Customer Reviews

Snow on the Sahara

5 star:		(99)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I first discovered Anggun during the airing of Sessions at West 54th years ago when she performed songs from "Snow on the Sahara" live. I was blown away by her performance and voice. Her exotic sound and look intrigued me, so I immediately went online to find out more about her.

An Indonesian princess, Anggun, had a good business sense about her, it seemed -- owning and managing her own recording studio at such a young age, and taking charge of her career from the get-go. Listening to the songs in "Snow on the Sahara", one could tell that the album was very much influenced by her exotic background. Not many pop-oriented music companies (distributors) would have taken a chance on such a unique-sounding album, unless the collection was excellent in its own right. And "Snow on the Sahara" was undoubtedly that: excellent!

Many times in my life, I've come across amazing song singles and bought the album based on that one song, only to be sourly disappointed by the album entirely. Not the case with "Snow on the Sahara". I was very happy when I finally got the album and listened to every single song in it.

Songs such as "Snow on the Sahara", "On the Breath of an Angel", "A Rose in the Wind", and "Secret of the Sea" all have very beautiful melodies not different from chart-topping ballads in the U.S. While "Over Their Walls", "Valparaiso" and "Selmanya" expose Anggun's unique, yet universal sound. This album is the kind you'd want to play in a candle-lit, luxurious bath; or out in a small, tropical island without the distractions of technology (except for a CD player), nor sights and sounds of the city.

"Snow on the Sahara" is a beautiful-sounding album, unique for it's exotic sounds, yet comfortably familiar for it's lovely ballads. I highly recommend Anggun's "Snow on the Sahara" for it truly is a great pleasure to listen to. -- NT

I first heard Anggun less than a year ago, and the newness has not worn off yet. As a hardcore Tori Amos fan who very rarely can stand to listen to other female vocalists, I was quite pleasantly surprised to find one to add to my short list! I recommend not only this album, but also the French version, "Au Nom De La Lune," which has a few little extras in addition to French versions of all the English songs (or maybe the originals which were re-recorded in English later, I don't know), and every track on "Sahara" is present there, too, with the exception of "Life on Mars." I own both of these CDs, and depending on my mood I will listen to Snow on the Sahara (if I want to sing along in my car) or Au Nom de la Lune (if I want to lay back and let the waves of sound wash over me like an oasis on the desert...) The difference in Anggun's and Tori's voices is a large one--Tori being more breathy and ethereal much of the time, Anggun earthy and sensual--and yet they each make frequent trips to the opposite ends of the vocal spectrum. Neither of them are afraid to use the full physical and emotional range of their voices to create landscapes and tapestries of sound, vivid in depth and color. I highly recommend this CD to anyone (including and especially fans of Tori Amos) who wants to increase that vivid depth of musical experience even more.

Oh, where to begin with this absolutely phenomenal collection of songs? After over six years, this CD remains one of the most innovative and achingly beautiful albums in pop history.

I first heard the title track "Snow on the Sahara" in 1998 on an alternative radio station in Seattle and was nearly moved to tears. I first thought "Oh my God, Annie Lennox's new song is the most amazing song I've ever heard!" But when the song was over, the DJ politely corrected me and announced that the song was by an Indonesian artist named Anggun. Anggun??? Who's ever heard of her?? Well, I made a beeline to Tower Records to see if I could track this CD down. After visiting several stores, I finally was able to find a demo copy of the CD in a tiny, out-of-the-way used CD store for $3. The best $3 I ever spent in my life. I think I could have easily slapped down $100 for this disc and it would have been worth every penny. Anyway, I sat in the parking lot of the CD store with my headphones on and my portable CD player going and listened to the entire album from beginning to end without ever moving the car. From then on, I was hooked.

Highlights:

"Snow on the Sahara" is a unique, ecclectic collection of Eastern-tinged pop gems. The title track, as I've already mentioned, is one of the most gorgeous and heart-wrenching songs ever written. Thoughtful and beautiful lyrics delivered by Anggun's incredible husky voice are wrapped in velvety, electronic, mid-tempo drum loops, dreamy guitars and feathery synths. This is a song I put on repeat and listen to over and over and never get tired of. Still manages to send chills up and down my spine. My favorite song of all time, hands down.

"On the Breath of an Angel" is a stripped down ballad whose lyrics are a mix of English and Anggun's native language. The effect is notably unique and lovely. The drum loops are minimal and the song is awash in ambient synths.

"A Rose in the Wind", the second single from the album is still mid-tempo but a bit more driving and hard-hitting. The song opens with an exotic Eastern-tinged sound then is joined my more electronic drum loops. The verses are low and subdued but are joined by the powerful chorus. This song is said to be Anggun's favorite from the album.

