Customer Reviews

Sissel

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm not really familiar with Norwegian artist Sissel except hearing a bit of her gorgeous vocals from the soundtrack to the movie "Titanic". What little I heard was breathtaking... I immediately fell in love with the entire album. I have already listened to it three times today. The entire album is a collection of gorgeous pop songs with a tinge of celtic and new age music. Sissel has one of the most beautiful voices that I have ever heard. Some people have already lumped Sissel in the same category with Celine Dion. I don't know about that. Sissel's vocals are restrained unlike Celine who sounds like she is yelling every time she hits those high notes. Plus Celine's music gives me cavities and nausea simultaneously. For me I would associate Sissel with Sarah Brightman than Celine Dion (although Sissel sounds nothing like Sarah). Both do have that obvious classical training that is evident in their vocals. There isn't one song on this album I didn't like or didn't think was anything to write home. All the songs are excellent and breathtaking to listen to. I think I will have to check out Sissel's albums although they are a bit pricey but I'm sure it will be well worth the price. I absolutely love her self-titled album so price isn't a problem for me.

A lot of people, including myself, are just now learning about Sissel but she's actually been putting out music for quite some time now. She's a Norwegian pop princess that became fairly known in the USA with her haunting contributions to James Hornor's 'Titanic' score. She was unfortunately mired by the belting diva, Celine Dion, on the closing credits but it was Sissel's voice that worked most of the magic when it came to evoking emotions as the misty-eyed viewers watched the movie in awe. She was only part of the background there, accenting the instruments and resonating sound effects, but she's even more magnificent here with the primary focus being HER.

I stumbled upon her self-titled album close to a year ago and reluctantly bought it since the price was unbelievably cheap at Borders and I've yet to regret it. I'm always looking for new female singers to spark my interest for a while and this angelic siren has proven time and time again that she doesn't need to market herself or become commercial to be successful. Her music is pure and beautiful and heavenly and ... I could go on forever but it's truly something one must experience for them self. This is one of few CDs I keep returning to only to find myself enjoying it more and more every time I do. From pop ballads such as "Sarah's Song" and "Carrier Of A Secret" to the more upbeat "Can't Go Back" and "All Good Things", which has a tropical, Hawaiian vibe with carefree, fun-in-the-sun type beats, to the slightly somber "Molde Canticle" and the Celtic "Shenandoah", her gorgeous gift from God is laced with warm, operatic soaring that's clear in pronunciation and sweetly simple.

Sissel is like a burst of light in my often dark collection and I definitely plan on checking out her many imports in the near future. There's no question about it: This is one talented gal, and if I had to choose a favorite track on this record that won't relent its constant hold on me, it would probably be the wonderful message of love she conveys on "Weightless".

BTW, I've heard some people compare her to Sarah Brightman but I really don't hear the resemblance there.

What a lovely voice. Calming, peaceful. And the producer of this album uses that voice just perfectly - Sissel's voice is never lost to the instrumentation, the other musicians follow her, they set a mood, they respect her talent.

I defy anyone to listen to her version of "Shenandoah" and not get lost in time. "Weightless" seems to let you into the singer's soul, and with "Carrier of A Secret" she's your trusted big sister telling you to be brave. Finally, "Laer Meg A Kjenne", obviously Norwegian, is as peaceful a lullabye as you'll ever hear; and the last song on the album "Molde Canticle" will take you back to the brilliant use of her voice by James Cameron in his "Titanic".

But it's wrong to single out a few songs, the album is consistently satisfying. Most of the music here has a positive feel, sometimes pensive, but rarely downbeat. So if you've had an awful day just fire up this CD and let the world go away for a while.

So very soothing.

Coming from Bergen, Sissel`s home town, i have paid attention
to her since i first saw/heard her at TV in the early eighties.
What you like is a matter of taste, if you have liked any of
her CD`s i recommend you to listen to her recordings of
"Pie Jesu" and "Oh Mio Babbino Caro", another superb recording is the one done with The Three Tenors, Christmas In Vienna,where
she sings in "Silent Night" like no one else can sing.
It moves me everytime i hear these songs, try it !

I'm so excited for the release of Sissel's new album because American audiences will finally be exposed to the great talent they've been missing out on all this time. She's been a household name and distinguished talent for years in Europe - if American audiences know of her at all, it's probably from her work on the soundtrack for Titanic.
This album is the perfect album to relax to - a cross between Enya, Celine Dion and Dido. I like to call it "bathtub listening," it makes you want to kick back and clear your mind for a bit. "Shenandoah" and "Weightless" are especially good songs.
Although the album does remind me a lot of Celine Dion and Enya especially, it has a different edge to it. American audiences need to get on the ball and check her out - it makes you realize just how much undiscovered (to American audiences) European talent there is.
I'm really siked for her American tour....her album proves that she's not another industry-manufactured "hit" but really does have an amazing voice. I'm sure she puts on a great show and will definetely be looking out for when she comes to town.

Sissel once again proves she is a world-class caliber artist, and will crack the American market wide open with her innovative style and a return to uncomplicated themes, both of which the US has been seeking for awhile. This is her first solo US release, but those who already know Sissel's blend of Celtic, Folk, and Classical influences will be able to hear her vocal progression on this album. Fans of the Europe-only release, All Good Things, will appreciate this album even more, due to improved song selection and a clear, solid voice.

During a recent contribution drive, PBS aired a previously taped concert in which Sissel was the featured artist. As the concert progressed, I became increasingly entranced by the music. A blend of Celtic and New Age, and a hint of Pop paired with one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. I immediately bought two tickets to her next performance, which just happened to be in my home town of St. Louis. Within the intimate confines of the 600 person Sheldon concert hall, Sissel performed magnificently and stirred emotions. Since the night of her performance, I have listened to this CD many times. Each time, I compared it with my memory of the live performance. Let me assure you, this CD captures the aural splendor of her live performance. Set your stereo receiver to a live concert setting, crank up the volume and experience Sissel's only US release.

I have been waiting for a US release from Sissel ever since she first performed on Good Morning America maybe five or six years ago... it was long before Titanic anyway. I loved her voice, but I also loved how she blended traditional Norwegian music into her style as well. I was fortunate enough to have one of my friends from Norway send me a tape of one of her albums and I was able to enjoy that for a while... and then, I walked into the store the other day and there she was! This album really features her angelic, pure, well-trained voice. The music is peaceful and introspective. I am so glad she's finally arrived. My only complaint is this: even though she was obviously not going to put a bunch of songs in Norwegian onto this album, I wish she would have kept the traditional sounds that I remember from her. The music on this CD sounds kind of like Christian Contemporary Music (synthesizers, or something that sounds like synthesizers, and drum tracks...). Even if that's not what they used, it sounds like it. Sissel's voice, however, more than makes up for it. I'm so glad I found her!

I don't normally listen to voices like Sissel's, but a friend had this playing in her car, and I was curious about who this woman was. I borrowed her cd and it really grew on me so I bought it. I've had it for a month now and can't stop listening to it! This is a great album for anyone who needs a soothing break from all the stuff on the radio these days. I'm really pleased with my purchase, and definintely recommend this to my friends.

She is in the movie Titanic performing the theme song. This Cd, sung in English, captures her amazing talent. Mostly ballads, just put your headphones on, sit back in your favorite chair and enjoy the brilliance and clarity of her singing. Sheer enjoyment. You can actually understand the words. Her voice is so pure, so soothing with a style of her own. This is a breathtakingly beautiful performance. She also has a wonderful concert video.