| 1. Back to You |
| 2. Cry |
| 3. Baby You Belong |
| 4. Beautiful |
| 5. One |
| 6. When the Lights Go Down |
| 7. Stronger |
| 8. You're Still Here |
| 9. Unsaveable |
| 10. Free |
| 11. If You're Gonna Fly Away |
| 12. If This Is the End |
| 13. This Is Me |
| 14. I Think I Will |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Faith Hill finally owns up to what we knew all along. She may be from deep-dish Mississippi, but she isn't a country singer, and never has been. This babe's a diva now. And, as she says in her best Diana Ross voice on "Free," "There ain't nothin' I can do about it." But what she could exercise some control over, as the coproducer of her fifth studio album, is the quality and style of her particular brand of über-pop, which on Cry considerably ratchets up the noise factor from 1999's Breathe. The songs, many written by tunesmiths long working in Nashville, often come stocked with meaningful messages, i.e. the emptiness of addiction ("If You're Gonna Fly") or the momentary connection with a loved one who has passed on ("You're Still Here"). Yet Hill and company (longtime producers Byron Gallimore and Dann Huff, in conjunction with Marti Frederiksen) obviously think the best way to make an R&B/pop record is to build a huge, airless production around screeching guitars, wall-rattling drums, and Big Mama choirs. The singer herself may be, indeed, turning out her best vocals ever. But the album itself is a self-conscious mess--a big, wallowing cacophony of sound that leaves the listener numb. In the end, it's a miserable failure. This chanteuse's R&B just ain't got no soul. --Alanna Nash --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Product Description:
First album since 1999's seven-times-platinum, three time Grammy winner Breathe. This enhanced CD includes a 'making of the video' feature, links to the 'Cry' video and exclusive content. Warner. 2002. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
I also recommend Charlotte Church - (in her earlier career) - including Voice of an Angel and her self-titled album. I also recommend Love Changes Everything - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection Vol.2 - just another grouping of Webber's classics. I also recommend Andrea Boucelli - he's awesome!
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.
That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.
All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.
I would call this a Folk Supergroup. As with any Supergroup, the music will cater to the fan base of all members of the Supergroup, and this is no different. This CD takes it a step farther by recording covers of other successful folk songs, and blending the essence of the song into their style. Confusing? Yeah, that's the way the CD plays... a confusing mix of wonderful and potential-for-wonderful.
There are standouts - "The Ballad of Mary Magdalen" (the only original song on the CD, written by Richard Shindell) is a wonderful frame piece for Dar Williams - she has a voice that reminds me of children on a playground (in a good way) and she embraces the song as it was meant to be.
Richard Shindell reminds me of Gordon Lightfoot with a twist of Randy Travis on "Cold Missouri Waters". The song is a story, and Richard really communicates the emotion of the event.
Lucy Kaplansky's feature piece is "By Way of Sorrow" - she dances through the song with a vocal hook that is signature to her solo work.
Vocal harmonies and background work lift the collection of songs to a new level. But that is to be expected with this trio.
It's worth noting that out of the 12 songs, about half are above average, another two or three are average, and the rest just miss the mark (REM's "Fall On Me" is an example.)
If you are fan of any of the three artists, this is a must have to complete your collection. If you appreciate the art of a well-written song or are a fan of any of the original songs you will appreciate this too. The casual listener of folk music... this is not the best introduction of the genre or the best representation of any of the three artists.
Other great songs on the album include the catchy "Fall on Me" with REM front man Michael Stipe. "Speaking With the Angels" is slow, but has a very sweet melody. "Shades of Gray" is very poetic. "By Way of Sorrow" is actually not a sad song. Overall, it's a true modern folk album.
The instrumental playing on the disc is somewhat pedestrian, and there is little in the way of backing instruments. The singing is first-rate, but there seems to be little emotional involvement on the part of the singers. The album flows gently by, but when it's done, you hardly notice that it was there to begin with. No melodies stick in your head, and most of the tracks are performed at the same tempo, so there's little to discern between the songs.
Parties who are interested in this type of music would be far better off to pick up Greg Brown's "Dream Cafe", Gillian Welch's "Revival", or Lucinda Williams' "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road". Those three folk (Lucinda's bordering on rock) CDs will leave you impressed with melodies that linger. "Cry, Cry, Cry", is fine, but much like any Windham Hill folk sampler, drifts by without grabbing your attention. This disc emulates good folk, but not GREAT folk music.
Ronstadt is widely considered the world's leading female rock and roll vocalist; the first rock diva that could fill an arena. She began her career with the Stone Poneys in the early 1960's -- I, for one, have a treasured vinyl single of her/their "A Different Drum," (written by Mickey Nesmith of the Monkees, meant for a male voice, and forever Ronstadt's). Nevertheless, she's still actively touring today. Try to catch her: I've been lucky enough to do so several times, most memorably her 1988 concert at New York's Town Hall in support of her Spanish language release of that year, "Candiones de mi Padre."
"Cry" includes four duets with Aaron Neville, unearthly in their beauty. There's Karla Bonoff's "All My Life," "Don't Know Much," by the Brill Building songsters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, and Isaac Hayes's "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby." "I Need You" actually rocks a bit: both singers can. "Still Within The Sound of My Voice,"an emotionally-laden rock ballad by Jimmy Webb, opens the record. Webb's "Adios," a lovely, melodic and lyrical, yet ironic California goodbye is also sung by the undoubted Queen of Los Angeles rock. (Brian Wilson, backbone of the Beach Boys, greatest of all California groups, arranged and sang backup here.) On the title song, "Cry," Ronstadt's voice is silky, yet expressive. The record closes with a haunting "Goodbye My Friend," another by Karla Bonoff. The vocalist does one more song by Bonoff, and two more by Jimmy Webb. She is backed at times by the Tower of Power horns, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra.
