Rejoice - Review

[dazza]

Hi Everyone,

Katherine's new album 'Rejoice' was released yesterday.

It is different from Katherine's other albums, a lot of the songs are ones that have been written especially for her by song writers such as Steve Mac and Gary Barlow.

The album is NOT going to be considered for the classical chart and will be entered into the overall pop chart.

Here is a short review that I have written...

I think that 'Rejoice' is is a wonderful album, although I love all the albums, for me I think that this is definitely Katherine's best so far, it is so different from all the others, yet still 'very Katherine' if you get what I mean.

There are some great songs on there and I love all the songs that have been speciallywritten for her, even though they aren't classical songs, they still have Katherine's unique style and voice, which for me, that itself gives the songs a classical feel. I think that Katherine is definitely going to reach a wider audience with this album.

I wasn't much for the Seal cover 'Kiss From A Rose' at first but it has definitely grown on me after a couple of listens, apart from that I love all the songs, the classical songs and the new ones.

Like most of Katherine's music, it is hard to pick a favorite song, but 'Rejoice', 'Requiem For A Soldier', 'Somewhere' and 'I Will Pray For You' are definitely worth a mention, they are certainly up there with the best for me.

Finally, and this is probably one of the strangest comparisons ever but 'I Will Pray For You' and 'Fairytale Of New York'. Does anybody else see it or is it just me? undecided

Overall, a fantastic album and I am sure that it is going to be a huge success.

Well Done Katherine.

[nicola]

Gary Barlow has written for her!? Gary Barlow has the boyband stigma on him, but I have many, many albums where he has written for other artists - they are always the best songs on the albums in question. He is a fantastic song writer and has had experience with writing for sopranos/tenors (e.g. Charlotte Church, Russell Watson).

I can't wait to hear his songs for Katherine. Funds are a bit tight so I'll have to wait for now, but I'll certainly look forward to it. Finally, original songs for Katherine!

That's a good review - it makes me want to listen!

[dazza]

Hi Nicola,

The songs that Gary Barlow has written for Katherine are 'Shout In Silence' and 'Viva Tonight'.

Katherine and Gary have become good friends and Katherine has recorded a piece of music that is played during the opening of concerts on Take That's current tour.

The other songs Katherine has had written for her are 'Rejoice', 'How Do You Leave The One You Love' and 'I Will Pray For You' by Steve Mac.

If you want to see the video for 'Rejoice' and a little taster to the differences between this album and Katherine's previous albums you should be able to here - HERE

Dazza

[Stephany]

Hi Dazza,

Thank you for your brillant review - I'm now even more excited about the album than before! I'm not a fan of songs too 'strictly' classical so I'm very interested to see how Katherine is doing with original songs written for her.

I saw the video clip of 'Rejoice' and thought it was gorgeous. The lyrics especially seem to be very meaningful to Katherine. Can't wait to hear her 'Somewhere' too.

Stephany

[dazza]

Hi Stephany,

I agree, although I am starting to love classical I am not much for the music which is strictly classical, I am all for variation, that is one of the reasons I love listening to Hayley's albums so much, along with her beautiful voice.

You are also right about the lyrics being more meaningful, the album in general is much more personal to Katherine than her other albums have been.

This album is definitely a new direction for Katherine, but still in her own style.

It's not being entered into the classical chart so it is going to be interesting to see how it does in the album chart at the end of the week.

Dazza

[Paddy]

Hi Dazza,


'Enjoyed your review of 'Rejoice'.

I too was surprised when I heard the intro to 'I Will Pray for You'.

I had to look at the song list again to see was it really 'Fairy Tale of New York'!

'Can't imagine Katherine using the 'bad language', though!


My copy arrived on Monday - with 'Taking Chances' (Celine Dion)!

I still haven't made up my mind which I liked best!

And that (from me) is quite a compliment to Katherine.

Very 'meaningful', as you said.


