On this day in 1988, Enya’s “Orinoco Flow” began a three-week reign atop the charts, marking a breakthrough moment for Celtic and New Age music in mainstream pop.

Thirty-seven years ago, Irish singer-songwriter Enya sailed into global stardom with the release of “Orinoco Flow,” a shimmering, ethereal track that defied genre boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. Released as the lead single from her second studio album Watermark, the song blended lush synthesizers, layered vocals, and poetic lyrics into a soundscape that was both otherworldly and deeply resonant.

The title “Orinoco Flow” nods to both the Orinoco Studios in London, where the track was recorded, and the South American river of the same name. Its lyrics, co-written with Roma Ryan, read like a dreamy travelogue, referencing far-flung destinations such as Fiji, Peru, and Bali. The song’s signature pizzicato chords were crafted using a customized Roland D-50 synthesizer patch, adding to its distinctive sonic texture.

Before her solo success, Enya was part of the family band Clannad, known for its fusion of traditional Irish music with contemporary elements. Her departure from the group marked a shift toward a more introspective and ambient style, which she would come to define as her own. With producer Nicky Ryan and lyricist Roma Ryan, Enya developed a sound that was uniquely hers—rooted in Celtic tradition but elevated by modern studio techniques.

“Orinoco Flow” wasn’t just a chart-topper in the UK; it also reached No.1 in Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and climbed to No.24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1989. The song earned two Grammy nominations for Best Music Video and Best New Age Performance, and later appeared on the best-selling compilation Pure Moods, further cementing its legacy.

In interviews, Enya has reflected on the enduring appeal of “Orinoco Flow,” noting how fans often greet her with the song’s iconic refrain, “Sail away, sail away, sail away.” She credits the track with helping her music reach across generations, saying, “People who used to like ‘Orinoco Flow’ are now playing my music to their children”.

Today, “Orinoco Flow” remains a defining moment in Enya’s career and a landmark in the evolution of New Age music. Its success opened doors for a genre often overlooked by mainstream audiences and proved that atmospheric, contemplative music could hold its own on the pop charts.

As we mark this anniversary, Enya’s gentle voyage through sound continues to inspire listeners to sail away—if only for a moment.