Customer Reviews

Jewel in the Sun

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

 

 

I have just bought this CD a few days ago when it had just hit the stores. This is another excellent CD from Diane. I have both "Aquaria" and "The Healing Spirit". I think it is similiar to "Aquaria", but has its own style and song variations. She sings, chants, and hymns more in this CD than the other CDs, which is really nice because she has a very beautiful voice. I think this is a great CD to add to your music collection!

I was almost fooled by the cover of this CD. At first glance I assumed this would be another one of those extremely common albums which turns out to be nothing more than a showcase for one womans voice. I could not have been further off the mark. I am flabbergasted by the sheer sophistication and amazing depth of the music on this album. Imagine my surprise when I read inside the cover that Diane Arkenstone not only provides the vocals but also the keyboards, guitars, percussion etc. My only thought is, who is this woman?? Whoever she may be, she has an extraordinary musical talent. This album is truly a rare unblemished and scintillating jewel in the sun.

This is another album I purchased recently, recommended by my friend Chellie. She send me the mp3s of "JEWEL IN THE SUN" and "BEYOND BORDERS" and I just had to experience the entire album for myself. Once again, I regret having not discovered particular music sooner. Diane's timeless, carefree music has touched my ear for music and has somewhat expanded my CD collection larger. As soon as I received this CD in the mail, it went into the stereo and I was immediately blown away by the rich, crystalline sound, melody & far-off ambience. Every track transcends you into another time, place & mood. It certainly pays to have friends with such great taste in music. Thanks, Chellie, for another excellent choice or recommendation! Personally, I find "JEWEL IN THE SUN" to be the perfect soundscape to anyone's hectic workday, whether you're in the bath or reading or even while cooking or cleaning. While the songs are suitably longer in duration, the album seems a bit too short. That's what happens when you delve into an album of such captivating peacefulness.

Everyone whom I've played this CD for, has liked it on the very 1st play. I'm referring to my extremely music-fussy parents, friends & my partner, in this case. If guess if they can like Enya's music, they surely can put up with Diane's melodic genius...because Diane Arkenstone has outdone Enya by far...although Enya's music is one of a kind. Like Andrew O stated in his review, I also keep coming back to this album, among DA's other music. This one has held solid for me since the first listen. I highly suggest you extract the CD onto your computer because you'll be playing it an awful lot. Unfortunately, even CDs wear out. So, I've extracted my CD and from now on, no matter where I am, I can have DA's music at a couple clicks of a button or mouse.

Tracklist:
01- Jewel in the Sun - 6:34
02- Adrift - 5:15
03- Under the Blue Sky - 5:04
04- Beyond Borders - 6:24
05- Mirror of Sand - 6:41
06- Ethereal Rain - 5:15
07- The Elektrick Sky - 5:08
08- Skin 2 Skin - 6:45

About the packaging...which nobody else has mentioned...the CD comes in a lovely tri-fold digi-pack. In this digi-pack, there are lovely graphics & a note from Diane, to her husband, David. Album Credits (Short but sweet) are on the inside of the left flap, clearly written & are part of the sunny, colorful artwork. The CD itself is gorgeous & adorned with gold, copper & black. It's very clever & striking when you pick up the disc.

Album Notes:
- All Music written by Diane Arkenstone.
- Produced by Diane and David Arkenstone
- Published by Mulamu Music/BMI
- Photography by Timothy Fielding
- Art Direction by Michael Page
- Digi-Pack Design by Trike Creative
- Los Angeles, CA

Heard about her from listening to 'new age radio' via the internet and was captivated. I got this CD and I just love it. Its been in my car for ages, played over and over. I swap it out and play something else but keep coming back to this one somehow. Spiritual, soothing, just very nice. Makes me feel better after a hard day at work. Well recommended. In my opinion this is a better CD than any of her others, I've also got a few of her others but I keep coming back to this one. Rhythmic, melodic, with musical contruction and progression. Great vocals, something akin to enya, enigma, deep forest but somehow more meaningful. If this Cd wears out or gets damaged, I would buy it again...

After falling in love with Diane Arkenstone's "Aquaria" album, I had to buy Jewel in the Sun. I love it just as much, but for slightly different reasons. While Aquaria seems a bit darker and almost mysterious, this album is filled with more upbeat melodies and sunny tracks - hence the name of the album and the golden color of the CD cover, as opposed to the dark blue coloring of the Aquaria and The Healing Spirit albums. Listening to this CD puts me in a good mood no matter what kind of funk I'm in; it's happy and upbeat and carefree. A gorgeous and very well put together album!

I bought this CD on impulse. I had no idea who Diane was or what her music sounded like. I just wanted some new age music. When I listened to it, I was completely taken away. My favorite track is 4, Beyond Borders. The music matches the title perfectly, as do the rest of the tracks, and I was almost overwhelmed by the deep, dramatic sound, but every song is different. Basically, this CD, I think, is worth the money.

Each selection on this CD has a melody, which can be defined as a series of notes preceived by the mind as a unity. You will not find spaced-out ambience here. Few people realize that Diane Arkenstone has undergone several pacemaker implants and will more than likely have future heart surgeries. In spite of her pain and lifestyle constrictions, Diane constinues to write, perform, and produce music that uplifts the soul. I love this CD and play it as background music. I also listen to it while driving. Recommended.

I got into this via listening to a "new age radio" stream and was captivated. Loved this stuff, its a bit like "Enya" stuff, but with a smooth beat, if you like this also try sarah mclachlan. nice music that you can put on your Cd during a candlelight dinner... or whatever. Wont wake the neighbors. Good quality.

This is a brilliant work. From the first tune to the last, you are compelled to listen. A masterful mixture of new age and just the right amount of groove trance. You can't go wrong with this CD.

This is Diane Arkenstone at her best. It is relaxing, rhythmic, beautiful. It is what she does best. The vocals are lush and gorgeous. It is vastly different from her other best work, The Healing Spirit, which I would also recommend.