"By the Moon" My second favorite track from this disc. A downtempo, beautiful, simple love song that features Anggun's rich, smoky voice soaring over guitars and Asian flutes. A sweet and surprising addition to this song are the tribal-sounding chants that have been added to the chorus, giving it a sound very similar to something Deep Forest would do. I played this song at a friend's wedding and had at least 10 people come up to me and ask me about it.

"Dream of Me" This is such a fun song. An upbeat, danceable track (I would kill and die to hear a kickass club mix of this song, but alas, it was never released as a single and not professionally remixed as far as I know) this is one song that will get inside your head and you won't want it to leave. You can't help but tap your foot to this song. The vocals are more layered in this song which produces a very rich sound on the chorus in particular.

"Secret of the Sea" This song is a gem. Another achy, longing ballad, with no drum loops, just encased in surrounding synths, acoustic guitar and more Eastern chants.

"Life on Mars" '...it's a God-awful small affair, to the girl with the mousy hair' This song is so neat. A sweet and unexpected surprise. A cover of a tune originally done by David Bowie, Anggun lends her originality and exotica...making this a great way to end the CD. This is a very wispy and light rendition of the tune, whereas David Bowie's original is much more dramatic.

It really is a shame that Anggun never really hit here in the US; this album is the only one ever released domestically, and as far as I know the title track is the only one of these songs to ever hit radio here. With all the crap that's out on Top 40 radio right now, this disc is a welcome relief. It is not just empty-headed bubblegum pop, there is definitely substance and depth here. This album is rich and diverse, longing, beautiful and a very engaging experience.

I sorta stumbled onto Anggun because Sarah Brightman(whom i totally recommend)remade Snow On the Sahara for her Las Vegas cd. After hearing all the little song samples, i went searching for it. and let me tell you, it ws not easy. i finally found it at a barnes & noble in Portsmouth NH and i totally love it! it is a great buy. i've performed Snow in the Sahara for the school and won first place in a talent show. This is a good buy and i cant wait to perform more of her songs in the future!

Anggun is a master of her craft! This series of bewitching songs has the ability to sweep you into another realm filled with possibilities not known to the present. Her song "On The Breath of An Angel" speaks of undying love and compassion that truely pulls a my heart heart strings. The Indonesian lyrics add depth and a true melodical conversation with the listener(s) to the song. And after hearing the song in the 2001 NBC mini-series "The Princess and The Marine" I knew that I had to search out this amazing artist. I believe that it is safe to say that Anggun has truely touched me in a way that most artists have not, and cannot. If you enjoy beautiful, melodic music that has elements of European, Asian, and American music interwoven into [it], then Anggun's "Snow on the Sahara" is most definitely for you.

Anggun, a named that for some of you may never heard of, but dont be jugdemental because this debut album, 'snow on sahara' is the best album ever produced and presented from an asian born singer to you.Produced by eric benzi, this is no celine dion.But an original music created for this original singer.My dad bought this album when i was 18, during that time i was kinda arrogant and didnt bother to listen to any asian singer, not even from my own country, malaysia.So there it was this album traped in my cd case till i discover it two years later, when anggun released her second album chrysalis.Voila!!i regreted myself cause didnt even notice this hidden treasure.Snow on sahara was indeed now my best album and have it permanent position on my cd player.The reason?All of the songs in this album are truly shines and will brought u into a new world of imagination, blend with rich, deep smoky voice of this singer and shall i say very well blend music.Even madonna listen to this album, in one of her interview she listed this album as one of her album that she likes.Can u spot the similarities between 'frozen' and 'snow on sahara'?this album is a text book for the next mixture culture music such as 'ojos osi', 'hand in my pocket', etc.Both of this song are my all time favourite.
All of the songs in this album are truly special and unique.
1.SNOW ON SAHARA - need i say more about how special this song is?u can even melt someone's heart on valentine's day with this song.A truly rich, meaningful lyrics and haunting hook will make u a new anggun fans if u havent be one.
2.OVER THEIR WALLS - a rich blend of sound mixture, a fast beat song will make u hum along to its lyric.
3.ON THE BREATH OF AN ANGEL - this one is another haunting song.a ballad with beautiful lyric, anggun voice will take u far beyond ur love fantasy.this song has been a theme song to miniseries and soap opera.so need i say more?
4.ROSE IN THE WIND - a rich blend of east and western music, a second single from this debut album.truly fantastic!
5.MY SENSUAL MIND - this song really suit the theme.Sensual, anggun voice really match with the theme and the music.
6.VALPARASO - mid tempo song, music blend with middle east and western music with a creative mix with some 'mongolian' sound as backdrop.Anggun play her part well here too.
7.SELAMANYA - an indonesian languange 'a cappela'.with a smooth, slow, mysterical background sound.eventhough u didnt understand a word, u can imagine she crying for a death love.Electrifying experience and after that she will hum the next beautiful song..
8. BY THE MOON - or au nom de la lune in french, this song is a beautiful ballad about true love, you can almost shed a tears if ur a sentimental.A really valentines mood but with a unique smoky voice of anggun.ce'st magnifique!!
9. DREAM OF ME - after feeling relax,calm and trough the emotional drama of 'by the mood'.Anggun get u on the feet again, swinging ur head to this happy song.

