Customer Reviews

Spirit

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's incredible to me that fewer people know about Caroline Lavelle. This album is breath-taking. Sensous, hypnotic, cry-making beautiful. The combination of her lyrical, folk-like melodies underpinned by her whispering cello, and a driving electonica bass groove is incredibly powerful. The sound is distinctive of the brilliant electronica producer, William Orbit, (he made Madonna's outstanding Ray of Light and much else.)

I think Spirit was ahead of its time when released... will have sounded a little strange to folk music lovers and too melodic/sweet for the edgier trip-hop set... but will ultimately be recognised as very special indeed.

A follow up album, please Caroline!

I'll admit I knew nothing about Caroline Lavelle until a friend gave me her album. He said he thought I might like her because of my musical choices in the past -- wow, was he right.

First off, her singing is nothing like Loreena McKennitt. That's not bad, but makes her different. She has a sultry rich husky voice compared to Loreena's sweet melodic singing. Caroline's singing is in-your-face with deep notes and every breath she takes can be heard.

As for her music she is an incredibly talented musician. All of her songs vary in types from native influenced, to celtic inspired to down right sultry. Check out "DESIRE" -- a song I plan to use at my wedding. WOW what a gorgeous torch song! "A Case of You" based on Mitchell's original release is as good as the original, if not better. She takes the song out of the rafters and drops it down an octave in order to let you sing along, in my opinion.

I never tire of this album. She is very unique and very likeable as well as friendly. I had friends who met her at her concert and said she was very nice to them. Also, I wrote to her website to ask for lyrics and she personally sent them to me. A musician who cares about her fans! Plus a talented one! I hope she continues to keep giving out good music. I'd be more than happ to buy it from her.

I remember browsing my local music store one day and this album caught my eye. I liked the autumn milieu and the colors on the cover artwork. I also recognized the name Caroline Lavelle from somewhere. Weeks later, when flipping through my Loreena McKennitt collection, I saw Caroline Lavelle in the booklet for Live in Paris & Toronto. She played cello in McKennitt's live band. Thinking anyone who played with McKennitt had to be good, I picked up this album. That's a true story. Really.

Well, it's like nothing Loreena McKennitt ever did. There is a bit of a Celtic quality to some of the melodies, but I'm actually reminded a bit more of Enya. However, Lavelle's music is "darker," and more somber (as opposed to the "bright" ambience of Enya). The arrangements on this CD is very quiet and subtle. Producer William Orbit creates layers of smooth electronic-tinged music, almost in a "new age" sort of way. Some tracks have too much bass, but he does a good job most of the time, allowing Lavelle's voice to be the main instrument, supplemented by electronics but not immersed by them. I love her voice...very sensual and sexy, deep and pristine. "A Case of You" is hot stuff, leaving me in need of a cold shower. Lavelle also plays some beautiful cello pieces, like the murmuring solo at the beginning of "Moorlough Shore." There is also a lot more "real" instrumentation, like pianos, pipes, and guitars.

Songs are all pretty slow and mellow, but different songs still entail different moods, from gentle ("Turning Ground") to feisty ("Dream of Picasso"). If this CD were edible, I'd put it in a sandwich and eat it.

I was first introduced to the music of Caroline Lavelle after hearing the song "Turing Ground" on a public radio station. I thought it was one of the most magical, wintery and dreamy pieces I'd ever heard and after searching for who that artist could possibly be, I finally found this.

This cd is produced by William Orbit and his sound is definately all over the disc which gives the music and interesting twist. There are elements of celtic, folk, ambient and electronica and I couldn't help but be reminded of some the work of Happy Rhodes or Emer Kenny who are also both underrated musical talents.

The lyrics are inspiring and introspective and she seems to do an excellent job at making the listener visualize exactly what she is saying. I just want to cry after I hear the beautiful piece "Forget the Few" which gets better with every listen. I just certainly hope there will be a follow up to this cd since after all, it didn't get much attention from the mainsream. Hopefully, after touring with Loreena Mckennit we'll be hearing more from this lovely lady.

Bottom line is if you like Enya, Loreena or anything produced by William Orbit, this album is a must have.

I also highley recommend Happy Rhodes "Many Worlds are Born Tonight" and Emer Kenny's self titled cd. They are both equally as good.

This is an intensly increadable CD, Lavelle does a wonderous job of mixing many styles of music into one beautiful style of her own, I recomend this CD very much, its my very favorite. And I await the next one, I plan to buy it the day it comes out.

Honestly, I've owned this album for YEARS, and I still listen to it on a daily basis. Caroline's voice is simply the most intimate and sensual that I've heard. Lyrically, this artist knows what she's doing--smart and emotive words are tied together to create great images. Musically, it is hard to beat "Spirit." It is a wonderful mix of traditional, ambient, and electronic. I've not read one review of this album by any music critic that has NOT been positive. The great news is that Caroline will be releasing a new album this year (FINALLY!!!) and is working on a second album for release at the end of 2001 that will be more classical (but still include her voice) and based on WWII poetry. How cool is this woman!?! Check out her official website at http://www.carolinelavelle.co.uk/ Seriously, no person should be without this CD.

I don't have much more to add to the positive reviews below--this is a wonderful, chill out, hypnotising record. However it bears noting that nearly all of the album was produced, and in spots written by William Orbit before he became so well known for Madonna's Ray of Light. His swirling synth landscapes are all present here as well, and add many layers to Caroline's vocals.

Stunning

E

Every time I listen to this album, I'm stunned by the fact that there's not a single dud on it. Every song is impressive, different, and memorable.

At Amazon's price of just ($), you really owe it to yourself to give it a try. Without fail, all the friends I've played this album for, end up with a copy.

I tracked this album down after hearing her on Jam Nation and wanting to hear more of her vocals. Absolutely amazing album...

Caroline Lavelle's cd Spirit is both moving and soothing, passionate and delicate. Light a candle, turn off the lights, and let Caroline's magical voice wash over you. I eagerly await the release of her next cd.