Dani257's Full Review: Voice of an Angel by Charlotte Church
Charlotte Who? Someone mentioned that they liked this girl, but since she didn't come on the soft rock station I listen to, I went back to Billy Joel, Elton John, and of course, Peter Cetera and forgot about her. Then I saw the television movie Joan of Arc.
Now, I love Joan. If I could meet any person in history it would be the Maid of Orleans. So, while I watched, the last thing on my mind was music. But, after 50 viewings (Yes, I taped it. Don't be silly) I was able to step back and say, 'hmm. That person has a nice voice." Well, who sang in the movie? Charlotte Church.
Can a Phillistine enjoy a Welsh girl singing classics?
I've always liked the idea of cultured events, but fail when it comes to the actuality. I get bored sitting through a ballet unless they're doing a lot of pirouettes. I even tried taking a class, but gave up when they said our next lesson was splits. My legs don't go that way! And forget opera. The closest I get to real highbrow entertainment are musicals. So, why would I even think to listen to this Church girl? Well, I did a little preview of songs on Napster. I tried to find the one I heard from Joan of Arc, since I reacted so favorably. (Not sure if it's Pie Jesu or Panis Angelicus). So far so good. Then, I downloaded Amazing Grace. Even better. Yes, I liked her voice. So, I begged and cajoled my aunt to buy me a Charlotte Church CD for Christmas. Anyone would do, I said.
Three songs does not a cd make
I rarely buy whole cd's because I usually only know that I'm going to like the music that was released as a single. And why waste money on something when you're only going to listen to one or two songs? You can tape them off the radio. And this was a Welsh girl singing classics. No way would I be able to stomach all of them! (Note to everyone. If you aren't sure you'll like something, but want to try it, get someone else to put up the money for it.) So, when I opened up, not one, but two Charlotte Church CD's (Voice of An Angel and her self titled Charlotte Church) part of me screamed 'Oh, YES!" and the other part, "Oh, NO!"
Stop wasting our time! Did you like the poor girl or not?
Voice of An Angel (The music I'm reviewing here, in case that's not clear in all this rambling) is full of church (the Holy place, not her last name) music in Latin and gospel music. Mixed in are Irish songs and a few Welsh ones sung in the original language. Charlotte's signature song is Pie Jesu. It's short, and the perfect way to ease into her music. The words are in Latin, so it isn't necessary to understand them (although the booklet that comes with the cd does give you a translation). You can just allow yourself to be swept away by her voice. And hers is a voice to be swept away with. Sometimes she's accompanied by an orchestral chorus, but it only serves to showcase how great her voice is, rather than overwhelm it. And to think she was only twelve when she made this album!
My favorite songs are Pie Jesu, Panis Angelicus, Amazing Grace and Danny Boy. The first two are in Latin which is a plus (I'll get to this in the con section). I had never heard all of Amazing Grace before, but now I know what a truly beautiful song it is. And she truly sounds like she means the words. Her accent (Which I know isn't Irish) gives Danny Boy a perfect lilt. Another song, which I don't like as much is My Lagan Love, but her accent also adds a special touch.
You said something about cons
Charlotte is a soprano, and has a very high voice. Sometimes when she hits the especially high notes, it's jarring (Or as my mom said the first time she heard it, "What the heck IS that?"). It also makes understanding some of the songs hard. That's why the booklet is so handy. But, sometimes, you don't want to read the book while you're listening. That's why the songs in Latin are my favorites. I don't need to understand them to enjoy them. Luckily, her voice is clear on Amazing Grace, which I believe is her best song (although she does hit a few of those especially high notes towards the end).
In conclusion (FINALLY! the crowd roars)
I'm glad I got this. I'm still a soft rock, easy listening kind of gal, but when I need a little highbrow entertainment, Charlotte Church is the person I go to. And I can honestly say I like her. No need to sit through a ballet, thinking "I SHOULD like this, but". No, I DO like this.
One note. I really don't think they give the right category for when to play her music. So, I'll add, Great Music to Play While: Basking in the sound of her voice
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