BALLAD COLLECTION, VOLUME 1

The title of this album is actually somewhat misleading as this is neither (strictly speaking) a compilation album, nor does it consist exclusively of ballads (depending on your definition of a ballad, of course). Three of the 10 tracks are previously released. The remaining seven tracks were previously unreleased recordings. Out of these, all but one are covers or re-makes. The only "truly" new song here is Athena's Shadow. Avalon and Stardust were originally recorded by Rocket Scientists (a Symphonic Prog band featuring several members of Lana Lane's band, including her husband and keyboard player Erik Norlander). Lana herself provided lead and backing vocals to the original versions of these songs, but the versions featured here are new recordings. Through The Fire originally appeared on Lana Lane's debut album Love Is An Illusion. The present version is an acoustic re-make. When Time Stood Still is an Electric Light Orchestra tune, and Across The Universe is a cover of the Beatles song. The three previously released recordings (though remixed here) were all taken from Lana's second album Curious Goods.

This album has since been re-released as part of a 2CD set together with the (much better) follow-up album Ballad Collection, Volume 2. In its "special edition" version, this first volume has an extra track (inserted as track four on the disc); a cover of Marillion's wonderful Season's End (this version is rather less wonderful, though).

Overall, this is certainly an enjoyable disc. But given that the majority of the songs here are re- makes, remixes, and covers of other people songs, this release is hardly essential. I can recommend this primarily for fans and collectors, but make sure you get the special edition set!