Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Well, here I go again!
The music world NEVER used to be full of so-called "pop-crossover" wannabes such as Michael Bolton and all that. I guess this girl and Andrea Bocelli must be among the first. Speaking of that, the REAL reason I thought Sarah was all that was because of her duet with Bocelli. I didn't like her because she had a nice voice; in other words, I wouldn't consider her the "Angel of Music," because it's apparent that she's too worshipped while Bocelli's getting the axe; it's just that I thought that because of AB, she was an interesting woman to watch. And you know who it was that earned Bocelli fans in America? She. No wonder she made it higher on the US chart than Bocelli did for this year. But I've lost interest in Sarah, whilst still considering this one of her best. Too bad I can't find a better Sarah CD other than this. A Greatest Hits Enhanced CD would be nice. Here is, once and for all, my track-by-track opinion: 1. Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partirò): Everyone knows this one. Has to be the most gorgeous bit on the entire album. And it's because of Bocelli that the song and the whole album are the bomb. 2. No One Like You: Absolutely gorgeous. 3. Just Show Me How To Love You: Same as the first two, one of two duets with José Cura. And he ain't bad at all. 4. Tú Quieres Volver: Better than the Gipsy Kings version. 5. In Pace: Attention--THIS IS NOT AN OPERA ARIA! It's a Partick Doyle period piece used in one if his plays. Pretty. 6. There For Me: Lovely. The other duet with José. Young tenor Josh Groban sang this with Sarah on her La Luna tour. He's a whole lot like Bocelli (in terms of singing opera and pop), from what I hear, so please watch for him while you can. 7. Bilitis-Gènèrique: Pretty, but not one of my favorites. 8. Who Wants To Live Forever: A knock-out even though, as a more pop aficionada, I was surprised at the original version. 9. La Wally: Pretty, but Sarah doesn't have the power enough to handle it perfectly. When she hits that high note, she's lost amidst the power of the orchestra. Even Maria Callas did a better job on that aria. 10. Naturaleza Muerta: Great fun. even the original Mecano version never lived up to MY expectations. 11. En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor: Akin to Tú Quieres Volver, albeit not as gorgeous as the former. 12. In Trutina: So-so. 13. O Mio Babbino Caro: Better than Callas' take. 14. Alleluja: Why this? This is the worst track on the CD because Sarah launches a rather bombastic coloratura attempt that makes it seem more like Pokémon than a performance at the Metropolitan Opera. Oh, well. The front cover, the tracks I liked best, and Bocelli are the best things about this. I'd rather much see Bocelli in concert than Sarah. Romanza is incredible, this one too, but more the former. Speaking of Bocelli and ECDs, I'm thinking of some way to get into contact with his record company and BEG them to put out an Enhanced CD by Bocelli. All the ECDs I've seen have less-than-attractive features. Sorry.
Rating:  - Songbird Soothes Our Tensions
This album is particularly relaxing. I love to kick back with a glass of wine in a comfortable chair with my eyes closed and just listen.Sarah's voice is complemented by Andrea Bocelli on the title track and Jose Cura on several others. The material runs from classical to pop, all with an operatic flavor. This is a great album to ease into opera or classical appreciation with. It is not true opera, but emulates some of the vocal and orchestral stylings associated with classical opera. Classical "purists" should look elswhere. Sarah puts on a strong performance, exhibiting a multitude of qualities with her voice, ranging from strength to wispy warblings and everything in between. She even speaks between the final two tracks, recorded live. Her speaking voice is a surprise! If you enjoy relaxing music in a classical style, you will enjoy this CD. I would put this in her top three recordings, alongside "Eden" and "La Luna."
Rating: - Classical Cross Over Album
From the moment I heard the song Time To Say Goodbye I became a huge fan of Sarah Brightman. A beautiful duet sung with Andrea Bocelli he originally recorded it on an earlier album.As someone who hates opera I approached this album with caution ,only to find it was a terrific classical cross over album.Sarah remakes some opera classics like O Mio Babbino Caro,Alleluja and In Trutina without straining her voice like most opera singers.With the London Symphony Orchestra in the background most of the songs are pop and easy listening with an opera slant.Who Wants To Live Forever,(yes,the Queen song)and Tu Quieres Volver (Gypsy Kings)turn out very nice.Just Show Me How To Love You and There For Me sung with Jose Cura are two of the best songs on the album thanks to Cura's terrific voice.In my opinion he's a much better singer then Bocelli. No One Like You and En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor are also noteworthy thanks to the music and Sarah's singing.Although most of the songs are not in English that did not affect my enjoyment of this great album.
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