|
|
Post by milewalker on Mar 28, 2007 17:06:45 GMT
Of course a sour review may put people off Jon - but the reviews still do her more good than harm. You can neither buy or reject an album if you dont know it is there - and there are always contankorous people like me who find that it a particular reviewer doesnt like something, I probably will.
To me, a the presence of a review means in and of itself that whatever is being reviewed is important enough to notice. Would you prefer that Hayley's CD's be beneath notice?
Jon (the other)
PS - My apologies to Comet
|
|
|
|
Post by socalboy on Mar 28, 2007 19:30:10 GMT
The review above confuses me for a couple of reasons. I was not aware that Summer Fly had any high notes to strain  Maybe it was the reviewer who found those notes hard to reach as she tried to sing along. |
|
|
|
Post by grant on Mar 28, 2007 22:37:57 GMT
Hi Eric and welcome to the forum from me.
When (not if!) you meet Hayley, just be yourself, because I can guarantee that's what Hayley will be.
Best wishes
Grant
|
|
|
|
Post by jons on Mar 30, 2007 15:21:25 GMT
Of course a sour review may put people off Jon - but the reviews still do her more good than harm. You can neither buy or reject an album if you dont know it is there - and there are always contankorous people like me who find that it a particular reviewer doesnt like something, I probably will. To me, a the presence of a review means in and of itself that whatever is being reviewed is important enough to notice. Would you prefer that Hayley's CD's be beneath notice? Jon (the other) PS - My apologies to Comet Take no notice of me Jon, I'm silly, I just have this hatred of critics of all media. I think it was when one of them slated 'The Lord Of The Rings' |
|
|
|
Post by Stephany on Mar 31, 2007 6:03:23 GMT
Remember the extremely negative review from The Neslon Mail reporter?! Well, a reader sent a message to this article's author, Stewart Hunt, in order to defend Hayley. To read the original review, click HERE. [/size][/i][/quote] |
|
|
|
Post by Dori on Mar 31, 2007 7:36:31 GMT
Ok, I’ve been wanting to do this for some time, but I was so wrapped up with university assignments that I just didn’t have the time! So here is my review of the New Zealand version, track by track!
Treasure is a work of art, an exceptional album that consists of mostly classical music. This album is my favourite to date.
Let Me Lie – my favourite track of the entire album, this song is a work of art. It clearly shows two things: one, that Hayley has amazing writing talent and ability, and two, that her vocal range sung at a low key just keeps getting better and better. In Pure, I think Hayley never sang low keys as well as in Odyssey. With Treasure, she got even better! This song is a great song to drive to university with every morning! It’s also one of those songs that get stuck in your mind, which is very relaxing!!
Scarborough Fair – when I heard her sing this with the Celtic Woman, I fell in love with it. It’s such a beautiful song, especially with the strings in the middle. It is ultimately the best version of this song I’ve heard.
Shenandoah – this song is a lot like Scarborough Fair; I don’t know but they remind me of each other quite a lot. Her high notes are at her best.
Summer Fly – I don’t how Hayley even remembers this song when she sings it! If it was me, I’d get my lyrics so mixed up! This song gets my feet tapping every time! It’s a very lively song and something new for Hayley, and I really, really like it.
Whispering Hope – it took me a couple of listens to appreciate this song fully. Now, it’s one of my favourites! It demonstrates Hayley’s true vocal talent and pleasantness and how she needs absolutely no background music to enhance her voice. It is simply natural talent. It is truly a beautiful, beautiful song that holds similar themes, but not melodies, to I Say Grace from Odyssey.
Danny Boy – I think this song sounds like a lullaby! It is so pleasant, I listen to it at night to fall asleep on those stressful late nights working on assignments. I thought Maev’s version sounded a lot like Church music, and I wasn’t the hugest fan of it. But Hayley’s version is so pleasant with the very quiet background music and her very soft voice. It’s absolutely lovely.
