Gazing with Tranquility: A Tribute to Donovan

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[6]

AllMusic critic Marcy Donelson wrote that it "features an indie-strong selection of 15 musical acts", noting that "Interpretations are varied and include a rock/hip-hop/gospel-inspired version of 'Atlantic' by ex-Replacements drummer Chris Mars as Mixd Up Kidz, an expectedly trippy take on the same song by the Flaming Lips, Van Etten's delay- and wind chimes-juiced "Teen Angel," and a sultry and dramatic "Lalena" by Eau Claire, Wisconsin-native singer/songwriter Savannah Smith", concluding by stating that "Faithful versions include Colony House's "Sunshine Superman" and a sweetly harmonized "Catch the Wind" by Ivan & Alyosha."^[6] In an NPR review, Tom Moon notes that "Deep into Gazing With Tranquility, tucked between smart and sometimes overly reverent reinterpretations of Donovan's hits, there's a small performance that illustrates the value of the tribute record", oping that "That song is "Lalena," a 1968 single that's notable for its dirge-like tempo and Donovan's steady, symmetrical vibrato" commenting that "While keeping the track intimate in scale, Smith somehow enlarges "Lalena," in ways that foster appreciation for the composition and the composer, who is frequently dismissed as a lightweight", he concludes in his review that "they've learned, through their own work, just how difficult it is to conjure. Donovan himself said it best: Might as well try to catch the wind."^[7]