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Post by martindn on Mar 22, 2009 0:31:59 GMT
Hi Ross,
You beat me to it. I am currently writing my own track by track review, and will post it here eventually, and probably in a few other places too. But I agree with everything you say. This is certainly Hayley's poppiest album ever. And along with Hayley's poppy dress as worn on the Valentines tour and support for the poppy appeal, you would expect her to be poppy. Well sort of! (sorry)
But I agree, Hayley has made another fabulous album here. And once again Hayley's lyrics are immense. Simple and perhaps sometimes cliche ridden and predictable but at the same time powerful and expressive of her personality. I love it!
And I guess that it had a higher budget than HSJS1, on account of that one's huge success. It certainly sounds like a more lavish production. Let's hope this one does even better.
And as for Hayley's voice on this album - WOW! They have finally cracked the technique for recordng her.
Martin
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Post by I-H-F on Mar 22, 2009 3:16:03 GMT
Right, thats it... I'm avoiding reading this thread until my CD gets here!  I'm envious of you guys that have had the pleasure of listening to it already. I wish I had ordered mine earlier! This CD seems amazing, even by Hayley standards! |
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Post by gra7890 on Mar 22, 2009 12:07:49 GMT
Hi IHF, You probably will not read this for a while i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifHowever I avoided this thread and any clips before the CD arrived. I am very glad I did as it was a great thrill to listen to it for the first time, and with each play get more captivated  Enjoy it when it arrives, Graham |
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Post by martindn on Mar 22, 2009 19:59:52 GMT
Well, this is one reason why I am taking my time about a full review. I would not like to spoil anyone's first experience of this album. And it gives me more time to listen to it of course. When it comes to the point where a review might help people to decide whether or not to buy it, I will post one.
Martin
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Post by roger on Mar 22, 2009 20:44:11 GMT
Hi Martin, When it comes to the point where a review might help people to decide whether or not to buy it, I will post one. Ah, but how will we know when that times has arrived? Actually, this will always be a problem whether it relates to a new album or a concert tour. There will always be members who are eager to read a report and others who will not wish to because it would take away the element of surprise. I think we have to accept that we cannot please everyone in this way no matter what we say or when we say it. Perhaps we should agree that any such report may be posted at any time but, if it contains spoilers, that should be made clear in an introductory post. That way, other members will be able to chose whether to read it or not. Roger |
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Post by nicola on Mar 22, 2009 21:47:00 GMT
Personally, I love to read reviews and everyone's thoughts on a CD, regardless if I have yet or not. I like to know what to expect at least a little. I hate surprises!  I love going back and reading people's opinions again once I have formed my own to compare and contrast.  |
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Post by grant on Mar 23, 2009 20:47:37 GMT
Hello everyone Well, my copy of the standard version of HSJS2 (which CD Japan despatched on 19th March) arrived this morning whilst I was out. There is still no sign of the Special Edition which was despatched on 10th March  and as they say it may take up to 8 weeks  I don't suppose they'll do anything about it before then!  I'm still going to have to wait until Wednesday to listen to it, as I'm out all day tomorrow again and don't want to spoil my enjoyment by rushing it  Best wishes Grant |
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Post by 1littlegirl on Mar 23, 2009 21:55:35 GMT
Hi all,
Just received my special edition of HSJS2 and I am soooooooo happy!!!!!!! I am only on track 2 and already in love with it!
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Post by martindn on Mar 23, 2009 23:45:44 GMT
Well, I have written my review. I will wait a few days before posting it (sorry Nicola) to at least let Grant listen to the record first. And I might even refine it a bit, although it is already too long!
Martin
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Post by grant on Mar 24, 2009 20:35:41 GMT
Hello everyone
Well, I've just listened to HSJS2 for the first time. so it's really too early for me to say much.
Reading through the later posts in this thread, the general consensus seems to be that it is very different to HSJS1 and takes some getting used to. I would have to agree here, as there were tracks on the first album that hit me like a sledge hammer from the very first play, this one didn't.
Having had the single for a couple of weeks now, I'm already familiar with tracks 1 and 10 and of course "Nemunoki" is just heavenly. Other tracks that I think I will particularly like are "To The Future", "A Child Of God" and "Many Times Always".
However, tomorrow may change all that! Thinking about it, the only Hayley albums I have loved from the first instant are "Pure" and HSJS1 and I think that as her style has changed with each album so each time it has seemed like "New Hayley".
Best wishes
Grant
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Post by martindn on Mar 24, 2009 20:54:06 GMT
Hi Grant,
Yes, Hayley loves to surprise us for sure. On this album she does things with her voice that I have never heard before. Listen carefully and you will be amazed. But I tink you need to hear it a few more times, as I did.
As I type this I've finally managed to tear myself way from HSJS2 for long enough to listen to my other new album, Faryl. This is nice too, a fine effort for a 13 year old, but the gulf between that and HSJS2 is immense.
Martin
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Post by gra7890 on Mar 24, 2009 20:55:32 GMT
There is still no sign of the Special Edition which was dispatched on 10th March and as they say it may take up to 8 weeks I don't suppose they'll do anything about it before then! Hi Grant, That is a worry. I guess you have to hope it was put on a wrong plane in Japan and is now finding its way back to you  Hope it arrives soon.... it is always a concern with things in the post, even if it is from the UK.... Japan is usually more reliable  Best Wishes, Graham. |
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Post by gra7890 on Mar 24, 2009 21:01:30 GMT
........, a fine effort for a 13 year old, but the gulf between that and HSJS2 is immense. Hi Martin, As it should be........ It would be fairer to compare it to WITA or Hayley Westenra. Best Wishes, Graham |
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Post by martindn on Mar 24, 2009 21:15:34 GMT
Indeed Graham, I must do that. On Faryl, I most enjoyed the songs that I have never heard Hayley sing.
But I' back playing HSJS2 now, and my current favourite, Track2 - a Crescent Moon.
Martin
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Post by gra7890 on Mar 24, 2009 21:18:47 GMT
Hi Martin and Grant and All, Having listened to nothing else for a few days ......As a complete CD I now think HSJS2 is Hayley's best yet i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifPure is still tough to beat, as it contains such great established tracks, which I feel Hayley does better than artists before or since.....Amazing Grace, Wuthering Heights, Pokarekare Ana, Hine e Hine etc. HSJS2 are all new songs to me, but Hayley does them to perfection for me. Best Wishes, Graham |
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I love going back and reading people's opinions again once I have formed my own to compare and contrast. 
and as they say it may take up to 8 weeks 
I don't suppose they'll do anything about it before then! 
