Welcome to Record of the Week. This week, the Randomizer delivers an early-90s classic (1991 to be exact), Sarah McLachlan's second album, Solace. When this popped up this morning, I somehow had it in my brain that I recently did a Sarah McLachlan post but I don't see anything; so, here we are. This 2017 Music on Vinyl reissue is the copy that's on my turntable. This is a very good pressing, btw, if you're looking to pick one up.
This album, man. I got a ton of miles with this one. I remember first seeing the video for Into the Fire on 120 Minutes and I was hooked. I went down to Tower Records and found this album. When I got home and played it, every track hit for me. Perfect album as far as I'm concerned. Into the Fire wasn't even the best song! After a bit, I went back to Tower and picked up her first album, Touch (pretty good, but I didn't love it as much as Solace). Started picking up her singles and found she did a pretty cool cover of Peter Gabriel's Solsbury Hill (from the Steaming CD single), which made me love her even more.
Also, the first time I saw her was on the Solace tour. She played Bimbo's 365 in SF, great room to see any show, really. I remember at the end, someone shouted out "SOLSBURY HILL!" and she said "No, no, no, that's been done. Let's try something new." Then she played Madonna's Vogue, complete with dance moves. Very fun, and kinda showed that she wasn't taking herself too seriously. That was the first of many times I've seen her. When Fumbling (Towards Ecstasy) came out, she must have come through SF at least 5 or 6 times....and I went to every show. Even got her autograph once (at the old Wherehouse Records on Market Street).
Anyways, back to Solace. Excellent album (and addition to your record collection, if you're inclined). Even though I've listened to it a million times, it's still a treat to hear it sitting here in 2026. Give it a spin.