This was the first Arkenstone album, and one can see why he made such a splash in New Age music. This is in his early style (of course!): integrated, non-ethnic, Western/universal. If you have only heard his second-stage/middle style, heavy on the ethnic influence, this will surprise you. Many of us are waiting for him to re-integrate after his world explorations. In the meantime, see the other side by checking this album out. The themes are fresh, the effects and moods appropriate. The music moves with strength and none of the cutsey, folksy, or yet overwrought elements one finds in too many New Age albums. The tone might be described as synthesizer symphonic.