One Chance [Extra tracks]

Paul Potts (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 18, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000UAE87Q
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (771 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,692 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #11 in Music > Classical > Sacred & Religious > General
  • #17 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Historical Periods > Romantic (c.1820-1910)
  • #58 in Music > Classical > Chamber Music > General

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts has spent most of his life feeling 'insignificant'. Bullied at school for being 'different', he realized growing up that he had one true friend and that was his voice. Singing was his escape. He was able to lose himself in his own little world - the vicious words of his tormentors replaced by hauntingly beautiful lyrics and melodies that lifted his heart and spirit. It was a love, a passion, a lifeline that would follow Paul into adulthood and help him through many more periods of adversity.



Though it's fair to say that when Paul strolled awkwardly - almost apologetically - onto the Cardiff stage for his first Britain’s Got Talent audition a week before that final, in his now infamous £35 Tesco suit, and announced to Simon and fellow judges Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan that he was going to sing opera, they never thought for one minute they were looking at their winner. Until he opened his mouth and started to sing.

Paul Potts Photos

Product Description

Former cell phone salesman and now Britians Got Talent winner Paul Potts has spent most of his life feeling insignificant and bullied, but says that his voice was always his one true friend, a voice that Simon Cowell calls simply magical.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

540 of 547 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New talent ---Paul Potts --Spine Tingling Joy, September 18, 2007

By 

NW Native (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Chance (Audio CD)

Some say only a few will buy this CD for the sentimental story of an overnight sensation from Simon Cowell's British talent show. Some hardcore opera snobs may pass, sighting technical imperfections; after all this CD was put together and released in the UK in a record-breaking 3-4 weeks to capitalize on the show's success. Others may pass, saying that they don't like opera.

I say to everyone-- get this album simply for sheer listening pleasure. There are so many moments of pure spine tingling joy here to miss for the sake of hyper-critical nit-picking. A voice imbued, even polished from life, filled with emotion and, yes, charged with physical athleticism- as demonstrated by set of lungs that can hold such notes to infinity and in perfect pitch-- is a rarity not to be missed.

Each time after reading some of the few negative reactions to Paul Potts, I go back for a listen, admittedly expecting to be disappointed, at least a little, and, each time, I am transported, by the hauntingly beautiful vocals and pure emotion captured here; emotion transmitted directly to one's heart and soul through an, as yet, undiscovered seventh sense. Technically "superior" singers can only hope for this intense, hardwired connection, whereas Paul natural ability is blessed with it is spades.

In the end, it finally dawned on me how ridiculous it is to look for third party validation for feelings that are so inexplicable, but yet so vitally undeniable. Enjoy this one folks and never mind the critics. No rules, just sublime listening pleasure. This is a fantastic debut album, with quite a variety. Hopefully the first in a long line of future recordings.

655 of 673 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bewitched and bewildered, September 20, 2007

By 

Julie S. Higginbotham (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: One Chance (Audio CD)

I dunno what it is about this guy. I'm 5 decades old, been singing in vocal ensembles that perform challenging music for more than 30 years, been around loads of wonderful, highly trained operatic voices and I agree with many of the criticisms written elsewhere of this album (the brit version at any rate; not many reviews of the US version so far, too early).

I agree there are some production issues on this CD; I agree the guy has some technical issues that should be addressed as he matures as an artist. He can be a little thin & forced, esp in the high register. There are a few pitch problems, again mostly up high. I prefer his Italian to his English -- I think his English diction is a little odd actually. And given the rush to production, coming on the heels of a personal whirlwind, I can't help thinking the pressure and the tiredness had some effect on the finished product.

And yet, and yet -- what is this "hair standing up on the back of the neck" thing?

From his throat to my autonomic nervous system, without requiring a pass through the brain. It is an amazing gift that this man has, to elicit such a profound emotional reaction in the listener. The Nella Fantasia is just heartbreakingly lovely. The last note on "Music of the Night" is absolutely beautifully rendered. I also liked the Cavatina a good deal.

I can (and do) greatly admire the recordings of many more technically perfect singers. My brain tells me I should naturally prefer listening to those recordings. My gut just tells me to keep this one on the CD player and hit the replay button again....

289 of 295 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtakingly beautiful, September 20, 2007

By 

clarity (Southern Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Chance (Audio CD)

I first heard of Paul Potts when I was given a You Tube link. I am completely unfamiliar with this type of music. I thought I was losing my mind when chills danced up my spine and tears came to my eyes as he sang. It was only after reading online that I realized Paul's voice has the same effect on many people.

The CD came today...I have no idea what he is saying, who else has sang the most of the songs....I just know is voice is breathtakingly beautiful. I am amazed that I bought anything having to do with opera...and that I did is a testament to Paul.

And in response to something he said in one of his videos...Yes, Paul, you are someone. Someone magnificent!