No effort or expense was spared, it appears, to make this record what it is: just one beautiful song after another.
With songs by Jimmy Webb, Karla Bonoff, Paul Carrack and even Isaac Hayes, this album is a powerhouse of both songwriting and performance. The several duets with Aaron Neville rank as some of the finest performances of Ms. Ronstadt's career, and the emotional depth of the songs is staggering.
It simply is one of the greatest albums in the history of pop music. Everyone should own this album.
(thank you Jack)(aloha) I have since become captivated with that "voice".
Your ears have not lived until youve heard "cry like Rainstorm" cranked up high.
It will transport you to another planet !!!
"Adios" never fails to send shivers down my spine and the way she sings those last few notes will floor you again and again. Its absolutely breath-taking !
"Still within the sound.." is incredible. Lindas voice weaves and soars with emotion that really touches you.
Its no wonder she and Arron Neville sound so great together. This set is Linda at her best, a Shimmering timeless MASTERPIECE of musical art !
Of the two albums, I much prefer this one. The opening number "Free" sounds like a Madonna tune (in fact, specifically I think it is really the same song as "La Isla Bonita" although I prefer this rendition). This CD is not as good as any of the Chicks' releases in the past 6 years but it's still worth buying if you are looking for some variety at the gym.
Free: 10/10 pure pop i love it
Cry: 10/10 pop Makes me want to cry sometimes
One: 10/10 R&B Funky
When the lights go down: 8/10 pop i like it
Beautiful: 10/10 exactly what it is
unsaveable: 7/10 kind of a filler track but like it
baby you belong: 9/10 sounds like something celine dion would do
if you're gon...: 10/10 R&B Great Song
Stronger: 10/10 sounds country good
If this is th.. 7/10 like it
This is me: Pop/Rock 10/10 another strong point of the album
Back To You: Pop/Rock 20/10 My favorite of the cd
I think i will: Pop/Rock 10/10 great song
You're Still Here 20/10 I love this ballad and a great song to end the cd
Favorites: Free,Cry,One,Beautiful,If You're Gonna Fly Away,This is Me,Back To You,I Think I Will,You're Still Here
Best Pop album: Cry
Best Country album: It Matters To Me
Peace&Rock n' Roll (GNR forever)
But besides that this cd is very good. With manye nice and difficult songs (I've sung some of the myself in siningclass).
So if you like Andrew's music this most sertanly is a most have.
Some examples: this version contains Memory sung by Betty Buckley while the Elaine Page version is light years better. Then it contains Patti Lupone's version of Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Even though Madonna wasn't the best Evita, she definitely sung Argentina in a way no-one could before or will ever. Whistle Down The Wind is represented with 3 songs - the place of the Tom Jones song is not here (the same could be said of Tina Arena's song o the European edition). Instead of the TJ song they could have included Take That Look Off Your Face by Marti Webb - one of the best songs by Webber. Pie Jesu from the Requiem is much better sung by Sarah Brightman. These are the faults.
What about the rest? Pure joy and material worth of 6 stars. Superstar, Phantom Of The Opera, Music Of The Night, I Don't Know How To Love Him, All I Ask Of You, No Matter What, Oh What A Circus - wonderful songs and wonderful performers. My all-time favorite from Webber will always be Music Of The Night and the version included here is the mesmerizing adaptation of Michael Crawford.
I don't advise anyone not to buy this album - it's good material, however it's far from being perfect.
So here are my thoughts about the tracks in this one:
1. "Superstar" and "I don't know how to love him" are both from the concept album of "Jesus Christ Superstar". They sound wonderful as ever, although the orchestrations may seem a bit dated by now.
2. "Sunset Boulevard" is marked here with two songs. Barbra Streisand's powerful voice shines all the way through in "As if we never said goodbye"; it's a shame she never played Norma Desmond on Broadway, since Patti LuPone wasn't allowed to take her Norma to New York, and Glenn Close butchered the role. Her limited vocal abilities were hardly suited for the material, as it is shown by the second Sunset song, "The perfect year", performed by Close and Alan Campbell. They both lack a decent singing voice, so this is the one song I skip regularly. The song itself sounds much better in its single version with pops orchestration, as can be heard on the European version of this compilation, where it is performed by Dina Carroll. This version here can hardly be considered a gold one.
3. "The Phantom of the Opera" is represented by three songs. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performance in the song of the same title is amazing. They were both born to play their roles in this show and their voices fit together perfectly. Sarah can hit the high notes in the end like no other Christine. Cliff Richard and Sarah sing the lovely ballad "All I ask of you" with passion, and Cliff has a wonderful warmth in his voice. Finally, Michael Crawford gives his unique and mesmerising interpretation in "The music of the night".
4. The 1996 movie version of "Evita" is Madonna's best role to date and it brought an Academy Award for Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who wrote "You must love me" especially for the big screen. This is another wonderful ballad with the haunting cello and piano solo. It just proves that Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were the best collaborators. They really should do another musical together.
5. "The Joseph and his amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was Webber's first musical and the signature song "Any dream will do" is performed here by Donny Osmond, who also appeared in the video version. I find his rendition even better than London's Jason Donovan, since Donny isn't strictly bound by the notes and so sings it more casually. A wonderful pop piece.
