:)Hi guys,
As you know I’ve been really excited about “Odyssey,” especially the UK version and Roger was so wonderful to send me be a copy!!! Thanks to much Roger – your so amazing!!
i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifTurns out my friend had ordered the New Zealand version of “Odyssey” so I was able to get the missing tracks as well and there amazing.
So here’s my review of “Odyssey” of both versions UK and NZ. Hope you enjoy it!
Natasha
At first glance of Hayley sitting on a rock on the cover of “Odyssey” you get the feeling that the album’s feel will be slow and of course, pure in nature. Visually Hayley prepares you for the musical odyssey.
Odyssey begins with “Prayer” a slow, soft song with Hayley’s vocals drifting across angelically and backing voices soothingly echoing her. Somehow I have the feeling of flowing waters and streams throughout this number.
“Dell’ Amore Non Si Sa” is Hayley’s much publicized duet with tenor, Andrea Bocelli – and I guess I should say right off the bat that I’m not a fan of his, lol, as I think his vocals always sound rather dull and sleepy. Hayley’s own part is beautifully rendered and delightful but in my mind Andrea’s part could use some improvement.
And it doesn’t help matters that they seem to have raised his volume level even higher than hers. I would like to hear Hayley sing this as a solo or with someone like Russell Watson who will give it the feeling and freedom it needs.
“Never Saw Blue” is another slow tune but with a strong melody line. The piano and violin backing are completely complimentary to Hayley’s vocals and fit the contemporary feel very well. Hayley really feels this song and it’s just beautiful. An immediate favorite off the album, I think this would do well as a music video or music for a film.
The first time I heard Caccini’s “Ave Maria” it was sung by a young welsh soprano who was twelve. Hayley’s version is refreshingly different with a larger orchestral background and new phrasings. Hayley’s soaring vocals are just gorgeous. I’m a great flute lover so I did miss the flute at the beginning but I was pleased to hear it incorporated into the orchestration later on. This is just a gorgeous song sung so beautifully by Hayley.
i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifNext up are the strains of guitar strings and then Hayley’s fresh folk sound in Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” This piece is another one of my favorites, infact ever since “Live from New Zealand” when we first heard it, I looked forward to hearing it on the new album and Hayley doesn’t disappoint. This style fits her voice perfectly the only thing that’s missing was the accented violin strings that were featured on the DVD. No matter though, we are sure to be treated to them in live performances.
i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifThe next song is “What you never know,” the song which features writing by Hayley with the chorus, “I’m falling for you.” I simply cannot imagine the piece without this latest addition and it really goes to Hayley’s credit. Personally, I prefer the radio version of the song with the more upbeat, moving but then I was exposed to it first, lol.
“May it be” is another beautiful song with Hayley’s haunting soprano voice singing as well as it ever has been done. She quite surpasses Enya’s version with her excellent rendition.
“Aria” is in several ways similar to “Ave Maria” with a strong orchestral backing and Hayley’s soaring upper range. A beautiful song from start to end and just as charming as the DVD version although this time no loudly breathing cellist! LOL. I found him quite distracting on the DVD and I’m relieved that its missing from this version. The last note is…
WOW!
The next track that is also No. 11, is “Mists of Islay” from the UK version. I wasn’t crazy about this song on “Hayley Westenra” but I think it’s quite nice now. Hayley’s voice has improved so, so much since that album and you can tell that Hayley’s own musicality is more evident in this version. Lovely.
Next is the semi-gospel style, “I Say Grace.” Hayley is obviously doing some fun experimenting with different styles and “I Say Grace” is a nice outcome although I seriously doubt that Hayley will be doing much gospel in the future.
The familiar and beautiful strains of “O Mio Babbino Caro” quickly follow. I personally don’t think Hayley has the right voice type for this song as in my opinion it requires a much fuller and darker soprano voice but Hayley still does a lovely job and you can hear the more rounded and rich sound that was predicted in the press about the album.
The only other person I’ve heard sing “Laudate Dominum” is soprano Kathleen Battle, who is of course much older than Hayley. I think this track fits Hayley’s classical voice quite nicely and I would hope she’s still singing it when she’s Kathleen’s age as to compare the two versions.
“Wigenlied” follows and I believe it’s a different version from any of the three featured on the single – but correct me if I’m wrong. This track is quite delightful.
“Dido’s Lament” is quite a sorrowful piece and I think it sounds lovely on Hayley’s voice. Like most of the other tracks on the album, it’s rather slow and soft quite a contrast from the several upbeat selections on “Pure” yet with it’s own strengths.
Next I will lump together the two versions of “She moved through the fair.” I this song is Celtic which Hayley emphasized with her backing in both versions. I’m sure some consider this piece one of their favorites but I’ve never been able to like the song although Hayley does do her best on it.
“Quanta Qualia,” is the other piece I cannot like from this album. I believe it’s considered ‘modern classical,’ and is well received by the purist community but the only thing modern about is making the poor vocalist sing extremely high notes with a much to overpowering choral background. Hayley can easily sing the high notes but still it comes across as being a bit well… you know.
i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifI know I’m reviewing the tracks in a completely different manner from the way their featured on the album but I’d like to close off this review with “My heart belongs to you.” This track is fast becoming my favorite from the album and I think it will be a popular favorite and I can see it doing very well in the US if it was released as a single. Hayley definitely feels this one and I think it would be the perfect music for a major romantic film. I just love this song to bits.
In conclusion, “Odyssey” is no “Pure” it’s “Odyssey.” The highpoints of the album are Hayley’s matured and soaring vocals and the several beautiful renditions of well-known favorites and original numbers.
The album also showcases Hayley’s individual musical style and hard work. Hayley is pleased with the album and I believe she has good reason to be for “Odyssey” is a beautiful album and I just wish Hayley the utmost success in the charts and sales.
Also the biggest thanks to Roger for sending me this amazing album!!
Best Wishes,
Natasha