Customer Reviews

Both Sides of the Sea

5 star:		(10)
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This is one of my favorite albums. I can listen to it over and over again. There's plenty of variety on it, because Noa seems to be quite willing to try something new, even if it's different.

"Boker" is far and away my favorite song. I don't speak Hebrew, so I found the Hebrew lyrics online so I can sing along! (I actually wish she had the Hebrew lyrics of the songs included instead of translating them into English. It's nice to know what the songs are about, but some of the lyrics I haven't been able to find online, so I sound kind of funny trying to sing along to "Millimeter" ... oh well.) "Terminal" is pretty interesting, a spoken-word song.

I bought "Blue Touches Blue," and I have to say that I prefer "Sea" to "Blue." I feel like "Blue" doesn't have as much of the whimsey and interest that "Sea" does. My favorite track on "Blue" was the Yeminite song that she sang a capella. You could hear so much of the nuance of her voice, and the song is a beautiful one. Everything else seemed really American, sort of "You're singing in English, and everybody produces their songs to sound like this." "Sea" just sounds fresher and more interesting to me.

I really wish Noa would go out and storm the American market. Kick Celine Dion and Mariah Carey out of the way for a little while! We could use a little variety out here in this wasteland we call radio.

I do indeed love her voice ,very strong and clear. I saw the whole goup perform in the Negev while in the army and ,apart from being really hot and nearly falling asleep from exhaustion, the music took you away to another place, like out of the army! The sound of the music echoed off the landscape, which was already beig drenched in the desert sunset and turning a irridescent orange and pink and gold."Both sides of the sea", yes it is hard to be on the"diasporia" side of the sea at present but I always remember the words:kan lo eshma et kol hakokeyah as I walk in the shade of the pine trees that we have so many of here down underand remember the great time in that great land.tov ,shalom shalom

Noa has a gorgeous voice that has no comparison! Her authentic Israeli sound is one you will definitely want to listen to more than once! I bought her CD not knowing what to expect, and I was completely blown away-- she makes her music a joy to listen to! Even if you don't speak Hebrew, these awesome lyrics are given to you! I will always rate this CD as "5-star"!!! Everyone needs to buy this GREAT CD!!!

Of all the world music albums, "Both Sides of the Sea" is perhaps the most essential Hebrew Language album of them all. As a student of the language, I find it rather easy to understand Noa's accessible enunciation and vocal delivery, but the greatest thing about this album are its melodies, all steeped in traditional Israeli folk, but sometimes breaking out into Yemenite and spoken-word territory. There are also elements of blues and jazz, which I personally found very, very effective.

The centerpiece of this amazing album is the rhythmic "Nocturno". With its standout drum and bass section and impressive tune, its clearly a track Noa loves as well (shes performed it numerous times live, most recently on her CD with the Israeli Orchestra). But more mellow tracks bring it to the table, with "Mushrooms" being the one I love the most. This is one spellbinding track that you can play anytime, night or day, and still be amazed by.

The same can be said of the soft "Nisayon", and "But Love" where Noa duets with longtime professional partner Gil Dor on vocals. Remember, this CD was meant as an introduction for American audiences to the music of Noa, and is a combination of Hebrew language tracks from her first few albums. The song selection in my estimation is FLAWLESS, as this one full-play CD that you can put on and place on repeat.

Achinoam Nini, as Noa is actually called, is an exceptional vocal talent. If not the finest voice in the Middle East. While her Hebrew songs (all the songs here are in Hebrew) may not make sense to you, this is a world music album with class and sophistication, and I'd rather listen to something real, vital and soothing like this rather than the commercial lullabies released by Enya, Loreena McKennitt, etc (granted, those artists are good in their own way, but for a true 'world music' experience, Noa is where its at)

Five Stars. Highly Recommended.

Superb album. There is a not a bad cut on it. Some are merely good, but most are great. This is an American compilation of selections from Noa's first few Israeli CDs. I bought the original Israeli CDs after buying this, and this is truly the cream of the crop for her early music.

Noa (also known as Achinoam Nini) and her collaborator/guitarist Gil Dor do jazz, pop, and folk, with an Israeli flavor. Most of the lyrics are in Hebrew, with a few stray lines or words in English, but the music and singing are out of this world.

I particularly recommend Nisayon, Nocturno, and He, but each cut has something to recommend it.

Simply great.

I am not Jewish neither do I speak Hebrew, but I absolutely loooved this CD! Her versatile style and great voice were a true surprise to me. Her most passionate and culturally authentic songs are obviously from her Israeli albums, and I would really like to get hold of THEM!

What a beautiful album! - From the opening words of Noa on the first song I was totally captivated by her voice! I have her first album and 'Noa: Calling', but 'Both Sides of the Sea' is different and fantastic. The Hebrew language in a sung form within such great tunes is a revelation. Stunned and in awe hardly does justice to how feel when listening to this album! Gil Dor is such a lucky man to be married to one so beautiful in both sight and sound! G-d bless Israel!

I love this CD.Noa's melodies and singing takes me someplace else when I listen to it.Especially when she sings in Hebrew.Although there are a few songs on this CD that are not new for me,I still enjoy listening. Her voice and music always sounds fresh and uplifting.

This is one of my favorite cd's and for good reason.Noa makes an outstanding preformance in this one.She doesn't just sing,she puts alot of energy into it so you can almost feel the music.The music itself would almost be a reason to buy this cd.It has a lively,energetic and upbeat feel. songs are in Hebrew except one which is in English. This cd has the must have song- HE (boi Kalla)

Fabulous music that is very exciting and ecclectic