6."Memory" from "Cats" is probably the most famous of all Webber's songs, recorded by numerous artists. This version is sung by Betty Buckley, who was Broadway's Grizabella. Although Betty's performance can't be considered bad, I prefer Elaine Paige, who sung the song first, in the London production. Elaine has a note of sorrow in her at times husky voice, which I found very intriguing. Her performance can be considered definite, as heard on "Cats" DVD or in her latest two-disc compilation, "Centre stage: The very best of Elaine Paige", issued in May 2004. Still, those who prefer Ms. Buckley or who saw her on stage in this role won't be disappointed.
7. "Pie Jesu" is the best known song from Webber's "Requiem", written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. I'm not too keen on the version included here, performed by Charlotte Church, because her voice isn't as pretty as Sarah Brightman's on the original recording and the tempo is somewhat faster here.
8. "Don't cry for me Argentina" is among my all-time Lloyd Webber's favourites. I like all the ladies who performed "Evita" on the stage and on the screen (Julie Covington, Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone and Madonna), but on this disc is the version I am most satisfied with, since it is sung by Patti LuPone. Ms. LuPone has a very powerful voice with an amazing range and she deserved her Tony Award for this role. She was able to sound both vulnerable and decisive while singing this, whereas the other leading ladies emphasized one or the other in their interpretation. Mandy Patinkin's "Oh what a circus" is not the best, the orchestration is a little bit weak and his voice sounds thin to me. David Essex on the London cast recording is more suitable.
9. "Aspects of love" boast here with its top song, "Love changes everything", performed wonderfully by Michael Ball. It was his #1 hit and is probably one of the most beautiful love anthems ever written.
10. Three songs come from "Whistle down the wind". The studio release of the same title is one of the reasons I bought this compilation, although I already have the European one. It is performed by Sarah Brightman with Lloyd Webber playing the piano and a symphonic orchestra who nicely takes the lead of the main melody. Sarah voice is angelic; she sings it like a little bird. Very charming. Boyzone's "No matter what" was a huge pop hit in the charts. Again, we have a song with the suitable orchestrations and vocals. And lastly, Tom Jones' deep voice in combination with the back vocals of "The Sounds of Blackness" gives a rocking rendition of the church hymn "The vaults of heaven". It can't be found on the European version and Tom's voice shows it hasn't aged. Way to go.
11. For the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Webber wrote, together with his long-time lyricist Don Black, this last song, "Amigos para siempre or Friends for life". It's a nice duet between Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras, their voices sore when bound together. The melody itself is neat, especially when the orchestra takes the lead.
Besides the fact that some of the performers here were not the best for my taste, there is also the fact that some of Lloyd Webber's shows are omitted in this version, most notably, "Tell me on a Sunday". Also, unlike its European counterpart, this compilation isn't aligned chronologically, so we have 1970 Superstar being the first song, 1993 Sunset Blvd comes the second, followed by The Phantom from 1986 and so on. None the less, this CD is excellent as an introduction to Lloyd Webber's music and one can continue with his cast recordings from there. It's also very handy as a single disc compilation for the American fans.
Faith Hill finally owns up to what we knew all along. She may be from deep-dish Mississippi, but she isn't a country singer, and never has been. This babe's a diva now. And, as she says in her best Diana Ross voice on "Free," "There ain't nothin' I can do about it." But what she could exercise some control over, as the coproducer of her fifth studio album, is the quality and style of her particular brand of über-pop, which on Cry considerably ratchets up the noise factor from 1999's Breathe. The songs, many written by tunesmiths long working in Nashville, often come stocked with meaningful messages, i.e. the emptiness of addiction ("If You're Gonna Fly") or the momentary connection with a loved one who has passed on ("You're Still Here"). Yet Hill and company (longtime producers Byron Gallimore and Dann Huff, in conjunction with Marti Frederiksen) obviously think the best way to make an R&B/pop record is to build a huge, airless production around screeching guitars, wall-rattling drums, and Big Mama choirs. The singer herself may be, indeed, turning out her best vocals ever. But the album itself is a self-conscious mess--a big, wallowing cacophony of sound that leaves the listener numb. In the end, it's a miserable failure. This chanteuse's R&B just ain't got no soul. --Alanna Nash --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Product Description:
First album since 1999's seven-times-platinum, three time Grammy winner Breathe. This enhanced CD includes a 'making of the video' feature, links to the 'Cry' video and exclusive content. Warner. 2002. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Cry,Faith Hill,Warner Bros / Wea,Adult Contemporary,Country,Country-Pop,Pop
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Cry Baby: Original Soundtrack Album
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ASIN: B000002O8L Release Date: 1990-02-28 |
Tracks:
- King Cry-Baby - James Intveld
- Sh Boom - Baldwin And the Whiffles
- Doin' Time For Bein' Young - James Intveld
- A Teenage Prayer - Rachel Sweet
- Please, Mr. Jailer - Rachel Sweet
- Cry Baby - The Honey Sisters
- Teardrops Are Falling - James Intveld
- Nosey Joe - Bull Moose Jackson
- Mister Sandman - Baldwin And the Whiffles
- High School Hellcats - James Intveld
- Bad Boy - The Jive Bombers
- The Flirt - Shirley & Lee
- I'm So Young - The Students
- (My Heart Goes) Piddily Patter, Patter - Nappy Brown
- I'm A Bad, Bad Girl - Little Esther
- Jungle Drums - Earl Bostic
- Cherry - The Jive Bombers
- Rubber Biscuit - The Chips
Customer Reviews:
Cry Baby.......2007-02-07
Awesome deal on a hard-to-find CD.......2007-01-03
BALDWIN AND THE WHIFFLES. F.Y.I........2006-11-08
Crybaby original motion picture soundtrack.......2006-08-06
AWESOME.......2006-07-08
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The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection
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ASIN: B00000I0XW Release Date: 1999-06-01 |
Tracks:
- The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera
- Song & Dance: Unexpected Song
- Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'enfance
- The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You
- Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina
- Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall
- Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything
- Friends For Life
- Cats: Memory
- Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat
- Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely
- Cats: Macavity: The Mystery Cat
- Tell Me On A Sunday/Song & Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday
- The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
- Requiem: Pie Jesu
- The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night
Amazon.com essential recording
Sarah Brightman's career was launched by her success in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, so it's no surprise to hear the soprano paying homage to the composer on this disc. Really a Brightman best-of, the album includes the Phantom theme (a duet with Michael Crawford), the light-opera fare of "Chanson D'enfance" from Aspects of Love, "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" from Evita, and numerous other Lloyd Webber classics. Throughout, Brightman's diminutive voice lends a fragility to these musical theater tunes that you'll either love or despise. On Evita's "Another Suitcase, Another Hall" and Cats' "Memory," she literally chirps through the vocal lines. No matter. The growing legion of Brightman fans wouldn't have it any other way. --Jason VerlindeAlbum Details
Another Compilation of Stage Favourites - Some Tracks Are Hard to Find Elsewhere.Customer Reviews:
The Andrew Lloyd Weber Collection.......2007-05-12
Andrew Lloyd Webber .......2007-02-12
The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection.......2007-01-05
The Best You'll See from Sarah.......2006-09-09
I also recommend Charlotte Church - (in her earlier career) - including Voice of an Angel and her self-titled album. I also recommend Love Changes Everything - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection Vol.2 - just another grouping of Webber's classics. I also recommend Andrea Boucelli - he's awesome!
The Angel of Music.......2006-03-13
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Mendelssohn: Elijah
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ASIN: B0002XV31A Release Date: 2005-02-15 |
Tracks:
- Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
- Overture
- No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
- No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
- No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
- No.4: If With All Your Hearts
- No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
- No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
- No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
- Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
- No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
- No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
- No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
- No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
- No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
- No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
- No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
- No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
- No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
- No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
- No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
- No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
- No.20: Thanks Be To God!
Tracks:
- No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
- No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
- No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
- No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
- No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
- No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
- No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
- No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
- No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
- No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
- No.31: O Rest In The Lord
- No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
- No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
- No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
- No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
- No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
- No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
- No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
- No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
- No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
- No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
- No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
- No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.
THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.
That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.
All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.
Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03
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Cry Cry Cry
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00000D9WD Release Date: 1998-10-13 |
Tracks:
- Fall On Me
- Cold Missouri Waters
- Speaking With The Angel
- The Kid
- Shades Of Gray
- Lord, I Have Made You A Place In My Heart
- By Way Of Sorrow
- Memphis
- Northern Cross
- Down By The Water
- I Know What Kind Of Love This Is
- The Ballad Of Mary Magdalen
Amazon.com
When three of our finest singer/songwriters join together in a musical ménage à trois, the least they could do is sing their own material. Yet Richard Shindell, Dar Williams, and Lucy Kaplansky have pulled off a perfect, perverse triumph on Cry Cry Cry, a tribute to fellow tunesmiths from Robert Earl Keen to Greg Brown to Julie Miller. Though the disc begins with a bona fide chart buster, R.E.M.'s "Fall on Me" (with ringing guitars and astonishingly audible lyrics no less), most of the cuts come from such unsung artists as James Keelaghan (a dark, brilliant ballad inspired by Norman MacLean's Young Men and Fire) and Jim Armenti. All three members of this folk music dream team are in excellent voice, alternating ensemble pieces with honed call-and-response. Yet these polished, hush-inducing performances never lose their edge and urgency--this is really what they mean by harmonic convergence. --Kerry FriedCustomer Reviews:
utterly beautiful.......2007-07-02
One of the best damn albums ever!.......2007-04-06
A must have for any fan of folk music "supergroups".......2007-02-17
I would call this a Folk Supergroup. As with any Supergroup, the music will cater to the fan base of all members of the Supergroup, and this is no different. This CD takes it a step farther by recording covers of other successful folk songs, and blending the essence of the song into their style. Confusing? Yeah, that's the way the CD plays... a confusing mix of wonderful and potential-for-wonderful.
There are standouts - "The Ballad of Mary Magdalen" (the only original song on the CD, written by Richard Shindell) is a wonderful frame piece for Dar Williams - she has a voice that reminds me of children on a playground (in a good way) and she embraces the song as it was meant to be.
Richard Shindell reminds me of Gordon Lightfoot with a twist of Randy Travis on "Cold Missouri Waters". The song is a story, and Richard really communicates the emotion of the event.
Lucy Kaplansky's feature piece is "By Way of Sorrow" - she dances through the song with a vocal hook that is signature to her solo work.
Vocal harmonies and background work lift the collection of songs to a new level. But that is to be expected with this trio.
It's worth noting that out of the 12 songs, about half are above average, another two or three are average, and the rest just miss the mark (REM's "Fall On Me" is an example.)