I'm not familiar with her previous Cds

'Rejoice' is the first Katherine Cd I've bought and I wouldn't mind at all having more.

Have you seen the 'Katherine in the Park' DVD yet?


Paddy

[dazza]

Hi Paddy,

I’m glad that you liked my review and even more glad that you liked the album.

Katherine’s previous albums are much more classical, and more operatic but still include crossover songs such as covers (in Italian) of ‘I Will Always Love You’ from The Bodyguard and Bryan Adams ‘Everything I Do (I’ll Do It For You)’ which Bryan Adams himself records the guitar solo on.

‘Rejoice’ is the first album where Katherine has included original songs written specifically for her.

Dave posted on Katherine’s Offical forum that ‘Rejoice’ is at No.4 in the midweek chart and that it is extremely close between 2 and 5. Unfortunately there is no chance of the top spot as Leona Lewis is running away with that.

Yes, I have the 'Katherine in the Park' DVD too, I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately I am yet to see Katherine live but I have made ‘Kathfest’ one of my priorities for next year.

Dazza

[Paddy]

Hi Dazza,


I really did enjoy the album. I like her 'style'.

Most of the songs seem to suit her well.


The DVD seems to capture what she's been up to this year,

so I'll see about buying it.

I'll be hunting for more bargains later.


'Would be great if she had a concert close to one of Hayley's sometime next year.

Would make a short trip to the UK really worthwhile.


See you there ......

Paddy

[dazza]

Hi Paddy,

I have just had a look at both Hayley's and Katherine's dates 'so far' and these are the closest.

June 27th 2008 - Hayley Westenra
Aberglasney Gardens, Carmarthenshire, Wales

July 25th-27th 2008 - Katherine In The Park
Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

Dazza

[Paddy]

dazza said:

Hi Paddy,
I have just had a look at both Hayley's and Katherine's dates 'so far' and these are the closest.
June 27th 2008 - Hayley Westenra
Aberglasney Gardens, Carmarthenshire, Wales
July 25th-27th 2008 - Katherine In The Park
Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
Dazza

Thanks, Darren.

A month in Wales in June/July would be nice

but it looks like I'll need two trips!

Maybe I'll be lucky and more dates will be added.

Paddy

[dazza]

Hi Paddy,

I am definitely attending both, I was hoping they would be a bit closer as a holiday in Wales would be nice, but I will do it in two trips too.

Dazza

[Paddy]

Hi Dazza.

Hopefully, new dates will be added.

Two trips to Wales to see two nice ladies!

I'd be disowned (4 to 1)!

If Hayley isn't returning to Ireland next year,

I'll probably try to make it to one UK concert.

Paddy

[dazza]

Hi Everyone,

'Rejoice' has entered the UK pop charts at No.3.

1. Leona Lewis
Spirit

2. Westlife
Back Home

3. Katherine Jenkins
Rejoice

4. Girls Aloud
Tangled Up

5. Led Zeppelin
Mothership

6. Eagles
Long Road Out Of Eden

7. Spice Girls
Greatest Hits

8. Andrea Bocelli
Vivere - The Best Of

9. Take That
Beautiful World

10. Celine Dion
Taking Chances

A fantastic achievement, especially considering some of the artists that are below 'Rejoice'

Well done Katherine!

Dazza

[Paddy]

dazza said:

Hi Paddy,

Yes, I have the 'Katherine in the Park' DVD too, I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately I am yet to see Katherine live but I have made ‘Kathfest’ one of my priorities for next year.

Dazza

Hi Dazza!


I guess this wouldn't interest you so!:


Highlights of Katherine's homecoming concert in Margam Park.

(BBC Wales Christmas 2007 broadcast).


Mp3 Big file 60.25 MB:

www.megaupload.com/?d=E6PPW77U

or

wma 42.16 MB:

www.megaupload.com/?d=45UXYMWB


Happy (guitar playing) 2008


Paddy


p.s. This one is not 'clipped'!