Customer Reviews

Journey: Best of Adiemus

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The first track of this CD has been haunting me for days now since I've bought this disc. Out of the blue it will pop into my head and refuse to leave until I listen to it again.
It's a good New Age-y type disc, and all of the tunes are extremely pleasing to the ear and inoffensive, perhaps bordering occasionally on repetitive in sound quality. The disc covers the best of three different Adiemus CD's, with 6 tracks from each disc plus a remake of the first tune which is basically just more heavily orchestrated. The strongest material seems to come mostly from the third part of the disc, but I do have some favorites from each section. I feel the strongest tracks are: Adiemus, Cantilena, Cantus II, Chorale VI, Rain Dance, and A Viennese Waltz. I consider these the strongest because they demonstrate the most well-rounded compositions that have lots of variety within themselves. The vocalists sing mostly in a flat, non-vibrated sound that reminds me of the Bulgarian Women's choirs or the Polynesian Hymns.

The only complaints I have about this listening experience are: 1) the occasional orchestration that borders on cheesy/corny or overbearing (for example the 12th track has a big horn section blowing a James Bond-style interval).
2) the occasional repetition of exact material (#'s6 and 12 contain the exact same vocal lick, and 18 comes close--perhaps it's a signature for each disc)
3) the proliferation of the vowel sound Ah. At least 13 of the 19 tracks have vocal lines made up mostly of Ah's. Since there are no lyrics included in the jacket, I wrote down some approximations: #3 AyaKayaManaYaTaYeyGaYa, #7 Asamalazaba/ahnamatakisa, #8 AsaMakumAhYah etc. etc. After awhile the voices begin to grate.
4) Jenkins tends to use the same harmonic colors/motion over and over again.

The disc is well balanced for style, though, with a nice mix of slow to fast tunes, time signatures, and size of ensemble--some smaller "chamber"-like tunes juxtaposed with large size gonzo works.

And I must add that despite the minor complaints I have about this disk, it has not left my CD player's general rotation in over three months, and it's almost impossible not to feel good while you're listening to it. I can't remember the last time I was able to listen to a single CD this much.

I was first exposed to Adiemus by a coworker who brought "Songs of Sanctuary" to work one day. I subsequently went to buy that disc but discovered this one and bought it instead. This disc more than twice as long as "Sanctuary" and is supposed to contain their best work, so I figured I would try it out.

I was not disappointed. I am a new age music fan, and this is a unique new age group. Using voice as another instrument, the Adiemus singers offer fascinating lyrical and melodic textures to these songs, which are backed by orchestral arrangements and other ethnic sounds. I have played this disc for friends who usually believe the singers are singing in an African language.

In fact, it seems that Karl Jenkins composed this music in an effort to bring eclectic musical flavors together in a sort of musical fusion. There are ethnic rhythyms, chants, classical influences, soaring vocal arrangements, a variety of instruments, and light to heavy beats laced throughout this music.

This music is fascinating to hear. The listener can become mesmerized by the intricate sounds and musical landscapes presented by Karl Jenkins and his performers. This is the kind of disc you play loud on high-quality speakers so that you don't miss anything.

Or this disc is also an excellent selection to be played softly as background music during a social gathering. You are guaranteed to receive inquiries from people about the music because of its originality.

This recording, combining selections from "Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary", "Adiemus II: Cantata Mundi" and "Adiemus III: Dances of Time", is powerful, moving and utterly fascinating. In the uniquely compelling music of Adiemus, the female voice becomes a true instrument, with the freedom to use vowel and consonance as pure sound, unrestricted by verbal meaning. Miriam Stockley and a sextet of female vocalists sing the whimsical, wordless phonetics of composer/director Karl Jenkins, backed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the electro-acoustic percussion of Jody Jenkins, and recorder solos by Pamela Thorby (of the Palladian Ensemble). Karl Jenkins' wonderful compositions are difficult to categorize, but in addition to close harmonies and distinctly modern choral and orchestral sensibilities, there are strong shades of the vocal and percussive celebrations found in the music of Africa and the Pacific islands. The selections are generally cheerful and upbeat, and at all times enthusiastically sung. This is a group you really have to hear! Come along and join their celebration of life and the human spirit!