If you are fan of any of the three artists, this is a must have to complete your collection. If you appreciate the art of a well-written song or are a fan of any of the original songs you will appreciate this too. The casual listener of folk music... this is not the best introduction of the genre or the best representation of any of the three artists.
Folk rock at its best.......2007-01-14
Other great songs on the album include the catchy "Fall on Me" with REM front man Michael Stipe. "Speaking With the Angels" is slow, but has a very sweet melody. "Shades of Gray" is very poetic. "By Way of Sorrow" is actually not a sad song. Overall, it's a true modern folk album.
Competent, if pedestrian folk album.......2006-11-14
The instrumental playing on the disc is somewhat pedestrian, and there is little in the way of backing instruments. The singing is first-rate, but there seems to be little emotional involvement on the part of the singers. The album flows gently by, but when it's done, you hardly notice that it was there to begin with. No melodies stick in your head, and most of the tracks are performed at the same tempo, so there's little to discern between the songs.
Parties who are interested in this type of music would be far better off to pick up Greg Brown's "Dream Cafe", Gillian Welch's "Revival", or Lucinda Williams' "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road". Those three folk (Lucinda's bordering on rock) CDs will leave you impressed with melodies that linger. "Cry, Cry, Cry", is fine, but much like any Windham Hill folk sampler, drifts by without grabbing your attention. This disc emulates good folk, but not GREAT folk music.
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Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind
Linda Ronstadt Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Pop
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ASIN: B000002H7E Release Date: 1989-09-25 |
Tracks:
- Still Within the Sound of My Voice
- Cry Like A Rainstorm
- All My Life
- I Need You
- Don't Know Much
- Adios
- Trouble Again
- I Keep It Hid
- So Right, So Wrong
- Shattered
- When Something is Wrong With My Baby
- Goodbye My Friend
Amazon.com essential recording
An album that defines virtually everything that is right about adult contemporary pop--and yes, there are a few things--Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind contains lush, orchestrated arrangements of songs by first-rate tunesmiths such as Jimmy Webb, Eric Kaz, Paul Carrack, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, Isaac Hayes, and Karla Bonoff. Four cuts, including the Grammy-winning "Don't Know Much," feature duets between Ronstadt (still singing with power and assurance even at the top of her range) and angel-voiced Aaron Neville. Other highlights include "Adios," with multitracked background vocals by Brian Wilson, and the title song, which is driven to new heights by the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. Beautiful stuff. --Daniel DurchholzCustomer Reviews:
Just a Skein of Beautiful Rock Ballads.......2007-07-10
Ronstadt is widely considered the world's leading female rock and roll vocalist; the first rock diva that could fill an arena. She began her career with the Stone Poneys in the early 1960's -- I, for one, have a treasured vinyl single of her/their "A Different Drum," (written by Mickey Nesmith of the Monkees, meant for a male voice, and forever Ronstadt's). Nevertheless, she's still actively touring today. Try to catch her: I've been lucky enough to do so several times, most memorably her 1988 concert at New York's Town Hall in support of her Spanish language release of that year, "Candiones de mi Padre."
"Cry" includes four duets with Aaron Neville, unearthly in their beauty. There's Karla Bonoff's "All My Life," "Don't Know Much," by the Brill Building songsters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, and Isaac Hayes's "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby." "I Need You" actually rocks a bit: both singers can. "Still Within The Sound of My Voice,"an emotionally-laden rock ballad by Jimmy Webb, opens the record. Webb's "Adios," a lovely, melodic and lyrical, yet ironic California goodbye is also sung by the undoubted Queen of Los Angeles rock. (Brian Wilson, backbone of the Beach Boys, greatest of all California groups, arranged and sang backup here.) On the title song, "Cry," Ronstadt's voice is silky, yet expressive. The record closes with a haunting "Goodbye My Friend," another by Karla Bonoff. The vocalist does one more song by Bonoff, and two more by Jimmy Webb. She is backed at times by the Tower of Power horns, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra.
No effort or expense was spared, it appears, to make this record what it is: just one beautiful song after another.
At Center Stage.......2007-04-21
It doesn't get any better..........2007-04-07
With songs by Jimmy Webb, Karla Bonoff, Paul Carrack and even Isaac Hayes, this album is a powerhouse of both songwriting and performance. The several duets with Aaron Neville rank as some of the finest performances of Ms. Ronstadt's career, and the emotional depth of the songs is staggering.
It simply is one of the greatest albums in the history of pop music. Everyone should own this album.
PERFECTION .......2006-07-10
A MASTERPIECE !!.......2006-02-21
(thank you Jack)(aloha) I have since become captivated with that "voice".
Your ears have not lived until youve heard "cry like Rainstorm" cranked up high.
It will transport you to another planet !!!
"Adios" never fails to send shivers down my spine and the way she sings those last few notes will floor you again and again. Its absolutely breath-taking !
"Still within the sound.." is incredible. Lindas voice weaves and soars with emotion that really touches you.
Its no wonder she and Arron Neville sound so great together. This set is Linda at her best, a Shimmering timeless MASTERPIECE of musical art !
