Customer Reviews

Babes in the Woods

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have listened to Mary Black for almost a decade now and own most of her albums, but this is one of my favorite. She has a beautiful voice, and is a pleasure to listen to. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys celtic music.

I was cruising the the music selections here at Amazon.com and listening to a variety of different things. Babes in the Wood was one I took a chance on after listening to the song selections. I absolutely love it! Based on that I went and bought everything by Mary Black. Now, after listening to her full repertoire, I can say that I still think that Babes in the Wood is fabulous. The best she has to offer. If you want to take a chance, this is the one!

I went to a Mary Black concert for the first time last week and had to rush home afterward and order some of her music. This cd is one of those I ordered. Definately money well spent.The reviewer from Northern California needs to take some time and listen to her in a live performance. Any voice can be doctored electronically. However, in person is a different story. Ms. Black's voice doesn't need the usual studio tampering. Her voice is pure and amazing. Mary Black is one of the top five female voices in the world. As for not writing her own material, then should we dismiss the music of Elvis, Sinatra, Celine Dion, and on and on......? Try her LOOKING BACK cd, it's wonderful.

This is music to savour, an album that even - or especially - on repeated listening can leave you feeling cleansed and whole. Original material by young Irish writers, subtle arrangements and finely textured playing support a voice to die for. Difficult though it is to pick favourites, "The Thorn Upon the Rose" is particularly outstanding: a simple presentation of an image that speaks of profound truth, performed to devastating effect. I still daren't listen to it while driving!

As it turns out, when Mary left behind the talents of Noel Brazil (the songwriter) and Declan Sinnot (the guitarist and producer) things went downhill somewhat.

But here they are on this album, so it's the most likeable form Mary Black comes in, if not entirely satisfying. Brazil's songs are certainly unique, like Jimmy McCarthy's contribution on the CD, but don't always hit the mark.

Golden Mile, though, is excellent, with great atmosphere and timing. Suits Mary's voice perfectly. Likewise Bright Blue Rose, which has a similar ethereal quality. Nice subtle arrangements and haunting harmonies.

The title track is a curious Brazil song: it has the feel of a number from a stage musical that gives it a falsely dramatic effect. Adam At TheWindow (MacCarthy) is similarly overblown and ultimately meaningless. These are the sort of songs that have weakened Mary Black's albums through the years.

But it's worth getting the album for Kieran Goss's catchy Brand New Star, the classic Thorn Upon the Rose, and an excellent cover of Richard Thompson's Dimming of the Day.

Often used by hi-fi reviewers, the CD has a lovely deep, pure quality of sound. Only a few weak songs let it down a bit.

Mary Black has the most amazingly pure voice you could wish to hear. I defy anyone with a heart not to be moved to tears by "The Thorn upon the Rose". Her choice of material is impeccable and her delivery is peerless. The great thing about Mary Black is that she can reproduce the magic in concert as well. Declan Synnot's production is wonderfully understated. He knows that the power of Mary Black lies in her voice and the quality of the material. He shows commendable restraint in giving both the scope to blossom forth and envelope the listener with warmth and beauty. This is truly a album to treasure.

Haunting and spellbinding. "Still Believing" and "The Thorn Upon The Rose" are just two of the standout tracks. She is one of the best female Irish singers around...end of story. I think of the rolling green hills of Ireland everytime I listen.

In 1991, I decided to take my dream trip: three weeks exploring County Kerry and County Cork, where my great-grandparents came from. The day I arrived, I realized I needed music to acoompany me on my journey (I am a singer ~ music is as necessary as air). I stopped in a small town just outside Limerick, and was drawn to the cover design. I'd heard of the performer, the shop clerk recommended the album, and a life-long fan was converted!!!!! Driving thru the fuschia-lines lanes listening to her soaring voice made the trip even more magical. When I play the CD now, I can still see images of that marvelous trip in my memory, and can't stop smiling. Thank you, Mary!

anyone who like mary black, frances black, maura o'connell or any other irish artists will love this and other Mary Black albums.

Mary Black, especially in her earlier works as epitomized by this one, is a breathtaking singer with a voice like a nightingale.

This recording is of great quality. One the right system, her voice is pure magic.