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Post by Caitlin on Oct 15, 2009 4:06:14 GMT
Hi everyone  I've finally been able to order this CD. I'm really excited to get it - so much so that I've been listening to other Christmas music I have. I suppose it helps it has been snowing nearby!  <3 Caitlin |
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Post by martindn on Oct 15, 2009 12:31:33 GMT
When you said you didn't have anything to say about All With You, did you mean you loved it so much that you're speechless about it, or that it's not your favorite? It is one of the best, in my opinion. It's such a pretty song. Nice lyrics, such pretty vocals. But then my favorites aren't always everybody else's favorites; I seem to be the only one who likes Crescent Moon all that much. I'm one of the only ones who lists it as a favorite from HSJS2. Same thing with Sparkle being my favorite duet. Hi libby, As for All With Yoy I didn't mean either of those things. I agree, it is a nice song, I love all four of Hayleys compositions on this album. And I do like this song very much. It was just that I coulnd't think of anything special to say about it except that I like it. In many ways i think it is typical of Hayley, a song about being parted from a loved one, and with a bit more vocal range required than most carols and pop songs. There, I've thought of something!! BTW you are not theonly one who likes A Cresecnt Moon. When i first heard HSJS2 it was my favourite song on the whole album. It is still one of my favourites, but I think I would now put it behind Cosmos and To the future. Sparkle though I have to disagree about, although i suspect it depends on how you listen to it. The singing is fine, and in Hayley's case it is rather different to anything else i can think of. I think it might be becuse I am old enough to remember the 1950s, which were full of songs like that, and indeed singers like Helmut Lotti. It is a song I can imagine Alma Cogan singing (if you have ever heard of her, not sure if she was known in America). Nothing wrong with it really, it just sounds very dated to me. But then, so does most of The Beatles output these days. Martin |
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Post by martindn on Oct 15, 2009 12:36:46 GMT
Hello Everyone. Thanks to all the reviewers for their impressions of this album. I envy your ability to express your thoughts so well. I'm afraid I do not have those skills and I am much too biased to write a credible review of anything Hayley does. She could bring a tear to my eye by simply singing "Yankee Doodle".  I've listened to the album many times now and discover something new with each session. One thing that strikes me is how the various songs work together. In particular, the sequential placement of "Sleigh Ride" and "River". To me, they represent the emotional extremes of the season. From the high of enjoying simple activities and friendships in "Sleigh Ride", to the low of lost love, disappointment and a less-than-positive self-evaluation in "River". I found this combination to be very powerful. If I had been asked to set the order of the tracks, it would not have occurred to be to put those two songs together. Hmmm, maybe that is why no body asked.  Well done, Hayley! Bill Well, you expressed those thoughts pretty well Bill i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifMartin |
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Post by grant on Oct 15, 2009 14:23:05 GMT
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Post by Karsten on Oct 17, 2009 8:24:36 GMT
Hi, After reading all the reviews (thanks to all ) and being aware that CDJapan has posted the both versions on 29 Sep I've got the two CDs eventually today - I suspect due to customs delay. Well, after listening (only) once I couldn't pick up a favourite so far, but perhaps after the second or third attempt.  Cheers, Karsten |
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Post by thomas on Oct 17, 2009 16:20:09 GMT
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Post by comet on Oct 17, 2009 20:15:57 GMT
I was in and out of the car yesterday on short journeys, collecting timber and electrical fittings, I had Just one track playing, Sleigh Ride it is just so lighthearted, jolly and infectious, I think it would make a great Christmas Single. Only thing is it is not typically Hayley, but I can easily imagine it being played on the radio and in shopping centres... until everyone was driven insane  My other favourite, The big drum on The Little Drummer Boy  Lovely sound.. River is a right little GEM as well |
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Post by graemek on Oct 17, 2009 20:53:39 GMT
I had Just one track playing, Sleigh Ride it is just so lighthearted, jolly and infectious,.... Only thing is it is not typically Hayley, Sleigh Ride has been reborn by Hayley....I agree with you Paul. BUT what is 'typically Hayley'?? She can sing anything...that's how versatile she is....the whole of WM proves this.  Graeme |
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Post by martindn on Oct 17, 2009 21:44:09 GMT
Sleigh Ride has been reborn by Hayley....I agree with you Paul. BUT what is 'typically Hayley'?? She can sing anything...that's how versatile she is....the whole of WM proves this. Graeme Yes, I agree with you Graeme, that could be Hayley's USP! The other day I though I might write a review for the likes f Amazon that makes just that point. I don't know of any other singer who is so versatile. Maybe I'll do that! Martin |
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Post by martindn on Oct 17, 2009 22:10:16 GMT
OK, just dashed this off quickly. Feel free to make suggestions for improvements.
Martin
This album has it all!
Something Old (Corpus Christi Carol, Coventry Carol, Silent Night)
Something New (Christmas Morning, All With You, Peace Shall Come, On the Wings of Time)
Something Borrowed (River - from Joni Mitchell)
Something Blue (River again)
Something Traditional, Something Innovative
Something well known, Something obscure
Something up-tempo, Something slow
Something spiritual, Something material
Something joyful, Something sad
Something classical, Something folk, Something pop
Something religious, Something secular
Somtimes light hearted, sometimes serious, somtimes breathtakingly beautiful
Always beautifully sung, Always brilliantly arranged
Always quality songs, always well recorded
Never boring, never stodgy, never pretentious, never tacky
All that, performed by one of the world's great voices.
