I would highly recommend this CD to all music fans, current Sarah McLachlan fans or not, this CD is great. I would also recommend Surfacing, as it takes the listener to another level of her musical talents.

Thank you Sarah. I am your number one fan.

I won't start out comparing Fumbling Towards Ecstasy to her other works like Surfacing because that is simply silly.

Fumbling stands alone and is far superior musically and emotionally than her other albums. I love the raw emotion that exists on this CD. You can feel the heart of Sarah as she made this CD. If you've only heard her other CDs then you truly haven't heard Sarah until you listen to this one.

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is one of the best albums made in the 90s. I hold it up alongside Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit as one of the more emotionally driven and authentic sounds that came to be during the decade.

I've owned this album since it was first released and as of yet have not found another female artist that has produced such a beautiful piece of musical art.

The songs Good Enough, Ice Cream, Elswhere and Ice make this CD brillant.