Customer Reviews

Living a Dream

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Katherine is an opera singer whose fan base includes many who do not normally listen to opera, or who (like me) listen just occasionally. She can sometimes be seen performing at events dominated by pop and rock acts, with the result that her albums sell in huge quantities (at least in the UK) and outsell many (but not all) of those pop and rock stars.

A look at the track listing on this and Katherine's earlier albums shows that she likes to mix classical pieces with popular songs drawn from a variety of sources. As such, I'm not sure that true opera fans will like Katherine's music (although some might) but those fans can console themselves with the thought that some of the true opera fans of the future may have discovered opera because of Katherine. So my review is mainly directed at fans who (like me) know very little about opera but who might be tempted to give this album a listen. As such, I'll focus on the familiar songs.

Katherine begins by singing an Italian translation of I will always love you, the Dolly Parton song that became an international number one hit for Whitney Houston. As a huge Dolly fan, I was curious to find out how this sounded and it's the reason I decided to buy this album. Of course, Katherine's version is very different from Dolly's or Whitney's versions but I was very impressed.

I vow to thee my country (track 2) can be interpreted as either a patriotic song or a gospel song. To those who are wary of patriotic songs, be reassured that this particular song has no cultural references - whatever your country is, you should be able to relate to this song.

Music of the night (track 5) is an Andrew Lloyd Webber song that Katherine sings superbly.

Nessun Dorma (track 6) became famous in the UK when the BBC used Pavarotti's version as the theme for TV coverage of a major sporting event (the World Cup). Katherine refreshes this fine song, which became a UK #2 hit for Pavarotti following its use as a TV theme.

Amazing grace (track 9) is outstanding - this is my favourite on the album. It's not my absolute favorite rendition of this song but I've heard (and loved) many versions and Katherine would certainly get in my top five.

All things bright and beautiful (track 11) is a song that I became very familiar with at school but had never heard subsequently until I heard it here. Well, it certainly never sounded anything like this good at school.

Over the rainbow (track 13) will forever be associated with Judy Garland but Katherine proves that the song adapts well to an operatic interpretation. Like Amazing grace, this is among the best renditions I've heard of this song.

We'll meet again (track 16) is another inspired choice as Katherine revives the Vera Lynn anthem superbly.

There is a deluxe version of this album that includes two extra tracks and some other stuff. One of the extra tracks is Don't cry for me Argentina. I'd like to hear this but I'm satisfied with the standard edition. You must decide for yourself whether you want to pay the higher price or settle for the standard version. Whichever version you buy, this is a hugely entertaining album if you like this kind of music, even just a little.

This album is really spectacular. I've read some reviews of Katherine Jenkins that are less than complimentary, and I don't get it. What's not to like? Her voice is truly beautiful, rich and powerful. True, many of the songs on her albums cannot be called operatic, but that makes them no less valuable. I think "popera" is a legitimate style of music, and if it gets more people to appreciate some of the classics, what's wrong with that?
If you enjoy a beautiful soprano voice, like opera or broadway music, and are not confined to a narrow mindset, you'll enjoy this album.

There is just one thing to say about this album:

Katherine Jenkins' voice is fantastic, and onoe of the tracks are better than the first one.

She will have a great future as an artist.

Both a very talented and beautiful. singer What a delightful C_D.
I listen to this music both at my computer and while driving.
This C-D provided our family with wonderful music enjoyment

Pamela Berman

Purchased this album primarily to have Katherine's rendition of Un Bel Di in English - love the song (and now that I know what the meaning of the Italian, even more!). First heard it on Pandora. The other songs are good. Katherine is beautiful - would love to listen to her live someday. Let me know if others find other songs on the album particularly engaging. Charlotte Church and Sarah Brightman do as well on these standard popular numbers.

Katherine Jenkins' voice is so beautiful and so full of magnetism that once I start listening I can not stop. My wife is very picky with songs and singers. But she fell in love with this album right away. This is definitely among our most loved.

As with her other CDs, this one is another 'keeper'. I'm pleasantly surprised and impressed with her vocal talents and abilities. She is truly one very fine classical artist. Katherine, thank you for sharing your gifts with the world. I, for one, appreciate you and what you've accomplished.

Crossover from opera to popular singing can be difficult - witness Marilyn Horne. She is a wonderful mezzosoprano in the operatic roles who does not translate well into the popular medium. Katherine Jenkins seems comfortable in both media, and she has a much better voice than Sarah Brightman. There are selections on this disc that are traditionally tenor arias. Why not a soprano?? This is a great collection - treat yourself!

I heard the cd for the first time when I was in the UK last year. I purchased it for my husband for Christmas. If he enjoys it as much as I think he will, I will probably end up buying her other cds. Easy to order and great delivery service.

Wow! I never heard of this beauty before until I heard her sing on Pandera Radio. She has a tremendous, powerful voice. She is right up there with Sarah Brightman and so many others.