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Cry
Faith Hill Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Country
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ASIN: B00006J3UT Release Date: 2002-10-15 |
Tracks:
- Free
- Cry
- One
- When the Lights Go Down
- Beautiful
- Unsaveable
- Baby You Belong
- If You're Gonna Fly Away
- Stronger
- If This is the End
- This Is Me
- Back to You
- I Think I Will
- You're Still Here
Amazon.com
Faith Hill finally owns up to what we knew all along. She may be from deep-dish Mississippi, but she isn't a country singer, and never has been. This babe's a diva now. And, as she says in her best Diana Ross voice on "Free," "There ain't nothin' I can do about it." But what she could exercise some control over, as the coproducer of her fifth studio album, is the quality and style of her particular brand of über-pop, which on Cry considerably ratchets up the noise factor from 1999's Breathe. The songs, many written by tunesmiths long working in Nashville, often come stocked with meaningful messages, i.e. the emptiness of addiction ("If You're Gonna Fly") or the momentary connection with a loved one who has passed on ("You're Still Here"). Yet Hill and company (longtime producers Byron Gallimore and Dann Huff, in conjunction with Marti Frederiksen) obviously think the best way to make an R&B/pop record is to build a huge, airless production around screeching guitars, wall-rattling drums, and Big Mama choirs. The singer herself may be, indeed, turning out her best vocals ever. But the album itself is a self-conscious mess--a big, wallowing cacophony of sound that leaves the listener numb. In the end, it's a miserable failure. This chanteuse's R&B just ain't got no soul. --Alanna NashAlbum Description
First album since 1999's seven-times-platinum, three time Grammy winner Breathe. This enhanced CD includes a 'making of the video' feature, links to the 'Cry' video and exclusive content. Warner. 2002.Customer Reviews:
Don't Cry, it's just Pop.......2007-07-06
Just a response.......2007-02-25
Pretty good exercise music.......2006-08-18
Of the two albums, I much prefer this one. The opening number "Free" sounds like a Madonna tune (in fact, specifically I think it is really the same song as "La Isla Bonita" although I prefer this rendition). This CD is not as good as any of the Chicks' releases in the past 6 years but it's still worth buying if you are looking for some variety at the gym.
I love it.......2006-07-30
Free: 10/10 pure pop i love it
Cry: 10/10 pop Makes me want to cry sometimes
One: 10/10 R&B Funky
When the lights go down: 8/10 pop i like it
Beautiful: 10/10 exactly what it is
unsaveable: 7/10 kind of a filler track but like it
baby you belong: 9/10 sounds like something celine dion would do
if you're gon...: 10/10 R&B Great Song
Stronger: 10/10 sounds country good
If this is th.. 7/10 like it
This is me: Pop/Rock 10/10 another strong point of the album
Back To You: Pop/Rock 20/10 My favorite of the cd
I think i will: Pop/Rock 10/10 great song
You're Still Here 20/10 I love this ballad and a great song to end the cd
Favorites: Free,Cry,One,Beautiful,If You're Gonna Fly Away,This is Me,Back To You,I Think I Will,You're Still Here
Best Pop album: Cry
Best Country album: It Matters To Me
Peace&Rock n' Roll (GNR forever)
Good album, too pop sounding sometimes .......2006-06-28
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Big Girls Don't Cry
Fergie Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| R&B
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ASIN: B000S08YDM Release Date: 2007-07-16 |
Tracks:
- Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal) (Album Version)
- Pedestal (Album Version Explicit)
Album Description
UK pressing of the third CD single pulled from her album The Dutchess. 'Big Girls Don't Cry' is a touching song with Fergie sharing a side of herself we rarely see. The lyrics are heartfelt, speaking of wanting time alone to face up to her responsibilities. Led by an acoustic guitar and laced with strings, complimenting Fergie's versatile voice, the track was produced by the multi-talented Will.I.Am (Black Eyed Peas) and was written by Fergie and Toby Gad. Features 'Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)' plus 'Pedestal'. Polydor.Album Details
2007 Single from the Black Eyed Peas Frontwoman.
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Had to Cry Today
Joe Bonamassa Manufacturer: Premier Artists ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B0002MHDKG Release Date: 2004-08-24 |
Tracks:
- Never Make Your Move Too Soon
- Travelin' South
- Junction 61
- Reconsider Baby
- Around The Bend
- Revenge Of The 10 Gallon Hat
- When She Dances
- Had To Cry Today
- The River
- When The Sun Goes Down
- Faux Mantini
Amazon.com
Guitar hero Bonamassa may have dropped the "Smokin'" prefix from his performing name that he carried as a teenager, but he still specializes in superheated fret work. And for him, the faster it is, the better. Bonamassa sought to showcase the "heavier side of blues" on his fourth studio recording, emphasizing the approach used by the classic English blues-rockers. And he does just that with a hyperactive "Travellin' South" that Ten Years After would have been proud to claim and a hard-edged remake of the B.B. King hit "Never Make Your Move Too Soon". The title track, a Blind Faith favorite, is transformed into a frenetic live jam while Lowell Fulson's "Reconsider Baby", a staple of Bonamassa's live show, is given an extended workout and features some of his most potent blues licks. Sometimes Bonamassa is in too much of a hurry for his own good, but his penchant for speed works especially well on a couple of instrumentals. He races through "Revenge of the 10 Gallon Hat", a country-flavored tribute to mentor Danny Gatton, and the rapid-fire, Al Di Meola-influenced closer "Faux Mantini." --Michael PointCustomer Reviews:
Cryin' the Blues.......2007-05-09
another great listen.......2007-01-29
"JUMPING JOE" WAS MEANT TO SING THE BLUES! NOT THIS!.......2007-01-17
My Favorite Bonamassa So Far.......2007-01-04
another 5 stars.......2006-08-15
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Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks
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ASIN: B0000657XY Release Date: 2002-05-07 |
Tracks:
- Superstar - Murray Head w/ the Trinidad Singers (Jesus Christ Superstar)
- As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand (Sunset Boulevard)
- The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
- You Must Love Me - Madonna (Evita)
- Any Dream Will Do-Donny Osmond (Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)
