"Lovéren" brings together well-known recording artist David Arkenstone and operatically gifted vocalist Charlee Brooks on one of the most elaborate CD productions in a long time. The original story of "Lovéren" is an imaginative odyssey of love, romance and passion set in the magical world of mermaids. In addition to Charlee's contributions as a vocalist and collaborator on many aspects of the production, she also created an original mermaid language called Mermish, to give the music an even more exotic ambience. While Charlee contributes both vocal and instrumental talents, David creates on keyboards, guitars, drums and percussion, bass, mandolin, vocals, and a number of world music instruments. The album also features additional players on percussion and Uilleann pipes, as well as symphonic touches from a thirteen-member string section. As if this were not enough, the lofty vocals of The Nashville Soul Choir add their distinctive sound to the production.
Opening appropriately with a track called "Origins," the neo-classical influence is felt as the delicate female vocals ride the waves of swelling strings. Fans of Enya will immediately be captivated by this dramatic intro. On "The Forbidden Sea," washes of dreamy synthesizer and harp evoke aquatic ambience and set the scene for the next chapter. As the music unfolds, powerful rhythmic undercurrents blend with airy otherworldly vocals - a theme that is found throughout the album. For me it all comes together on "Love Always Waits," the grand finale, where various elements from the album converge as it flows through its diverse passages.