Customer Reviews

Ofra Haza 1997

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is sad that I write this just days after it was announced that Ofra died of AIDS February 23, 2000. What a voice; able to transcend traditional Israeli music, mixing in dance grooves and occassional hard-edged dred (like her work with Sisters of Mercy and Black Dog). Her contribution to the "Prince of Egypt" and "The Governess" soundtracks were nice as well. This, her last released album, showcases her ability to cover all types of genres. There are slow, haunting songs; as well as upbeat, optimistic tunes. If this is to be her last album we hear, it is indeed one that grips your heart (now more than ever)-- because her story-telling really shines through. The words in these songs can really pull at your heart because they are so sentimental, such as in her version of the James Taylor classic "You've Got a Friend." It is unfortunate that we in the States barely realized Ofra's talents. This import truly showcases them and one should obtain it simply because there isn't a lot of stuff out there that we have access to. If you know similar artists, please let me know because now there is a big void missing in my music collection with her gone... My heart goes out to fellow fans and her family; we must stop AIDS soon! {Best bets: Amina and Natacha Atlas, CWILKIE@GATEWAY.NET}

The impact of losing Ofra Haza on popular music is impossible to gauge... from the direction she was taking in this album, one can only imagine what she might do next. I personally don't care what she died of, it's just tragic.

Both Sarah Brightman and Ofra Haza had the same producer (Frank Peterson, who has worked with Enigma) and the cross-genre classical-pop styling and quality of their voices are not dissimilar. Fan of Sarah Brightman that I am, though, her voice has never literally moved me to tears as Ofra's has. Sometimes it sounds as she is singing past tears herself -- like her throat has closed a tiny bit -- and it's heartwrenching.

I would also like to note that I had a number of her songs on mp3. I liked them so much I'm purchasing the album...

Even though Ofra Haza 1997 was one of her last efforts,
it is one of the best CD's made by this extremely talented
and versatile vocalist. Different in style than the mellow
"Earth," or the excellent, reflective "My Soul,"
it is
dominated by a louder but very tastefully done pop/rock
sound exemplified by the strong electric keyboard presence of the multi-talented co-songwriter Frank Peterson
and melodic support from the London Session Orchestra. All
eleven tracks are very good. Several of the compositions
are superb: "Ahava," "You," and "Give Me a Sign" in particular. The combination of French and English lyrics on "Give Me a Sign" is a delight to hear. Also on this CD
are a new version of her prior hit "Im Nin Alu", and for a change
of pace, the Carol King classic "You've Got
a Friend," which is better executed here than on Carol King's very fine album "Tapestry." "Ofra Haza 1997" is a GEM, one of
the very best of the 1990's.

Ofra Haza had the greatest voice I have ever heard, and she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen as well. Her song's are an inspiration and gives hope to those who have none. This album was her final one. She died on February 23, 2000. This album is mainly in english and is probably one of her best. I have been listening to Ofra Haza for quite some time, and I fell deep in love with her. So when I learned of her death, I was devastated, and kind of still is. She did not die of AIDS as first reported, but by the medacin given to her. Ofra did not even have aids. The newest information states that Ofra's newly wed husband may have had a hand in her death. But one thing is certain, Ofra will live forever in her music and angelic voice. I recommend this album to everyone, even if you have never heard of her before. The songs are as beautiful as her lullaby in "The Prince of Egypt," in which she played Yocheved, Moses' Hebrew mother. Thank you for everything, Ofra. I miss you, and will always love you. Todah Rabah Sheli Ahava.

Ofra Haza has(or HAD) the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. Truly the voice of an angel. I have just recently become interested in her music after finding out that it's her voice on that Paula Abdul song I've always liked(My love is for real). I always thought it was Paula who sang that background part & I wondered why she always sounded so boring in every other song but so good in this one! No wonder, it was Ofra singing, not Paula(no offense Paula, you're still great).

My favorite song of Ofra's is probably either Im Nin Alu or Gavriel. I love to sing along with her when I'm driving, I'm sure many people have gotten a good laugh hearing me belt out Hebrew 80's music! I am truly amazed by the clarity & timbre of her voice, and the ridiculously wonderful control she had over it. Her singing really does give me chills.

In a way I feel close to her b/c I have been told I resemble her. I can definitely see it, we have similar features & the same coloring. I'm Middle Eastern as well(Egyptian, not Israeli though). It is SO sad that she is dead now. Why couldn't it have been Britney Spears or someone other worthless tramp who can't sing?! The world lost its best singer 4 years ago with Ofra's death.

This album is the best of all. There is no female artist with voice like Ofra's. Rest in peace. We love you.