- Memory - Betty Buckley (Cats)
- Pie Jesus - Charlotte Church (Requiem)
- The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
- I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman (Jesus Christ Superstar)
- Don't Cry For Me Argentina -Patti Lupone (Evita)
- Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball (Aspects Of Love)
- All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman (The Phantom Of The Opera)
- The Perfect Year - Glenn Close & Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard)
- The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones & Sounds Of Blackness (Whistle Down The Wind)
- No Matter What - Boyzone (Whistle Down The Wind)
- Oh What A Circus - Mandy Patinkin (Evita)
- Whistle Down The Wind - Sarah Brightman (Whistle Down The Wind)
- Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman & Jose Carrerras (1992 Olympics Theme)
Amazon.com
The critical debate over Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical legacy will no doubt rage for decades. Is he the shrewd populist composer who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical--or a crass, Barnum-esque showman (who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical)? This 18-track anthology chronicles the high points of Sir Andrew's enduring songcraft and the irrefutable impact it's made across a remarkably disparate swath of tastes and genres, from Broadway to Top 40 radio and even the classical repertoire.If some have accused Lloyd Webber's songs--like "The Music of the Night" (from Phantom of the Opera) and the title tune from Whistle Down the Wind, included here--of having all the melodic and lyrical sophistication of a children's lullaby, that's likely the very element that's made them so appealing to a mass audience. If nothing else, it's a compelling argument for that old notion about it being "the singer, not the song." Indeed, there are few contemporary composers whose music could entice divas from Streisand ("As If We'd Never Said Goodbye" from Sunset Blvd.) to Madonna (Evita's "You Must Love Me") and Charlotte Church ("Pie Jesu" from Requiem) to cover it, let alone forge the very careers of artists like Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. And if there's any substance to that other criticism of Lloyd Webber lifting the melodic ideas of composers from Verdi to John Williams (we swear that's the theme to Jurassic Park bubbling up in Tom Jones's camped-up take on Whistle's "The Vaults of Heaven"), at least, like virtually every major composer, he's stolen--er, borrowed--from the best. --Jerry McCulley
Customer Reviews:
Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits.......2007-07-13
The Gold By Andrew.......2007-04-23
But besides that this cd is very good. With manye nice and difficult songs (I've sung some of the myself in siningclass).
So if you like Andrew's music this most sertanly is a most have.
The best of Webber.......2005-09-12
Some examples: this version contains Memory sung by Betty Buckley while the Elaine Page version is light years better. Then it contains Patti Lupone's version of Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Even though Madonna wasn't the best Evita, she definitely sung Argentina in a way no-one could before or will ever. Whistle Down The Wind is represented with 3 songs - the place of the Tom Jones song is not here (the same could be said of Tina Arena's song o the European edition). Instead of the TJ song they could have included Take That Look Off Your Face by Marti Webb - one of the best songs by Webber. Pie Jesu from the Requiem is much better sung by Sarah Brightman. These are the faults.
What about the rest? Pure joy and material worth of 6 stars. Superstar, Phantom Of The Opera, Music Of The Night, I Don't Know How To Love Him, All I Ask Of You, No Matter What, Oh What A Circus - wonderful songs and wonderful performers. My all-time favorite from Webber will always be Music Of The Night and the version included here is the mesmerizing adaptation of Michael Crawford.
I don't advise anyone not to buy this album - it's good material, however it's far from being perfect.
THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES.......2005-01-31
So here are my thoughts about the tracks in this one:
1. "Superstar" and "I don't know how to love him" are both from the concept album of "Jesus Christ Superstar". They sound wonderful as ever, although the orchestrations may seem a bit dated by now.
2. "Sunset Boulevard" is marked here with two songs. Barbra Streisand's powerful voice shines all the way through in "As if we never said goodbye"; it's a shame she never played Norma Desmond on Broadway, since Patti LuPone wasn't allowed to take her Norma to New York, and Glenn Close butchered the role. Her limited vocal abilities were hardly suited for the material, as it is shown by the second Sunset song, "The perfect year", performed by Close and Alan Campbell. They both lack a decent singing voice, so this is the one song I skip regularly. The song itself sounds much better in its single version with pops orchestration, as can be heard on the European version of this compilation, where it is performed by Dina Carroll. This version here can hardly be considered a gold one.
3. "The Phantom of the Opera" is represented by three songs. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performance in the song of the same title is amazing. They were both born to play their roles in this show and their voices fit together perfectly. Sarah can hit the high notes in the end like no other Christine. Cliff Richard and Sarah sing the lovely ballad "All I ask of you" with passion, and Cliff has a wonderful warmth in his voice. Finally, Michael Crawford gives his unique and mesmerising interpretation in "The music of the night".
4. The 1996 movie version of "Evita" is Madonna's best role to date and it brought an Academy Award for Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who wrote "You must love me" especially for the big screen. This is another wonderful ballad with the haunting cello and piano solo. It just proves that Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were the best collaborators. They really should do another musical together.
5. "The Joseph and his amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was Webber's first musical and the signature song "Any dream will do" is performed here by Donny Osmond, who also appeared in the video version. I find his rendition even better than London's Jason Donovan, since Donny isn't strictly bound by the notes and so sings it more casually. A wonderful pop piece.
