43

Building a Mystery
Sarah McLachlan
1997

When I returned from Mexico in 1998, Lilith Fair was in its absolute peak in its second year of existence of a four-year run.  It seems so obvious now -- why *not* do a festival of all-female musicians and performers? -- but at the time it was pretty revolutionary.  And of course my 21-year-old self dismissed it out of hand.

And so I dismissed the woman who organized it all.  I had heard of Sarah McLachlan back in my freshman year at BYU after she released Fumbling From Ecstasy.  Wasn't really my jam, because if it wasn't classic rock or '90s alternative/grunge, what was the point?  But those views started to change, for a couple reasons.  One, upon returning to Provo in the fall of '98, I got a job in the music department of Media Play, one of those ubiquitous music/book stores that every city had in the '90s and early aughts.  And Sarah McLachlan's Surfacing album was on heavy rotation when I was working there, and it started to break down my barriers.

The other reason, of course, was dating and then marrying my better half a year after coming home.  Tiffany can take full credit for my Sarah conversion.  I know, I know, it's hard to get past all of the animal cruelty videos.  But I'll just break it down very simply:  Sarah McLachlan is one of the top 10 vocalists, male or female, of all time.  In February 2020, just weeks before the world melted down, we went to see Sarah for the second time in Oakland.  We were like 10 rows from the stage.  She comes out, sits down on the piano, and you literally feel like you are in the presence of a goddess.  That voice is not of this world.

And Surfacing is most definitely on my top 10 album list of all time.  Every single song is incredible.  And so it is that the lead track from that album hits the Jason 100 at #43. Love the melody, love the guitar, love all of it.  But mostly, I'm here to tell you:  even if you are not a Sarah McLachlan fan, do yourself the favor and go and see her live before you die.  I can promise you that you will not be disappointed.

Other Songs Considered:
Adia, Angel, Possession, Good Enough