Summer Rain – I love this song!!! I love the strings and the ‘jumpiness’ feeling of the song. I think it is an extremely sophisticated song that Hayley has written, which again shows her writing talent, both musically and vocally (she said she arranged the music).
Last Rose of Summer – my favourite song from A New Journey and was thrilled it was on the album. It shows how crystal clear Hayley’s voice is, compared to Maev’s, who also has a beautiful voice. Hayley’s high notes are again at their best.
One Fine Day – One of her best songs from this album, Hayley sings it absolutely beautifully. Starting with a perfect high note, and ending it with another high note, every pitch is perfect. It is truly one of my favourite songs on Treasure.
Sonny – what a beautifully sung one, and what a sad story! I love how it only has piano in the background. It is so relaxing!! Hayley can’t do a better job on it.
Water is Wide – I was so upset when I hears the UK Odyssey got this one!! It is so beautiful!! My school choir last year sang it at our prize giving, but nothing compares to her version. I absolutely love it!! Another one of my favourites on this album.
Melancholy Interlude: Another song indicating Hayley’s talent on song writing!! A truly dark, yet beautiful song. It is so effective!! I love her vocal range in this song.
Abide With Me – don’t you just love Hayley’s hymns??? They are so well sung and so beautiful!! I loved Prayer from Odyssey and love this one equally. The best version of this hymn I have heard yet. Absolutely stunning.
Treasure is a master piece. Hayley, you couldn’t have done it better. Thank you for this gift to the world.
Dori
|
|
|
|
Post by jons on Mar 31, 2007 14:01:47 GMT
How many critics does it take to change a light-bulb? None. Their too busy criticising it: "Its a take on a old worn-out classic which soon runs out of spark! Lets hope the new big boys - LED lighting - can bring a brighter future to lighting!  |
|
|
|
Post by grant on Mar 31, 2007 18:54:03 GMT
Treasure is a master piece. Hayley, you couldn’t have done it better. Thank you for this gift to the world. Dori Well said Dori and thank you for a great review. You put a lot of feeling in what you say and I'm sure Hayley will appreciate your support. Best wishes Grant |
|
|
|
Post by grant on Mar 31, 2007 18:57:23 GMT
Remember the extremely negative review from The Neslon Mail reporter?! Well, a reader sent a message to this article's author, Stewart Hunt, in order to defend Hayley. To read the original review, click HERE. [/size][/i][/quote] [/quote] Hi Stephany and thank you for posting this article. Good to see another Kiwi standing up to this clown of a reviewer Now Roger, your homework for today - find this Coralie Grooby and Coral this Grooby chick onto HWI  Grant |
|
|
|
Post by roger on Mar 31, 2007 20:38:47 GMT
Hi Grant, I wish we could find her. Unfortunately we are dependent upon her finding us.  Roger |
|
|
|
Post by Stephany on Apr 3, 2007 8:33:03 GMT
Hi everyone, I'm fairly new to Hayley's music so I'm probably not very objective when it comes to criticizing. To me, everything Hayley sings is outstanding beyond words. Her "Treasure" is uplifting, touching, intimate and personal. Let Me Lie This track starts slowly but the pace is notably fastened after a few verses. I was very quickly taken up by the Hayley-whirlwind directly into heaven. Particularly when she says Hear me through...as I lie...here with you...heal me through.... The background music accompanies her voice outstandingly. Le Notte Del Silenzio I love the beginning of this song; with only Hayley's voice and the piano. No wonder I almost screamed in frustration when I started to hear a man's voice. However, I have changed my mind since then because their voices actually blend perfectly. Santa Lucia I usually don't like this type of songs. Yet, it turned out to be a very enjoyable track. Hayley's voice suits perfectly the instruments and although I don't understand a word of Italian, I now often see myself humming the melody. Shenandoah Contrary to many of you, I didn't know this song before listening to Hayley's version. It's probably the sample I heard most before getting the album - I love the melody and Hayley's voice is poetic and haunting. Love it! Whispering Hope The choral backing is incredible and I particularly enjoy the lyrics conveying a lovely message of hope. But why, oh why is the song so short?! Summer Rain The beginning of the song is