Customer Reviews

Angelis

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm afraid I can't recommend this album as highly as all of the previous reviewers. I bought this album because I like the sound of children's voices; my CD collection features albums by groups like Libera and The Cottars, as well as young singers like Hayley Westenra and Chloe Agnew. I thought that this album would be similar. Unfortunately, the problem is that it is too similar to those other albums!

The kids sing fairly well (they're on key), but there didn't seem to be much emotion (I noticed this especially on songs like "Even Though You've Gone", which I would expect to be a little more... well, moving). That's not entirely the kids' fault, though. I don't think the selection of songs was very good. Seven out of the eleven songs have been covered by Hayley Westenra alone, and she did a better job. There are so many beautiful songs out there; to choose to cover songs that other people (quite recently) made famous doesn't seem like a very good decision. I also wasn't crazy about the arrangements. In what I'm assuming was an attempt to make all the songs sound ethereal, the producers ended up with an album of songs that sound boringly similar.

Will there be another album from Angelis? I suppose it all depends on when the boys' voices change. If there is another album, though, I hope the songs are chosen a little more carefully. And releasing a version in North America wouldn't hurt, either. I'm feeling a little annoyed after shelling out so much money for an import that didn't live up to my expectations!

I write and produce children's CDs. Angelis is sung by children that were handpicked from many who auditioned for Simon Cowell of 'American Idol. After having purchased and enjoyed Simon's CDs by il Divo, I had high expectations for Angelis. However, I was very dissapointed. It is lackluster and boring. Every song has been given the same orchestral treatment. All of the songs are slow and dreamy, lacking in originality with very little harmony even with 6 children singing. They are singing old traditional songs, not written for children. They have good voices, though not exceptional. I'll probably not listen to it again. I feel like sending it back. I'm listening as I pen this review. Thank goodness the last song is getting ready to play. I kept listening, thinking the production and creativity would improve as it continued to play. It never did. The last song is 'Oh, Holy Night.' Nothing new there. The children are taking turns singing solos on each line. Oh no! on the last chorus, they added an adult choir...unusual and unnecessary. If their next production is 100% above this one, it will be worth buying.

Simon Cromwell has done it again. First Il Divo and now these talented young people. They truly sound like angels. Six magnificent children who will go a long way in music. They are amazing.

The combination of their voices and the orchestra creates a quality that could not be described in just mere words, although that is all I could say.

Nothing as soothing as young voices harmoniously joined to bring the spirit to a sense of calm and allow the concentration for reading a good book or meditation.

Angelis is a wonderful group that is relaxing and pleasant to listen to. I'm a real fan of choral music. Simon Cowell did a great job recruiting this talented group of young people. Most of the songs on the album are favorites of mine. But the real fun of the album is that the performers sing with heart, and are remarkably "on pitch"! I read all of the Amazon reviews, but even with all the good and bad reviews, I was determined to make up my own mind. I purchased the album, and was totally delighted. Get this album. I'm pretty sure you'll end up loving this album as much as I do.

This is a great album and I want to recommend it enthusiastically.

I came across the Angelis rendition of Pie Jesu on youtube and liked it so much that I decided to try to get the CD album -- just because of that one song. I have heard dozens of versions of Pie Jesu, including those by Sarah Brightman, Hayley Westenra, Sissel, Andrew Johnston, the Choirboys, Angel Voices, and many others, but the version by Angelis is by far the best -- almost ethereal in quality. Anyone who has a question about this album should check out some of the Angelis songs available on youtube, but especially Pie Jesu. Of course, I would mention that the quality of the CD music over a hifi system is far superior to what you will hear on youtube.

The first song -- Angel -- is a nominal intro to the album -- it is considerably understated and does not really prepare you for what is to follow. What follows is a series of beautiful songs, incredibly performed by this young group of 3 boys/3 girls. The 2nd song is Pie Jesu, followed by a very unusual version of Over the Rainbow -- almost a reinvention of the song and by far the best I have ever heard. Then a really touching version of Silent Night followed by a Maori love ballad from New Zealand, Pokarekare Ana -- if you have never heard this song, you will be amazed, and again, the best version I have heard. The remainder of the album consists of very nice renditions of Even Though You're Gone, Walking in the Air, Morning Has Broken, May It Be, Cantero, and O Holy Night. Generally, these are as good as any versions I have heard, for example, May It Be is certainly comparable to the versions by Enya or Celtic Woman.

In summary, this is an incredible album. This group is attempting to carry music to a higher level.

This is a beautiful and aptly named CD; the voices are like those of angels.

This CD is very good. They are no longer performing as a group which is our loss. Their voices should be heard by millions in my humble opinion. It is well worth the money.

The voices of these children ring so pure and clear. Every song is beautiful, but Somewhere Over The Rainbow brings tears to my eyes everytime I listen to it. beautiful.