Sarah McLachlan Says It Took Years to Create Enough Good Songs for New Album

Sarah McLachlan knows that good things take time. The singer revealed that it took her more than a decade to “amass enough good songs” for her new album, Better Broken.

“The songs span the last 13 years,” the singer, 57, shares exclusively in her 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me feature in the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now. “There’s stories about relationships, parenting, the challenges in the world today, loss, sadness, rage, reclamation of self, acceptance and joy.”

McLachlan tells Us that she tapped into her creativity on the new album, exploring new sounds and productions. “There are some ballads that are more traditionally me, and then there’s some stepping out of my comfort zone with some very modern yet earthy production,” the singer dishes.

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Keep scrolling for more personal stories from McLachlan, including her most vivid childhood memory, her most embarrassing moment, and her most valuable possession.

1. There are ballads on my new album that are more traditionally me and some stepping out of my comfort zone with modern yet earthy production.
2. It took me years to amass enough good songs for the album; stories about relationships, parenting, challenges, loss, sadness, rage, reclamation, acceptance and joy.
3. My Dayton boots are the oldest piece of clothing I own. They’re about 35 years old.
4. “Thursday Afternoon” by Brian Eno brings back the best memories. I’d put it on when I was waking my daughters.
5. I read my own reviews. A listener’s opinion is extremely subjective, so positive or negative, I’m OK with it.
6. One of my phobias is being held down underwater by big waves and running out of breath.
7. My nickname in junior high was Medusa. I think because I had long curly hair, and maybe I didn’t wash it enough.

   

8. I’ve never done karaoke in my life.
9. I have a nook in my basement where my Grammys live.
10. I usually spend about two hours alone before a show, warming up my voice and doing my hair and makeup.
11. My most embarrassing moment was falling during “Sweet Surrender” at Lilith Fair. I fell on my backside, stayed there and sang the rest of the chorus.
12. I don’t have a favorite season, but I love winter for skate skiing and summer for surfing.
13. My piano is my most valuable possession.
14. I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 31, and my first car was a BMW 3 Series.
15. Travel — not for work — is left on my bucket list.
16. A paper route was my first job.
17. New York is my favorite city to visit. It’s vibrant, there’s always something fun to do and one of my best friends lives there.

    

18. I can’t leave the house without my phone, my glasses, lip balm.
19. I idolized Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush growing up.
20. Meeting Peter Gabriel was the most starstruck moment I’ve ever had. He was very gracious as I stammered and tried desperately not to make a fool of myself.
21. The Lilith Fair documentary was the proudest moment of my career because of what I got to help create and be a part of.

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22. I usually play the piano, go on a hike with my dogs or spend time at the School of Music when I’m in a funk.
23. Chicken Parmesan with Caesar salad is my go-to dish when it’s my turn to cook.
24. Art was my best subject in school.
25. My most vivid childhood memory is summers at the lake, taking our canoe out, flipping it, hanging out underneath and singing for hours in the reverberant chamber.