Customer Reviews

Declan

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was really looking forward to this album after hearing Declan's 'Walking In The Air' from the "Christmas Hits" CD as well as the audio clips of 'Danny Boy', 'Carrickfergus', and 'Love Can Build A Bridge' from his web site Declan.uk.com. I was not disappointed. It's easy to hear that Declan sings from the heart. The variety of beautiful and emotive songs, old and new, does an excellent job of showing the power and versatility of his voice. You won't soon tire of listening to this CD! Declan's talent is comparable to that of Michael Junior, Charlotte Church, or Billy Gilman. I am looking forward to many more great albums from this very gifted young man!

I purchased this CD on Amazon back in February 2006 and I still listen to it several times each week. I normally 'burn out' on music fairly easily, but this one just seems to get better with time.

Update 04/29/08 - I'm still listening...

He has a beautiful voice but does push it a bit hard on occasions. I found his rendition of "Imagine" absolutely wonderful. I listen to it over and over. Just as Michael Jackson never sounded better than when he sang "Ben", the softness of "Imagine" is perfectly suited to Declan's immature voice, and he sings it with passion.

His style is reminiscent of Donny Osmond before his voice broke, but Declan is better. For those who love boy singers, this album is a must have.

Declan Galbraith has an astonishing voice. It is clear, crisp, and individual, never falters, and almost never sounds stretched. His first release, "Walking in the Air," impressed me so much that I got myself this CD. Then I chose one track on it that I particularly enjoyed, "Carrickfergus," and listened to the same song by as many different singers as I could find (about five), including Charlotte Church, Joan Baez and even Van Morrison. I liked Declan's version best, by far. He gave it a sort of clarity and solitude in a way that none of the others did (Joan Baez came close). In this and in other songs on this CD, Declan gives the impression that he's utterly involved and not just focused on technical accuracy. This allows the listener to hear just his voice among the (generally subdued) accompaniment of drums, twangs, or chorus. This is a good thing, because the accompaniment is stiff and studied, mere furniture. Against the lightness and sharpness of Declan's voice, this plodding, vaguely Disneyfied accompaniment sounds especially dull.

Some of these songs, such as John Lennon's "Imagine," do require a depth of experience (and not merely musical experience) that Declan just does not have -- he's only ten -- and this shows. So -- this is a fine album, because Declan has a fine, earnest, uplifting voice and presence, but what I'm really looking forward to is more from Declan in the future, perhaps even some original material.

This boy's voice and choice of songs are just amazing. You won't be disappointed. This is no kiddy album nor is this a "lucky" album. Declan has an amazing voice and reinforces that with his second album (at age 12 - "Thank You"). Bug Amazon to carry that album as well. On that album he sings Nights in White Satin, Tears In Heaven, Starry Starry Night, and House of The Rising Sun as well as many other great song renditions. This is one voice you don't want to miss and one child singer you will want to track. On this album he even sings I'll Be There" better than MJ!

This is a boy with a golden voice. I found this CD just ... splendid. It is, indeed, a very rare CD - it's perfect.

The 6th track "Your Friend", I think, has a little too much repeating, but the lyrics are beautiful, so it really doesn't matter. As I heard Declan's "Walking In The Air", I was just totally blown away. His voice, to speak the truth, is the voice of an angel. When Declan sings "Cerrickfergus" and "Amazing Grace", it's like he's singing straight to God (I'm not a Christian, but I just had to try to explain those two absolutely wonderful tracks on this perfect album). I believe Declan has a voice that will live on - for a much longer time than his own. For right now I'm looking forward to his 2nd album and I'm very excited to hear his voice the way it sounds today - 4 years later. But I'm sure it will be great.

Like Billy Gilman, I believe in Declan Galbraith to make a legend in his own lifetime.

What I may to tell you about this boy? He should be heard alive! Very powerful voice, such that already grasps spirit!!!!!

This cd is one of my fave cds I own and I own about 200.
I can not just pick one song for my fave, they are all wonderful to listen to, though I found myself skipping to Tell Me Why alot. If you love boy Trebles buy this cd, you will not regret it.

I have spent over $70 for this and his self-titled CD (Declan). And I can not recommend both of them enough. The single only has one unique track from the self-titled cd, but the 3rd song is good, and Declan is so masterful at what he does. I have absolutely no regrets in purchasing these two CD's, and would gladly pay more even to this day. Declan is by far the most talented, and pleasing artists I have ever known. Thank You Declan For All Your Superb Work!

I came across this CD on my recommended list after purchasing Billy Gilman's albums. I listened to snippets of "Declan" on his website, and thought it would be worth the gamble.

Declan is very reminiscent of a young Billy Gilman, and his voice is pure and clear without being overtrained. My favorite on the CD is "Declan's Song (Twinkle Little Star)."

The only thing that kept me from rating this CD 5 stars is the rather weak interpretation of "Amazing Grace." Even though he sings it beautifully, I think the "rewritten" words do not do the original hymn any justice. Also, even though he does a nice cover of John Lennon's "Imagine," it still seems a bit age-inappropriate for a 10-year-old to be singing.

Still, it's a pleasant CD to listen to and one I would recommend.