Customer Reviews

Operatica: Shine

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I enjoyed the first Operatica album "Volume 1" a lot. I love the concept of fusing opera and techno music together. Unfortunately my problem with "Volume 1" was that some of the songs sounded a like as well as weak material. Still it didn't deter me from wanting to hear the new album "Shine". After listening to "Shine" a few times. I have come to a conclusion that this album is far more enjoyable than "Volume 1". All the songs have a separate identity to them and do not sound alike. I think there is a bit more use of techno beats on this album than on the previous album. I also enjoyed hearing different vocalists than just sticking with Maureen. I think using other vocalists has added more depth to the music. I particularly enjoyed "Solvej's Song", "Shine", and "Standing On the Edge of the World" a lot. All the songs are good in their own right. "Shine" takes Operatica in the right direction. I look forward to hearing more from Lord Vanger.

Let me start out by saying that i love this cd. i bought it thinking that it would be like the song Diva Dance from the Fifth Element. It is most certainly one of my favorite cd's but it is nothing like the Diva Dance song. All of the tracks are much slower, focusing more on the opera part, as opposed to the techno/pop. i would still give this cd a splendid 4 out of 5 stars, but i would just like to get across the point that it doesn't have the type of songs that are advertised. thanks.

In a time in which creativity should be praised, this is an album that stands out. This album is a daring eclectic mix of an electronic/opera/persian fusion. It sums out to a beautiful masterpiece. The album keeps a dreamy state all the way through from start to finish. It is a perfect album for that late night drive, recovery from a big night, or even bedroom activity. It is the kind of album that entrances the listener and the skip button does not have any use. I am glad I stumbled upon this album, a rare find.

I liked the Operatica's first album "Volume 1" but it was a flawed album. The songs sounded alike and was repetitious. I love the fusion of opera and techno music but sometimes the combination can be a weakness too. I thought Lord Vanger who produced the album got lazy therefore the music sounded too much the same. When I saw that there was another Operatica album when I was at a book store a few weekends ago, I was awfully curious what the album sounded like. I didn't get the opportunity to listen to it then. Then on a recent trip to my favorite record store, I found a promo copy of "Shine" so I picked up that album (like the first album). After listening to "Shine" the first time, I immediately thought this album was a great improvement over the first album. The music is a lot more diverse and each song has a sound of its own. And as much as I like Maureen's voice it was nice to hear other singers on the album. I think there is a bit more of a techno influence in Operatica's music this time around yet with opera being the main focal point of the sound, with hints of Middle Eastern influences. I thoroughly enjoyed "Standing On the Edge of the World", "Solvejg's Song", "Mon Amour", and the title track a lot. I can't wait to hear more from Operatica in the near future.

I would describe this music as a mellow and unusal mix of music where Enya meets Maria Callas, and I am a fan of both, so that's a good thing. It is so good that Billboard Music called it the best classical crossover of the year!

I would call this music techno opera scene from the future with beautiful opera singing, just to give you an idea of what this music is like! Also, the singer from the Fifth Element soundtrack, Inva Mula sings the song "Mon Amour".
Also singing on this cd is a singer named Shakila. She sings on "Kokab" and "Khodoya". These three are my favorite tracks. Though the cd in whole is a joy to listen to.

We'll say that "Operatica-Shine" succesfully bridged the Middle East to Europe via southern Spain.

So if you're a nu music dj, pick up this cd, so you can really spin an eclectc mix of music - Savannah Skye aka DJ Dakini-NYC...

I bought Operatica's most recent album, Shine, not knowing what to expect. I want to share with everyone that this cd wont leave your cd player once you listen to it. Once I started playing it my mother made me get her the cd and now my whole family loves it and we play it all over the house. I'd give it 5 stars any day!

This is not much like their first album (which was a mostly clever, sometimes ham-handed combination of operatic arias and modern electronic instrumentation).

But Shine is pretty much the same ethno-electronica that was pervasive throughout the 90s. Think Deep Forest, Anubian Nights, Enigma, B-Tribe, and even Sting's "Desert Rose". Yawnnnnnnnnnnnn.

Their first album was good mostly because of its orginality (operatic arias are definitely a challenge), but any old fool can slap a "cool" Middle Eastern chant over a modern beat.

What bugs me about both albums is that they don't maintain that singularly operatic quality--it seems to be a sonic delicacy reserved only for a few tracks.

So, with a very few exceptions, this album is a bit contrived.

I was misled by the title into thinking that this would be more operatic than it actually is, however this is not a criticism, in fact it's a bonus. 'An unusual mix of tracks that are a light and soothing mix of dance, futuristic electronic beats and opera.

The songs are quite different so it does take a little getting into, but there is lots of depth and quality. A number of better known artists/tracks are featured including Inva Mula, who appeared in the opera scene in the Sci-fi movie "The Fifth Element".

This could be a love or hate type album, but if you like music with feeling and originality, then give it a go.

Such a different CD, finally something with depth, originality and high quality. Besides beautiful, the songs are both funky and soothing....I can listen to it for hours and never get tired of it.

WOW this cd is amazing!! check out tracks 3 and 10. i got this cd two weeks ago and it is all ive been listening to. its such beautiful music and soooo different than any other cd i have. Definitely well worth it. My friend Lisa also picked up the cd and is loving it.