Together with the beautiful voice of Ms. Miriam Stockley and the amazing compositions and arrangements by Mr. Karl Jenkins, Adiemus can create a rising dance track or make you cry with bittersweet melodies. From their first hit "Adiemus" to the new track featured here, "Beyond The Century", this CD never fails to entertain. The best tracks from all three CDs are featured here, some in edited versions, combining for a full 19 tracks. One of the best tracks here is one that hasn't gotten a lot of attention: "Chorale VI + Cantus - Song Of Aeolus". This was from the grand "Adiemus 2: Cantata Mundi" CD, which is a more symphonic work than one made up of individual songs. However, "Chorale..." begins with the angelic strains of Miriam Stockley singing a melody based on the Sol-Fa vocal excercises and metamorphosizes into an uplifting, raw, tribal edged chorus of chants. Other tracks worth mentioning are the powerful "In Calum Fero", the soothing "Zarabanda", and bass-heavy "Rain Dance". Definitely one to add to your collection.

I encountered this Karl Jenkins' Project on TV program (ETV special, NHK, broadcasted in Japan). I long wondered who are playing this music? At last I've found them. I have three album from Adiemus. I strongly recommend you "The Journey" because this includes 'Beyond Century'(also theme music of TV program whose name is the same as the music title) and new version of 'Adiemus'.By the way, I have my own website. And Adiemus is the most Popular artist in it. I also recommend you Miriam Stockley's solo project "Miriam". (Both CD are heavy turners.) They really shake up something primitive creativity of us!

I first fell in love with the music of Karl Jenkins when I first heard "Adiemus" on the very first "Pure Moods" compilation. This to me was something I have never heard before, an all female choir and tribal beats and new age melodies blended together. "Adiemus" has been also used in tv commercials therefore making it quite recognizable to a lot of people who might not know who is responsible for the song but know it by the melodies. The opening notes to "Cantus Inaequalis" would practically fit perfectly on one of the first two Enigma albums because I could swear that I heard some gregorian chants. I could be wrong though. Like Mediaeval Baebes, the music on this "best of" compilation focuses primarily on the women's vocals while the instruments remain in the background. I find the songs by Karl Jenkins quite moving spiritually and physically. No wonder the music of Karl Jenkins is so popular with new age compilations. I can't really pick a favorite among the songs here. Just a terrific compilation for people who want to hear more of Karl Jenkins' music.

This is a decent disc of world music. I loved the first track "Adiemus" when a friend played it for me. However, the rest of the tracks of this collection don't measure up to the standard set by the "Adiemus" track. If you expect more of the same when buying this CD, you may be disappointed.

Heard this when I walked into Border's (sorry Amazon!). I thought *maybe* Enya had a new album although the vocals sounded different. Another song passed when I realized it wasn't an Enya copycat, but something much, much more.

I guess the best way to describe it would be to say an amalgamation of world and classical music - w/ the gloomy/spooky enya-like vocals to tie it all together.

I gave it a quick browse through in the store's listening station - but it wasn't until I heard "Cantus" tracks 7 & 8 that I realized this was a keeper - even though it was $18 + tax (phew!).

Now I see that even w/ the shipping it's cheeper here at Amazon - plus I could've gotten something else thrown in as well (go get Shawn Mullins - Big Blue Sky just for the heck of it).

Anyways - that's my two cents - listen to and buy it here. Oh yeah, that's the other thing - after I asked what the album playing was - we still couldn't find it - it's hidden in either the New Age or Classical section - depending on where you go. Or why bother hunting for it - buy it here!

(can you tell I feel guilty!) :^)

I believe, that this CD has about equally many opponents and fans. Some would probably get increasingly borred about the musical genre of Karl Jenkins featuring endless arrangements with female vocals and orchestral harmonies. Others, to whom I definitely belong, continue to find inspiration in his musical story telling. This CD seems somewhat commercialized compared to Cantata Mundi, but that is to be expected from a best-of collection. Anyway, I persist to give this CD a top rating in honour of the very soul of Karl Jenkins' music. In addition, I must admit, 'Adiemus' still is my favourite! I can't help feeling the historical rush of the New Testament and similar mediterranian tales. I don't know the intention of the composer himself, and though I'm a bit curious, it doesn't really matter. The optimistic, African rythm and drive of 'Rain dance' make me look like a fool in front of the mirror, and I love it!

This CD contains an excellent mix of music of Adiemus at a good price. I liked it better than a number of their regular CDs.