I am so happy to have purchased & received this CD today. By word of mouth from my very good friend, Chellie, I've been drawn to Ofra Haza's beautiful music. And of course, Chellie sent me some songs which had me sold. This happened around the time of Sarah Brightman's "HAREM" CD release in 2003. To those who aren't aware, Ofra Haza is heard on the track "MYSTERIROUS DAYS" on Sarah Brightman's "HAREM" CD. It's a small world, because Sarah Brightman's Producer, Frank Peterson, produced this albums as well. Unfortunately, it was Ofra's last album. If it hadn't been for her untimely death on February 23, 2000, we most likely would've been blessed by an equally stunning follow-up album.

My favorite songs are "IM NIN ALU", "SHOW ME" and "YOU". I've been playing them in mp3 form, for nearly 5 months straight! These songs are purely "Feel Good" songs, which draw the listener straight to Ofra's heart. Of course, all the songs are great...and they have an edgy, European feel, due to Frank Peterson's magic touch. Ofra showcased a remarkable, versatile style, unbeatable by far. From the first moment I played "YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND", I was amazed at the way she could make me feel, just by the way she sings. Carol King penned this song and I'm so happy Ofra had the opportunity to breathe it new life.

Compared to the other Ofra CD I own, titled "DESERT WIND"...there's simply NO comparison. It's like night & day. As "DESERT WIND" was very 80's influenced with light keyboards & not much bass..."OFRA HAZA" is heavier with a richer sound & more color. And...the songs on this CD are easier to listen to. The vocals, production & arrangements are genious, from start to finish. Here, we're hearing Ofra at her best. The melodies FIT Ofra's voice & tone perfectly. Too bad the CD is so short, because I could listen to it all day! If you want to give an ususpecting music lover an unforgettable gift, go and buy this CD for them!

Tracklist:
01. Show Me
02. Amore
03. Im Nin Alu-2000
04. Sixth Sense
05. My Ethiopian Boy
06. Ahava
07. No Time to Hate
08. You've Got a Friend
09. You
10. Give Me a Sign
11. One Day

Like I said...this gift is definitely worth every penny and should be in every true music lover's CD collection. I had 5 mp3s from this CD and couldn't find more. But now, my search is over because I own this remarkable album. Ofra by far, beats Natacha Atlas & Sarah Brightman. I am a fan of Sarah Brightman too, and I agree with another reviewer. Ofra's voice is heartwrenching and she sounds like she's singing past tears. To sing so beautiful, you have to be born with the talent. Since I've discovered Ofra, I don't believe there's another female artist who can meet Ofra's talent standards!

i fell in love with ofra and her voice the first time i heard her .my first cd of ofra was desert wind which was given to me as a gift.i couldnt stop playing it.this 1997 album from ofra though is just perfect.i think all the songs are just great and if i had to pick 1 or 2 out which is difficult enough i think they would be "the sixth sense" which to me is the most beautiful song ever made and "no time to hate".from all cds that i own this is the absolute number one of them all.
this album will lift you up when down,it may even bring a few tears.if you are not familiar with ofra haza you must buy this album,you will not stop playing it.
ofra haza is an angel.she sings like an angel and i wish she was still with us making us happy with her music and songs.
I love you ofra haza

Si escuchar cantar a Ofra Haza con un perfecto inglés en temas como los que aparecen en "Shaday", "Desert Wind" y "Kirya" fue una experiencia placentera, con "Ofra Haza 1997" la belleza llega a lo sedante. Sin olvidar sus raíces judeo-yemenitas (jewish/yemenite), Ofra logra paralizar los sentidos con melodías modernas y cautivantes que te hacen admirar su voz y su música desde el comienzo hasta el fin. Y si bien el idioma dominante aquí es el inglés, ella nos recuerda, una vez más, que por algo hablaba en 5 idiomas, transformándola en el referente obligado de la música de Oriente Medio. Con "Amore" y "Give Me A Sign" volví a experimentar lo que hacía mucho tiempo no sentía al oir una canción de amor. Precisamente eso, amor. Son mis dos canciones favoritas de este álbum, casi increíbles, sin que por eso desmerezca a ninguna de las otra nueve. Todas preciosas. Ofra Haza no debió morir, al menos no ahora. ¿Alguna vez otra voz de Medio Oriente podrá sustituirla?... Me temo que, por ahora, eso es imposible.

Unfortunately, this offering from Ofra Haza does not compare to Kirya or My Soul. There is too much of a mainstream European pop flavor to this album (heavy thumping base, synthesizers, heavy tripple-tracking of the vocals). Gone is the Yemeni style percussion that was so characteristic of her other offerings (other than Shirei Moledet 1,2, and 3)

That being said, the album is worth buying for the song, "Sixth Sense" - one of the most beautiful she ever recorded.