6."Memory" from "Cats" is probably the most famous of all Webber's songs, recorded by numerous artists. This version is sung by Betty Buckley, who was Broadway's Grizabella. Although Betty's performance can't be considered bad, I prefer Elaine Paige, who sung the song first, in the London production. Elaine has a note of sorrow in her at times husky voice, which I found very intriguing. Her performance can be considered definite, as heard on "Cats" DVD or in her latest two-disc compilation, "Centre stage: The very best of Elaine Paige", issued in May 2004. Still, those who prefer Ms. Buckley or who saw her on stage in this role won't be disappointed.
7. "Pie Jesu" is the best known song from Webber's "Requiem", written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. I'm not too keen on the version included here, performed by Charlotte Church, because her voice isn't as pretty as Sarah Brightman's on the original recording and the tempo is somewhat faster here.
8. "Don't cry for me Argentina" is among my all-time Lloyd Webber's favourites. I like all the ladies who performed "Evita" on the stage and on the screen (Julie Covington, Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone and Madonna), but on this disc is the version I am most satisfied with, since it is sung by Patti LuPone. Ms. LuPone has a very powerful voice with an amazing range and she deserved her Tony Award for this role. She was able to sound both vulnerable and decisive while singing this, whereas the other leading ladies emphasized one or the other in their interpretation. Mandy Patinkin's "Oh what a circus" is not the best, the orchestration is a little bit weak and his voice sounds thin to me. David Essex on the London cast recording is more suitable.
9. "Aspects of love" boast here with its top song, "Love changes everything", performed wonderfully by Michael Ball. It was his #1 hit and is probably one of the most beautiful love anthems ever written.
10. Three songs come from "Whistle down the wind". The studio release of the same title is one of the reasons I bought this compilation, although I already have the European one. It is performed by Sarah Brightman with Lloyd Webber playing the piano and a symphonic orchestra who nicely takes the lead of the main melody. Sarah voice is angelic; she sings it like a little bird. Very charming. Boyzone's "No matter what" was a huge pop hit in the charts. Again, we have a song with the suitable orchestrations and vocals. And lastly, Tom Jones' deep voice in combination with the back vocals of "The Sounds of Blackness" gives a rocking rendition of the church hymn "The vaults of heaven". It can't be found on the European version and Tom's voice shows it hasn't aged. Way to go.
11. For the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Webber wrote, together with his long-time lyricist Don Black, this last song, "Amigos para siempre or Friends for life". It's a nice duet between Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras, their voices sore when bound together. The melody itself is neat, especially when the orchestra takes the lead.
Besides the fact that some of the performers here were not the best for my taste, there is also the fact that some of Lloyd Webber's shows are omitted in this version, most notably, "Tell me on a Sunday". Also, unlike its European counterpart, this compilation isn't aligned chronologically, so we have 1970 Superstar being the first song, 1993 Sunset Blvd comes the second, followed by The Phantom from 1986 and so on. None the less, this CD is excellent as an introduction to Lloyd Webber's music and one can continue with his cast recordings from there. It's also very handy as a single disc compilation for the American fans.
Super good CD.......2004-12-31
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The Premiere Collection: The Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Original Cast Compilation)
Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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Similar Items:
ASIN: B000002O5W Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Phantom Of The Opera
- Take That Look Off Your Face
- All I Ask Of You
- Don't Cry For Me Argentina
- Magical Mr. Mistoffeles
- Variations 1-4
- Superstar
- Memory
- Starlight Express
- Tell Me On A Sunday
- The Music Of The Night
- Another Suitcase In Another Hall
- I Don't Know How To Love Him
- Pie Jesu
Amazon.com essential recording
There are many, many Andrew Lloyd Webber albums out there, including cut-and-paste compilations and songbooks from individual artists, most notably Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford, and even Jose Carreras. The Premiere Collection is probably as authentic as you can get in a hits album, however. In addition to the most popular selections from the original casts of Evita, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar, the 57-minute album includes two selections from Tell Me on a Sunday (also recorded by Bernadette Peters as Song and Dance), the title tune from Starlight Express, the "Pie Jesu" from the Requiem, and a snippet from the Paganini Variations, thereby allowing you to hear the good stuff without having to spring for the complete albums. Note that the three selections from Phantom of the Opera are the 1986 pop singles instead of the cast recordings, meaning Steve Harley rather than Crawford sings with Brightman on the title tune and Cliff Richard subs for Steve Barton on "All I Ask of You." (Crawford does sing "The Music of the Night," of course.) This 1989 compilation was too early for Aspects of Love or Sunset Boulevard, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is ignored, but these omissions are rectified in the follow-up album The Premiere Collection Encore, and the American-slanted version, The Very Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection. --David HoriuchiCustomer Reviews:
Musical Pleasure.......2007-07-03
The Premiere Collection.......2007-01-17
beautiful.......2006-12-21
Fair Album with 1 starlight and 0 aspects.......2004-07-09
Superb collection.......2003-08-11
Music Album:
- DGQ-20 [Box set]
- Don't, Pt. 2 [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
- EP 2003: Music for the Epicurean Harkener [EP]
- Everything Is Beautiful/Unreal!!!
- Fool for Love
- Here Comes Santa Claus
- His All-Time Greatest Comic Hits
- Hooked on a Feeling: The Best Of [DualDisc]
- Hooves of the Horses
- I Just Started Hatin' Cheatin' Songs Today/It Was Always So Easy (To Find An Unhappy Wo [Import]
