IN the US music market Sarah McLachlan is a name to be reckoned with - the driving force behind the all-female Lilith Fair tour of America and conjurer of some of the most haunting tracks in recent years.

Over here, it is a different story - and she seldom troubles the charts. Our loss. This is music to heal a broken heart and remind you of why you want to carry on. Her voice is candle light - a whisper wreathed in fire - and her songs are a velvet glove, there to catch and embrace, not challenge or fight.

She will never thrive in the 'look at me, look at me' world of the pop charts, but songs such as Fallen, World On Fire or Answer will endure far longer and mean more than transient material.

Updated: 09:20 Thursday, February 05, 2004