Customer Reviews

Harem

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

the Abode of Peace!" ~ Arabian Nights

I've been a fan of Sarah Brightman since the release of 'Eden' back in 99 and have since then acquired many of her albums and concert DVDs and, imho, this is by far her best work to date (although many will disagree because it's so experimental). She's a true angel of music and 'Harem' (forbidden places) explores the exotic with beautiful, crystalline singing and ethereal, wordly-pop meets middle eastern beats that will keep you entranced until the very end (and then you'll probably start it again because world music can be very addicting if it's done the right way and if you've got the ear/taste for it). This album is hypnotic and enchanting and very different from her successful predecessor 'La Luna' but it definitely rises above anything she's ever done before and it showcases her love of varied styles. Operatic singing is pretty much nonexistent here but she still incorporates her old roots with a well-trained classical voice on "A Stranger In Paradise" and a great adaption of Puccini's "Un Bel Di" (It's a Beautiful Day). Frank Peterson continues to guide Sarah's career in the right direction by producing the sweeping, dance-infused "Harem" (the title being a song in which she wrote herself) while bringing in some new faces to spice the mix up, like keyboardist Jaz Coleman (ex-Killing Joke who also worked on the highly praised New Zealand project, Oceania) to breathe life into the soaring string orchestrations.

'Harem' also features a lot of guest artists, such as the passionate Iraqi vocalist Kadim Al Sahir on "The War Is Over" and classical violinist Nigel Kennedy who recently worked with crossover star Josh Groban. The late Ofra Haza appears on "Mysterious Days" while Natacha Atlas lends additional background vocals on "Arabian Nights" (the theme for this record) which, lyrically, is separated into five different parts that fuse together seamlessly.

Since the entire album is absolutely stunning, it's nearly impossible to choose favorites here but "What You Never Know", "The Journey Home", "Free", "The War Is Over", and her breathtaking remake of Mandalay's "Beautiful" seem to standout the best with me. The Asian-influenced, U.S. bonus track "You Take My Breath Away" is another notable mention but it's hardly new to me. It was originally released on her import album "Fly", which would probably be the best of her previous albums to compare this to as it was her first real venture into the pop-rock genre.

Sarah may be singing simpler tunes on 'Harem' but she's never sounded better.

As for the limited edition DVD, that is a very nice inclusion for fans like me who can't get enough of this goddess in motion. She's such a fun person to watch and you can really see that she loves what she's doing. On the making of Harem you get to experience several behind the scene features, such as the recording of the orchestra, the backing vocals, many instrumental sessions and, of course, Sarah at Nemo Studios with boyfriend/producer Frank Peterson. The DVD also consists of a Marrakech photo shoot, a trip around Morocco with Sarah, the original and alternate music video for "Harem", a slow moving photo gallery, a discography of her recent albums (excluding the less popular "Dive" and "Fly", for some reason), and a very interesting biography.

Sarah Brightman has reinvented her musical styles over and over, constantly exploring new territory in albums like "Dive" (the sea, "La Luna" (the moon), and "Fly" (everything else). In "Harem," she takes a step into the Middle-East, reflected both in the music and the writing.

We start off with the Mid-Eastern technopop "Harem" ("Sing for me a song of life's visage/Sing for me a tune of love's mirage") with its shimmering music, heading off to the softer and more uplifting "What a Wonderful World," the beautifully sung but rather simplistic "What You Never Know," the melancholy ballad-turned-pop "Journey Home," the sparkling "Mysterious Days", the deeply poignant "War is Over," the haunting "Arabian Nights," the somewhat lackluster "Stranger in paradise," and the stately "Until The End of Time." (The India-influenced "You Take My Breath Away" from a prior album is also on the end)

Only Brightman could evoke so much with one CD -- desert sand and winds, and cities, medieval churches with the all-too-brief "Misere Mei," oppressive love, mosques and camels and "wounded lights falling." The DVD accompanying many of the CDs is a good insight into the album (although it's impossible to tell them apart just by looking). Music videos, photo galleries, and a behind-the-scenes look at Sarah recording the album tracks and changing the lyrics as she goes along.

The writing is usually a bit secondary to the amazing voice, but the songwriting is brilliant as well. The Middle-Eastern ones are usually the best (" Splendor of a thousand suns shone glory in my path/ No love more pure and rage more fierce"; "If I were God and ruled the world/I'd spin a wheel of dreams"). Some of the less prominent songs are a bit repetitive ("Beautiful"'s chorus, for example).

As in "Dive" and "Fly," most of the songs are in English and have a certain note of dreaminess. But "Harem" is of higher quality than either, and Sarah sounds surer of herself; her voice, as always, can dip into a sort of little-girl voice or soar in operatic solos.

Fans of Sarah Brightman will not be disappointed by "Harem," different but definitely worth buying. Fantastic, absolutely fantastic.