10.SECRET OF THE SEA - suppose to be a third single from this album.some of the remixes are on rotation at clubs.This is a beautiful ballad about a lost love.Hoping that he/she will come back.A really soothing vocals and relaxing music.
11.LIFE ON MARS - a brilliant covers from david bowie's.Anggun sing this song with her own interpretation and her own style.Really refreshing music and vocals.Shall i say that mr. bowie himself must be proud of this version?from my point of view i like this better than the original version.
So there you are, a splendid magical journey of anggun vocals and music.I would like to give one more stars to anggun because her voice doesnt squeek or hurt ur ears when she hit high notes.it sound soothing, deep but its in high pitch, ms dion can save that high pitch note to herself :)So for any doubtful music lovers who read this, u have my guarantee, u will love this album as much i love it.If u think the music is too 'heavy and deep', well her next album 'chrysalis' is the answer to your needs.Her remixes singles are also brilliant tracks to cramped the dancefloor.Do i need to say more?anggun, an attractive lady with her own identity and her own music.You'll be hooked!

Anggun was one of Indonesia's superstars. When she left Indonesia in 1995, settled first in UK and eventually moved to France, no one ever imagined that there'd be someone from indonesia doing this AMAZING stuff. I'm very proud of her : a true talent from my homeland, singing in 3 different languages, and making such a phenomenal work. 'Snow' is a remarkable work; mixing beautiful world sounds and graceful new age music plus pop-rock influences. Seriously, you can hardly find music like this expecially in a full-commercial music industry nowadays.


Now, the review:
'Snow on the Sahara' - one of the GREATEST songs ever. I listen to it every single day, and will listen to it forever in my life. 'If your hopes scatter like the dust across your track/ i'll be the moon that shines on your path...' 10/10

'Over their Walls' - energetic but not so special. the chorus parts should've been added some other lines. 7/10

'Breath of an Angel' - beautiful but somehow not so special to me, but this song is still good for me 8/10

'Rose in the Wind' - LOVE IT TO DEATH!. I love the emotion, the beauty and the harmony of this track. The lyrics describe myself. 10/10

'My Sensual Mind' - very sensual . 9/10
'Valparaiso' - a great pop rock track. 9/10
'Selamanya'- the most haunting track of the album. in english, it means 'Forever' 9/10
'By the Moon' - better than 'Breath...', very beautiful 10/10
'Dream of Me' - better than 'Over their Walls', i love it! 9.5/10
'Secret of the Sea' - another beautiful ballad. the simplicity of the tracks gives an enchanting sounds. 10/10
'Life on mars' - LOVE IT!!!!. a LITTLE bit better than Bowie's version. nice ending. 10/10

Anggun has released her NEWEST english song entitled 'Undress Me' (currently only released in italy,france,and indonesia). Her newest album 'LUMINESCENE' is currently available on AMAZON.COM (here!). ANGGUN, YOU GO, WOMAN!

A few years ago on PBS Sessions at West 54th, a tall beautiful exotic Indonesian woman with long black hair entered the stage & held the microphone with her sender fingers revealing her soul. "Who is this? I got to have her CD." Luckily I found the CD "Snow on the Sahara" & every song is top notch: the singing, the words, the emotion expressed behind the words, the background music with near perfect production. Most songs are a cultural mix, intermixing eastern melodies with western rhythms & pop hooks, that you will never get tired of. Sadly it seems she didn't make it here in the American Pop scene because when I went looking for her newer music, they are all import French CD's (which are not bad). I even found a CD with the same songs but sung in French. Why is it that Europe has great Pop while we in America follow the Pipe Piper of Commercialism? Must the Exotic always end up in Europe to make a living? To find out what is great pop, try this CD.

I first heard and saw Anggun's 'Snow on the Sahara' on MTV Asia while sitting at a bar in Thailand. I knew I had to have it so I immediately went out and bought it. This has become my favorite CD and it is easy to see why. Anggun must have the best voice in popular music today. Her range is simply incredible. Everyone I have played her CD for has also loved it. If you are tired of the same old sound and want to hear something new and original, you must get this CD!

When I first heard that Anggun made it to top the charts in France I was really proud that an Indonesian artist finally be able to penetrate international music scene. But when I heard <<Snow On The Sahara>> and watch the video clip (the French one is much more meaningful than the latest version) I went directly to the record store to buy the CD. I even bought again the cassette so I can play it on my walkman. It is really the CD that worth more than the money you pay for.