What more could you want? This is Christmas music that can hold its own throughout the year.
Get it! You won't regret it!
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Post by grant on Oct 17, 2009 23:12:08 GMT
Uuumm!! That's a very different way to review an album Martin - I had to read it twice to get the hang of it. Don't know whether it will work or not but it may just have the "What's he on about - better get the album and see for ourselves"What you need now is a catchy title to go with it i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifYou have to have an account with Amazon and HMV and log in before you can post a review and it can take up to 72 hours for it to go live. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by grant on Oct 17, 2009 23:15:07 GMT
Hi Comet My other favourite, The big drum on The Little Drummer Boy Lovely sound.. What is it about Hayley's version of "The Little Drummer Boy" that's getting us so enthralled? It's certainly one of my favourites. I think because it rekindles childhood memories. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by 1littlegirl on Oct 17, 2009 23:42:31 GMT
Hi All, I took a little bit of time to review Winter Magic. It was fun for me, so I hope you enjoy it. 1. The Little Road to Bethlehem – This song is absolutely fantastic! It’s the perfect opener. I had only heard this song once before on Aled Jones’s Christmas album and thought it was pretty, but he sang it very slowly. I love how Hayley speeds it up and sings it with such cheer. Definitely one of my favourites. 2. Carol of the Bells – Very interesting song! I think it was really adventurous of Hayley to sing this because it’s usually sung by a choir or just left instrumental. At first I wasn’t sure if it was going to work, but the more I listen, the better it sounds. Love the way Hayley harmonises with herself. 3. The Christmas Song – Nothing new from Hayley, but nevertheless sung beautifully. The only criticism I would have with this song is that I’m really not too fond of the introduction from the string quartet. Other than that, it’s a lovely Christmas song! 4. Veni Veni Emmanuel – This is a very traditional carol, but Hayley manages to do wonders with it. The fact that is sung in Latin is wonderful, and Hayley sings it with such ease. Love how the song climaxes and ends very quietly. 5. Silent Night – I think this is Hayley’s fourth recording of this song, but that’s perfectly fine! Even though it is the most popular carol in the world and I’ve heard it hundreds of times, Hayley has made it one of my favourites. It is very pretty. 6. Christmas Morning – This song is so cheery, and is probably the most Christmassy song on the album! Love Hayley’s very soft, comforting voice on this one. Makes me want to curl up by the fireplace. 7. Sleigh Ride – This song is so fun! I know some people think it’s a little cheesy, and it just might be (at least the accompaniment is), but I like it! Hayley did a great job. 8. River – The feel of the album changes with this song. It’s sort of more solemn but still very pretty. Kind of reminds me of ‘Sonny’—same effect I think. Love the emotion in Hayley’s voice. This song fits well in the middle of the album. 9. Winter’s Dream – I’m still not sure about this song. It is nice, but for some reason I can’t bring myself to love it. It’s a nice track and does sound Christmassy, which is a plus, but I guess it just seems a tad boring at times to me. It’ll grow on me though. 10. The Little Drummer Boy – This has always been one of my favourites so I was eager to hear Hayley’s version. I think she did a great job, and again, I just love the harmonizing and the echo in the background. 11. Corpus Christi Carol – I first heard this song on The Choirboys’ first album which Hayley sang on. Her version doesn’t stray far at all from theirs (perhaps she got some ideas from them! ). She even sounds like a choirboy at times. Nevertheless, I always liked the song and still do. Hauntingly beautiful. 12. All with You – Beautiful from beginning to end. Hayley’s vocals are emotional and pure. And of course I love the effect of many Hayleys singing in the chorus. 13. The Coventry Carol – Hayley takes a pretty traditional approach to this song, but it’s done extremely well. I’ve always liked this song and Hayley’s version doesn’t disappoint. Perfect for the Christmas theme. 14. Peace Shall Come – My absolute favourite song!! Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. I am happy Hayley co-wrote at least one song that is about the Nativity. I adore each of the verses, especially the lyrics ‘His birth will make things right tonight.’ And the repeating of ‘Tonight’ is also a favourite of mine. This is the ultimate Christmas song. So beautiful and full of hope. ‘Peace shall come to everyone.’ 15. On the Wings of Time – Pretty lullaby-ish song. It tends to play through with me even noticing it much. Not the best song on the album, but good nevertheless. Winter Magic is undoubtedly one of the most uniquely beautiful Christmas albums out there. Hayley has grown so much as a songwriter and a singer and leaves me excited to hear more from her! Cathleen x |
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Post by Jono on Oct 18, 2009 1:31:40 GMT
Hi Cathleen, Thanks for the review, I really enjoyed it! Jono |
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Post by grant on Oct 18, 2009 7:59:05 GMT
Hello Cathleen Thank you for your review which I really enjoyed reading. I agree with almost everything you wrote although you seem to be the only one so far not to like "On The Wings Of Time" so I suspect you may get a few comments about that. Oh yes! You already did. Best wishes Grant |
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