After about two years, Sarah Brightman has released an all-new CD! This long awaited album does not fail to please. Basing its theme around the mysteries of the East, Harem is unique and unlike anything Sarah has produced thus far. The title track is absolutely awesome, followed by "What a Wonderful World", "It's a Beautiful Day", "Arabian Nights", "Mysterious Days", and "You Take My Breath Away". The DVD portion offers a documentary on the making of Harem, the Harem music video (2 versions), a photo gallery, discography, and biography. A good choice for collectors and fans of Ms. Brightman.

The first time I heard Sarah Brightman was when she sang the song "Deliver Me", from the movie sound track of "Broke Down Palace". I was immediately drawn to her voice and melodic style of singing. Soon after, I came across her CD, "La Luna". I loved the mix of different styles; from classic pop to opera, all with a melodic, ethereal "new age" type of sound with orchestral arrangements (a BIG sound). I came to discover that she performed a lot of straight ahead opera (which can be hard for me to take). Some of her older CDs I just couldn't listen to. So, when the new CD, "Harem" came out, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was hoping it would be in the same vein as "La Luna". Well, I bought it and my wish came true. If you like "La Luna", you will love "Harem"! The production (Frank Peterson) and mastering (Bob Ludwig) are awesome! Most (not all) of the songs have an middle eastern influence because of the instruments and orchestration used, but it's not overbearing. The melodies, the orchestral arrangements, the ethereal moods, and of course Sarah's voice are all there. You can sit back, close your eyes and be taken to a far away eastern world unlike any other. I really hope that Sarah Brightman continues in the style and sound of this and her previous CD. Two things, however, are bit different than her last CD (1) the use of "dance club" type beats and (2) there is very little in the way her usual opera style. I personally could do with out the "dance" beats, but they are not overdone, and do work in the context of the tunes. To give you and idea of how some of the songs sound, while listening to track #3, my wife and daughter thought they were listening to something from the "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack. It did sound something like that.
There is very little new music out there that moves me the way Sarah's latest efforts have. I almost forgot! If you get this CD, get the one that has the bonus DVD included. The DVD has a nice video of the title track, "Harem", along with some behind the scenes of the making of the CD, which is very interesting. An unbelievable amount of time and work went into making the music on this CD. Many different studios and talented musicians were used. Simply put, this CD is fabulous!

Brightman's previous album La Luna was definitely the pinnacle of her amazing career. Harem, unfortunately, does not top it. That's not to say it's not a great record. It's definitely her most theatrical album to date. Fans of Sarah Brightman will immediately notice that Harem follows in the footsteps of two of her older albums, Dive and Fly. The music is more pop here, giving it more energy. However, in order for this change to occur, Brightman had to sacrifice the one defining aspect of herself....her voice. The music she has chosen has no room for her to truly let her voice shine, resulting in a tiny, thin and airy sound throughout most of the songs.

That is the bad part, now on with the good. The production on Harem is simply the best ever, with the exception of the under-rated album Dive. Each song on this new record evokes mystery and a sense of ancient beauty. The gorgeously played violins throughout add generously to this feeling. Key tracks are:

HAREM - starts out slow and mysterious before a fierce dance beat kicks in. Very dramatic.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD - I thought this would be the worst track on here, but Sarah Brightman makes this song her own in the most flawless way. The percussion is incredible. It's barely recognizable as the Louis Armstrong classic.

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY - Wow! This is the best song on there. Slightly reminiscent of "A Question of Honour" from Fly, the electronic elements of this song take Brightman to a new realm for her. This song gave me chills when I heard it.

FREE - This song is simply beautiful. Too bad it's so short.

THE WAR IS OVER - A sweeping ballad, classic Sarah Brightman.

ARABIAN NIGHTS - This song, in it's full 9 min glory, is truly a definition of art. Starting out slow, it goes on with a mid-tempo section followed by a fast dance beat before closing with a Meatloaf-ish rock ballad section. This is one of the best tracks Sarah Brightman has done.

Overall, definitely worth getting. I cannot wait to see the upcoming tour! The DVD is fairly interesting. I love the "alternate" video for "Harem" which shows the song being recorded.

Well after 2 years of counting the days Sarah Brightman is back with a new solo album, Harem - which shifts in pace and mood like the very desert sands that inspired this latest musical journey.

Harem is what I would class as the most 'main-stream' of all her albums. Similar in vane to 1993's DIVE. The beat is stronger, the feel is more hip, the audience more broad. I think Sarah has definitely planned this album carefully and I expect great things from the Harem tour which at present begins in the U.S this fall.

Harem is different in many ways, but Sarah's voice still rings true - not going the way of Madonna and Cher with 'electrotising' her voice. Most of the songs are sung in English, again something not in Sarah's normal repertoire. The album opens with a grand, even awe inspiring piece titled Harem. After several verses with full orchestra it breaks into a hard dance beat, that made me want to fly! The use of the Bach choir on several pieces gives the pieces a distinct haunted sound.

Because there's more pop, Sarah does not show off her lyric soprano voice as much as in Timeless('97), Eden('98) and La Luna('00). But the songs have a definite presence and I am indeed loving this CD! Harem has a feel good sound, tender ballads bridged with the trance type chillout sound, very much in vogue presently in music circles.