fantastic; I don't know the instruments or else, but I love it enormously. It's very different from her previous work but it's clearly a very exciting track. Danny Boy I was a bit reluctant to hear another version of this song because we've heard it over and over and I couldn't imagine someone adding something new to it. But when this someone is called Hayley Westenra, everything can happen and now I can't listen to another version of Danny Boy than hers. Lovely! One Fine Day I was amazed to hear Hayley sing this with such ease. I was not familiar with the original Italian song but found this English version very inspired. The Heart Worships This song is majestically melodic and perfectly shows how gifted Hayley is. What a voice! E Pari Ra My opinion may be biased because I love all Maori songs performed by Hayley. The melody is very pretty. Thumbs up! Sonny Marvellous song. Lovely, pretty, fantastic, awesome, whatever! This is definitely my favourite track of the album. The lyrics are outstandingly sad and yet, close to my heart, touching and moving. What a delight to hear Hayley's MAGNIFICENT voice accompanied by the piano. I was - and still am - totally wowed by this one. Bravo, Hayley! Summer Fly The song starts slowly with merely a flute but gets faster and faster with a fantastic and high-quality music backing. I am always jumping up and down when I listen to it and am now eager to hear more similar songs by Hayley. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifMelancholy Interlude Why is this song so breve? I didn't even have the time to appreciate it. Left me wanting more, thanks to Hayley's sweet and gorgeous voice. Bist Du Bei Mir According to Marianne, Hayley's German diction is close to perfection which I easily believe after listening to this song. It sounds delicious. Abide With Me I was very curious to hear this song because many of you voted for it as their favourite track in whole album. Needless to say I completely fell in love with this song as well. It becomes gradually more powerful. Excellent! Overall, "Treasure" is truly exceptional. Hayley's voice is GOLD. Definitely a must-buy! Stephany |
|
|
|
Post by grant on Apr 3, 2007 9:08:59 GMT
Superb review Stephany, thank you for posting - hopefully you won't mind me making a few comments  Danny Boy - I've actually disliked this song for many years, but Hayley changed all that and, like you, I love Hayley singing it. One Fine Day - I don't enjoy opera, so wasn't familiar with this song until I heard Hayley sing it. A few days ago, a friend lent me an "Opera Babes" CD which includes the 'opera' version and, whilst it didn't grab me, it's a good example of how Hayley can lighten (if that's the right word) a song. Melancholy Interlude - This song contains just 32 words! but Hayley strings them together in such a beautiful and moving way. I believe it wouldn't have the same impact if it were any longer and who knows, perhaps Hayley couldn't manage another verse without her words impacting on her own emotions. Abide With Me - Technically this is not a song but one of the most popular hymns in the UK. I too was surprised that so many have voted this their best track on the album, althoughit got my vote also being my favourite hymn. God bless Grant |
|
|
|
Post by roger on Apr 3, 2007 9:13:26 GMT
Hi Stephany, Many thanks for your fine review. You may be fairly new to Hayley's music but you have summed up my feelings about Treasure remarkably accurately even though I'm an old-timer! The only real difference is that I learned 'Shenandoah' at school when I was nine!  Roger |
|
|
|
Post by Stephany on Apr 3, 2007 9:40:45 GMT
Hi Grant, Roger and everyone, Shenendoah" was totally new to me and I didn't know "Abide with me" was a famous hymn in the UK. Besides, the only reason I was aware of "Danny Boy" is because Meav included it in the first CW concert. So I seriously think it was a good idea to include them in Hayley's album because it's a nice way to make them discover to foreigners like me.  |
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Apr 3, 2007 13:52:10 GMT
Hello Stephany! Many thanks for your excellent review. Like Roger, I'm very much in agreement with you on all the tracks, and I find it very difficult to single out a favourite track. I'm really looking forward to seeing Hayley sing more of these songs live, having thoroughly enjoyed her performance of 'Santa Lucia' at Cadogan Hall in February.  Best Wishes, Richard xxx |
|
