Ophelia (thing)

Natalie Merchant's second solo album, Ophelia, was released in 1998. "Kind and Generous" was the only real hit off the album, though it is the least impressive track as far as lyrical or musical prowess is concerned. Ophelia begins with an low organ under Merchant's beautiful, melancholy voice and ends with a full orchestral reprise. The songs have a kind of nostalgic quality to them--romantic, almost--that makes you feel as though you're watching an ancient storybook come to life. While the tracks flow together brilliantly, their collection seems almost an anachronism; you feel at once a part of ancient dynasties, childhood memories and biblical phrophecy.

1. Ophelia
2. Life is Sweet
3. Kind and Generous
4. Frozen Charlotte
5. My Skin
6. Break Your Heart
7. King of May
8. Thick as Thieves
9. Effigy
10. The Living
11. When They Ring the Golden Bells
12. Ophelia (Reprise)

The title track tells the story of Hamlet's Ophelia, a universal feminine figure identifiable through the ages. Ophelia is every woman who has loved and suffered and felt herself slip away. She is a commentary on patriarchy and, more importantly, on the torment and anguish that women have endured.