Harem has a visual appeal too, its songs projecting wonderful visions of the great pyramids and temples of Arabia. Though the beat is contemporary, Harem does have a heart. A big risk for our dear Sarah, but I think it will pay off!

It is melancoly, cinematic, rthymic and adventurous. It may take a little longer for this album to grow on you, but this is still very much Sarah Brightman!

Take the journey... Marc C (26yrs)
A Kiwi in Singapore

I am reviewing the Intl Release, launched May 12th 2003 (Asia)

This album is much different from Timeless, Eden and La Luna, but Sarahs great soprano voice is as beautiful as ever. She is so talented. Sarahs voice shone with joy. You can hear her warm-heartedness and arrangement in every word she sings throughout this album. All songs are recorded with a symphony orchestra. Harem is a brilliant album.

The song HAREM takes you on a fantasy-voyage into the Arabian Nights (1001 nights fairy-tales). The song has a mysterious Oriental sound. The song Cancao do Mar is used for HAREM. Sarahs voice is so beautiful, very bright and crystal-clear. Great rhythm.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, same lyrics as Louis Armstrong but a new melody. Sarah sings passages from Puccinis Un bel di vedremo, from Madama Butterfly during ITS A BEAUTIFUL DAY. It would be phenomenal to hear Sarah sing the original versions of Vissi darte by Puccini and Casta Diva by Bellini.

WHAT YOU NEVER KNOW, is a very beautiful song - when you get to know it. THE JOURNEY HOME from the Indian musical Bombay Dreams has a fresh rhythm. Sarah sings it incredible with her lovely voice. FREE, is a marvellous song with Nigel Kennedy playing violin at the end of the song

MYSTERIOUS DAYS, fantastic song. Ofra Haza (a Jewish female singer, who sadly passed away 3 years ago) has a fabulous beautiful voice too. Ofras and Sarahs voices suit each other perfectly. The song has a great dance beat.

THE WAR IS OVER (fortunately). Sarah sings it marvellous. She sings duet with an Iraqi singer Kazem Al-Sahir. He sings in Arabic: Welcome all people of the world.

MISERE MEI is a interlude to BEAUTIFUL. Two very beautiful songs. ARABIAN NIGHTS. Great beat. Again a voyage-song, like you are travelling on a flying carpet and seeing exotic places. Sarah sings even in Hindi (Indian). Wonderful.

STRANGER IN PARADISE is from Prince Igor (Polovtzian Dance). A magnificent song and melody. Sarah sings it superior. Rhythm and style a bit like TIME TO SAY GOODBYE. UNTIL THE END OF TIME, is like a fantasy-voyage. You travel in your mind to the sound of Sarahs amazing voice.

When you buy a CD with Sarah, you always get MUCH MORE than you pay for. This album is not just another brick in the wall, but a milestone in the music-universe  like the other Sarah-albums.

Sarah has taken a step back in making a cd that is reminiscent of Dive and Fly. Mostly in English and mostly with the distinctive rock disco beat that made her famous in the early London days. ItŐs also a soft and sensual collection of her wonderful voice. I especially enjoy her experimentation with voice-over, exotic music sounds and different themes blending into a single melody. ItŐs a break from Sarah's beautiful Italian music, although thatŐs my personal favorite.

Sarah has done it again! This is a beautifully themed CD taking you across the world into a middle eastern paradise.

The standout tracks would have to be: Harem, Beautiful Day, The Journey Home and The War is Over, but really there are no bad songs.

Please note that Harem is more in the vein of Dive and Fly rather than Time to Say Goodbye, Eden and La Luna and is more pop based rather than classical but in my opinion, Sarah could sing the telephone book and make it sound good!

Sarah has returned. She is back with another concept album. This time embracing the sounds of the Middle East with her bellydancing arms. The DVD included makes you privey to the enormous efforts she and her crew travel to make these tracks nothing less than stellar.
On a practical note, this is not 'Classics', but yet another departure. Harem has been compared to her pop albums such as 'Dive' or 'Fly'. However, I find this CD has new life on its own. Yes, the songs are more contemparary, but the Middle Eastern instruments and vocal stylings give it a signature sound not to be found on prior albums.
These tracks, according to the DVD, were recorded all over the world. Unsatisfied with your average accomplished players - they searched the globe for the most authentic sound possible. You can rest assured - this is not some creation of 'middle eastern drum' pressed on a synthesier. Whether you care for the Middle Eastern sound or not- you got to admire her guts to continually chart virgin waters. Besides, it's not so thickly entwined with the new sound that you can't enjoy the songs if you don't like it.
Vocally, her voice is quite subdued to a certain extent. I suppose because of the modern sound and poetic lyrics, her sound is very breathy and high. The only hint of the 'big' voice is in 'It's a Beautiful Day' where she can be heard singing a few phrases of 'Un Bel Di'
Round out your collection and your mind with this great CD and DVD. The DVD contains clips of Sarah's photo shoots, recording sessions all over the world, and two versions of the Harem Video. I am also referring to the Canadian version which has a remake of 'What You Never Know' and 'Free' in French. The US version has only one bonus track - 'You Take My Breath Away'.