This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Norah Jones' new release, "Featuring" includes such greats as Ray Charles, Foo Fighters, Outkast, and Dolly Parton. My favorites were "Love Me" (The Little Willies) - a bluesey ballad, "The Best Part" (El Madmo) - a haunting, soulful, and moody tune, "Here We Go Again" (Ray Charles) - Ray Charles, need I say more? and "More Than This" (Charlie Hunter) - a new take on the 80's favorite.
I would consider this album "easy listening." If you are looking for something more upbeat, I wouldn't recommend it. If you would a relaxing and unique compilation CD, this would be a great choice.
Thank you to One2One Network for sending me this CD to review.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
It's been a long wait for Sarah McLachlan's newest album, but the reward of "Laws of Illusion" is sweet. Many of the songs deal with heartbreak and loss, but at the same time, demonstrate lessons learned in getting through those difficult times. My favorites were the upbeat "Illusions of Bliss", "Loving You Is Easy," and "U Want Me 2", as well as the more introspective "Awakenings" and "Love Come."
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This new album showcases Harry Connick, Jr's fantastic voice. He takes on songs from Elton John, Billy Joel, John Lennon, Rogers & Hammerstein, and many more artists. My favorite song is track # 9, Harry Connick's jazzy version of "Your Song." This is a relaxing, feel-good album that will appeal to all ages.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This new release from Joshua Bell is a nice departure from his typical album. He has invited a medley of artists, from Kristin Chenoweth (of "Wicked" fame) to Frankie Moreno, to perform with him in a variety of styles. My favorite tracks are "Variant Moods: Duet for Sitar & Violin" (with Anoushka Shankar), "Cinema Paradiso" (with Josh Groban), and "I'll Take Manhattan" (with Marvin Hamlisch). I did not feel Sting's voice lent well to this type of music, nor did I like Regina Spektor's "Left Hand Song." Overall, however, this is a fantastic album that will appeal to many types of people.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Although Diane Birch is only in her mid-20's, she sings with the heart of an old soul. This debut album showcases her mesmerizing voice, which has a blusy, timeless, raw, emotional, and soulful quality.
I love all the songs on this album, but my absolute favorites are:
#2 - "Valentino", which has a very strong, catchy, melody.
#4 - "Nothing but a Miracle," a not-so-typical 'relationship song' with a very mature sound.
#6 - "Rise Up", which offers a tongue-in-cheek view of religion.
#12 - "Forgiveness," a blues-inspired song that showcases Diane's incredible voice.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Yanni introduces some fantastic young singers in this new CD. The music is an eclectic mix of styles and languages, with Yanni's familiar melodies as the base to all of the songs. There were no bad songs on this CD! The following are my absolute favorites:
The Keeper - Leslie Mills. Mills' etherial voice adds to Yannis' haunting melody.
Our Days - Leslie Mills. This time, Leslie Mills song adds power to song with a decidedly Middle Eastern flair.
1001 - Yanni. This solo piece by Yanni is powerful and emotional. Yanni at his best!
Vivi Il Tuo Sogno - Nathan Pacheco. Pacheco's operatic voice adds new layers to this romantic, soulful melody.
Set Me Free - Chloe. Chloe's passionate vocals are edgy and powerful.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The Ballas Hough Band's debut album has catchy yet intense melodies. I prefer the band's soulful singles, "She Was The One" and "Do It For You" over the much-hyped "Do You Love Me," co-written by American Idol's Kara Dio Guardi, which is strictly bubble-gum pop. BHB combines youthful energy wth an underlying passion and maturity. I can't wait to hear more from this band.
It's been a long wait for Sarah McLachlan's newest album, but the reward of "Laws of Illusion" is sweet. Many of the songs deal with heartbreak and loss, but at the same time, demonstrate lessons learned in getting through those difficult times. My favorites were the upbeat "Illusions of Bliss", "Loving You Is Easy," and "U Want Me 2", as well as the more introspective "Awakenings" and "Love Come."
brezi
Scottsdale, AZ
Sarah McLachlan at her Ethereal Best (continued)
June 29, 2010
Thank you to One2One Network for sending me this CD to preview.