Customer Reviews

Mass

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was just at Borders bookstore today. I wanted to spend some of my birthday money I recently received in the mail. One of the two cds I bought today were the new cd by The Raveonettes and the other cd was the new Era cd "Mass". I listened to a sample of the "Mass" and was automatically hooked. Although predictable, I loved the use of "O Fortuna" on the title track "The Mass". Sure "O Fortuna" has been either covered (Opera Babes) or sampled (Enigma) but I can never tire of that song and I thought Era did a marvelous job of re-working it. I found myself truly moved by the vocals Lena Linnegren. I was even almost to tears by the gorgeous melodies and the haunting lyrics. It was the song "Don't You Forget" that convinced me to get this cd. I almost got Era's second album but after hearing "Don't You Forget", I opted for "The Mass". The children's conversation on the song really moved me. I am glad that I bought the cd. This is the most beautiful new age music I have heard in a long time. "Looking For Something" and "Don't Go Away" are also two very powerful songs that I enjoyed immensely. I guess if there was a flaw with the cd, I guess I would have to say that it was only 39 minutes, a bit too short. Still as I always say, I would rather have a very short cd of high quality music than a cd that is too long with mediocre material. I haven't really been into new age music for the past couple of years but "The Mass" has really made me rediscover what I love new age music so much. All the songs on this cd were great. There was not one song on this cd that I did not like. The production value of this cd was top-notched. I will most certainly be looking to other cds by ERA in the near future. "The Mass" has converted me into a fan.

Era continues walking through the road of success ! This album rocks! It keeps up with the same level of superiority as the previous albums.

(The Mass) is actually a combination of the song (Divano) of the previous album (Era 2) and (O Fortuna) for Carl Orff. I find it better than the original Divano.

(Looking for something) is good too. I like the choir in addition to our vocalist Lena Jinnegren, mixed with the fast beat.

(Don't go away) have a very strong emotional effect, not to mention the beautiful voice of Lena Jinnegren.

(Don't you forget) gives a true meaning for closeness & support. 2 English kids (a boy & girl) promise that they'll always be there for each other. The music and lyrics, performed by Lena Jinnegren, will touch your soul.

(If you shout) is my favorite song! It's the best: the music, the fast beat, the choir, and our vocalist Lena Jinnegren. Basically EVERYTHING! (If you shout long enough, you'll survive the noise of chaos. If you shout long enough, you will be the one.)

(Avemano orchestral) is an orchestral version of the original (Avemano) of the first album (Era). I think it's much better than the original one. I wish it was in the first album.

(Enae volare) is a remix of the original song (Enae volare mezzo) of the first album (Era). To tell you the truth, I liked the original song.

(Sombre day) is a relaxing classical music (no choir). During meditation, it will take you beyond the space & time!

(Voxifera) and (Champions) are one of my best songs. They have marshal beats and excellent music background, with a highly professional choir.

The only flaw of this album is the remix of 3 songs, while we expected 3 more NEW songs in the new album. However, 2 songs were well-remixed.

(Era The Mass) will enchant you as it did to me! You will easily fell in love with it! Waiting for the next album.

The music of ERA continues to be enjoyable among the fans of the genera however, it seems a little repetitive of their earlier CDs (and it doesn't help to have couple of tracks re-orchestrated from the first CD).

I originally heard a track from this disc on You Tube and came here to find it. The music is haunting and powerful, so much so I also ordered two other discs by ERA. I'm very pleased with this decision.

I am really sorry Mr. Levi but you can't mix your 2 previous albums and claim It's a brand new stuff.
I guess I'll have to wait for your next album.
I hope that you will understand that people do expect brand new songs, each time they buy one of your records.

The third Volume of Era is again, a beautiful piece of crafted sound art. Eric Levi has not lost what made Era 1 and Era 2 successes, a blend of wondrous vocalists mixed with glorious beats. The Mass, Avemano Orchestral, Enae Volare and Vonifera are the picks of the CD.

Yes, it is a short escape from reality but it is well worth it. I cannot wait to hear the next Era. Eagerly waiting! Let's just hope that it will not be too long a wait.

Given my faith in God (won't say which one or what faith) I am supposed to look down on all this new age stuff, and dismiss it at best and denounce it at worst.
NO CAN DO with this album.. or artist. I first came across Era on a Celtic VA album, since then I have aquired all three albums and this is the best.
If you are not stired by this music, moved in your soul.. check your pulse.. you may be dead. I can not add to what has been said before me on the individual tracks other than to say that The Champions is my favourite, then Shout...
Thank you Era (Eric)... brilliant

I just need to quickly mention that it's rather difficult to describe this kind of music in words. Ask amazon.com to put up short clips. Here's a very general description: Era is medieval chants mixed with classical music with a modern twist to it.

The CD starts with "The Mass", which is basically a slightly uplifting remix of "Divano" (off the Era 2 album) with samples from Carl Orff's "O' Fortuna".

Vocalist Lena Jinnegren (from Era 2) returns on the next track called "Looking for Something". Both the lyrics and music are fresh, simple, brilliant, and uplifting. Lena also sings on the next song, "Don't Go Away". It starts with a male solo and gradually works up to the entire choir, then to the vocal performance. This song is currently featured on the official Era website if you want a glimpse. It sounds a bit more contemporary to me, and will probably get a lot of playtime on the radio.

"Don't You Forget" is rather unique. It's a soft and quiet song that starts out with two English adolescents, boy and girl, talking to one another. Brilliant lyrics and the entire song is based on "Don't U" off the Era 2 album. Vocals by Lena Jinnegren. "If You Shout" has a more pop/modern feel to it mixed together with Gregorian chants and has a bit of electric guitars in it as well. In my opinion, this track sounds more mainstream than the rest of the songs on the album. Vocals by Lena Jinnegren.

The next track, "Avemano", is literally identical to the original version appearing on the first Era album. "Enae Volare", though, has been remixed to give it a more fresh feeling. It is much more uplifting than the original and has more vocal effects and electric guitars in it. In short, it just sounds more "modern" than the original on the first Era CD. "Sombre Day" is a classical music piece. It contains no vocals or chants. Nothing special about it. It's dark and deep. "Voxifera" is another piece heavily influenced by classical music. Mixed together with the choir it packs a lot of energy and gives you the feeling as though you're right there, in a concert hall sitting so close to the stage.

"The Champions" is also heavily influenced by classical music. The pace is greater than "Voxifera", and it also has trumpets as well as other classical instruments.

Overall this is a very interesting album. I definitely recommend it to anyone who bought Era stuff in the past, and even to mainstream listeners who are just looking for something different. The only thing I really didn't like about this album is the way it was mixed. My goodness, you think that musicians at least listen to the final result. Most of the tracks on this CD are squashed in terms of dynamic range and the music distorts often. What a shame :(

I like this music, since his 1st Cd, and I has a great music, a mix between New Age, and Choral, wich lift the spirit and the senses, for a comfortable time.
If you like this kind of music, you are getting a great Cd.

Very relaxing and very powerful. It is a good as their previous albums.