Customer Reviews

Storm

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Less techno and more exploratory than 'The Violin Player' - her previous non classical album. Here Vanessa Mae get's into all sorts of sounds, moods and feelings. Some of the influences are Chinese 'Happy Valley', Latin 'Leyenda', French 'Embrasse Moi' and even one than conjured up, for me anyway, a western saloon with dancing girls - '(I) Can Can (you)' There are adaptations of classical songs 'Bach Street Prelude', Scotish Poetry 'Doun', a hymn 'The Blessed Spirits' and a monster disco hit from the '70's - Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love'. Yep, I think that qualifies this album as experimental, but more importantly - does it sound good? Fortunately it does. I say fortunately because with all the various mixes, it could have ended up sounding like a cacophany rather than anything symphonic. As it is there is one track that is a little jarring - 'Retro'. The best pieces for me are the title track 'Storm' - lovely sythesized thunder, 'Leyenda', 'Aurora''I Feel Love' and 'Doun', which contrary to what the CD sleeve says - is not a Robbie Burns poem.

Vanessa Mae certainly expanded her musical horizons on this album but unlike 'Violin Player' which floored me from the start, this one only grew on me. It took a few listenings.

Here is an exciting, well made pop album that borrows from original work, yet pays the listener back with interest. If you are familiar with Vivaldi's renowned work, "The Four Seasons," then recognition of the first 2 tracks will be immediate.

The album introduces itself with "Haze," which opens curiously with the earthy, natural sounds of church bells and chirping birds which are soon contrasted by an otherworldly, digitized sound image to which Salvador Dali could have painted. Some 40 seconds further in and Vivaldi's violin score (first mvt. of "Summer") delightfully makes its cameo appearance, but is given an undetermined performance by Vanessa-Mae. Nevertheless, "Haze," (track 1) does its job well, foreshadowing the powerful techno-acoustic "Storm;" the name of the album, but also track two.

For this piece, Vivaldi's third movement of "Summer" is the fundamental source for the material. And here, "Storm," has the high-voltage and rhythm to really blow your doors off! Indeed the sound effects testify to this! "Storm" is dressed up in a digital drama that is quite theatrical--exciting! My only want was to hear more bravura from Mae's violin so as to match her bold, techno-sonic support. However, this isn't the only successfully spliced classical/techno jam on this record.

There is another great track (4), from this hodgepodge--the "Bach St. Prelude." Bach's original Partita in E generously sources the track and amiably yields to donning the musical costume for the occasion. It begins chimerically with cartoon-like voices and sounds that set up the ensuing, bright, joyous violin and pulsing dance beat. Here, the characterful accompaniment frolics alongside Bach's merry melody and eventually takes his masterly composition for a free piggyback ride...and the authoritative Partita musically obliges. All this is done to the very height of playfulness. No other item on this CD offers such mirth! (With some exception of track 6, the "Can Can.")

Certain other items here are born of other originals; from disco (I Feel Love), Scottish folk music (I'm A Doun), and 70's rock (Hocus Pocus). Other tracks apparently are more original efforts expressing new age, jazz, dance and some ethnic elements.

With all of these pieces, expect studio effects and other pleasantly odd ornamentations to effect mood, ranging from cyannotype moonscapes, calls of the wild, libidinal rhythms, thunder clap, voice effects, cosmic clashes, windy passes, ethereal vocals, distant echoes, and time-stopping indescribables. All this adds nicely to the color palette, bringing character to the album as a whole.

There is some variance of quality between these items but none should offend. For instance, "Hocus Pocus," on this album is not as humane as the 70's original and manages only a fair amount of appeal from its techno permutations. Also, on "Leyenda," there is a native sounding holler that seems very cliche, though the rest of the vocals are to good effect.

As for the sound, the EMI engineers deserve some credit for packing the CD with full-spectrum sound; bright details, solid midrange and a transparent base. Just occasionally is there a muddy layer. Only high-fidelity equipment (I use Sony's MDR V-6 headphones.) will be totally honest in bringing out all the sonic dramatics.

If you enjoy many types of music, this album becomes more appreciable with its many colorful moods and digital spinnings across the variety of musical genres.

If it is sheer listening pleasure you're after, this CD is sure to entertain and stimulate the imagination. And having virtually no academics involved, the listening is an easy affair. Yet, due to all the sonic histrionics, this is not an ideal collection for background music. However, if you are cleaning house as you are listening, don't be surprised when you fling the feather-duster and start dancing up an outrageous "storm" all your own! Fun. Heartily recommended.

--RL869

I couldn't wait to hear more of Vanessa-Mae's unique musical interpretations since "The Violin Player." Unfortunately, "Storm" falls a bit short due to its lack of consistency of styles throughout the album. The "remakes" like Storm, (I) Can, Can (You?), and I Feel Love are hip and refreshing interpretations. The album is also worth buying for I'm a Doun, a haunting track also found on "The Classical Album."

"Storm" has a harder rock edge than "The Violin Player," which was more jazz fusion. I would have preferred to hear more innovative violin playing than the vocal showcasing and style inconsistencies. There were a few disappointing tracks that sounded too much like mainstream rock insofar that I was asking myself, "When is the violin going to come in." I wasn't sure of the theme this album was trying to convey, but it is a good hodgepodge of tunes. It's definitely a welcome addition to my CD coll! ection.

If you like this kind of music, you may want to check out "Bachbusters" and "Beethoven or Bust" by Don Dorsey. Also, "Dancing With the Lion" by Andreas Vollenweider has some neat jazzy-new age tracks.

I look forward to Vanessa-Mae's next "pop" album!

This is the only and first Vanessa Mae disc I own. I only remember her earlier material as being more grounded in classical roots. From what I gather from other reviewers that know about her earlier stuff, the beginning of her career was like the calm (classical) before the storm (pop-techno,contemporary). Her rendition of Donna Summer's I Feel Love (while it can never be better than the original) is remarkable. Mae's "light" and airy vocals suit this type of song and music well. Some die-hard classical music critics may consider Mae's journey or route into pop as blasphemy;Then, again I'm sure Beethoven raised a few hackles and eyebrows in his time ! If this is what makes the younger generation somehow get a lingering itch or curious notion to venture into classical, then so be it. Storm is not Britney Spears or N'Sync commercial schlock;It is bonafide solid material with true musical merit !

I admit I feel in love with Vanessa's first CD "The Violin Player", but "Storm" is my absolute favorite recording right now of any kind.

I have listened maybe a hundred times and never get tired ( and often hear something new).

Her versatility and expansive talent shine all through this CD. Vanessa is obviously her own person and not afraid of trying new sounds and techniques, who would ever even think of combining flaminco guitar and violin?

I often sit back and close my eyes and imagine this attractive young asian girl with a perfectly proper British accent furiously strumming her signature white electric violin and swear to myself I will see her in person someday.

Okay, if you are looking for something new, wonderful music, and a rockin' good time- BUY THIS CD!

I am a major music fan. I have tons of CDs and have heard tons more. So when I say that "Storm" by Vanessa Mae is the greatest album of all time, it's not from a lack of knowledge of what's available in the music world.

I bought this album in 1998 in Taiwan, about a year before it was released in the USA. I listened to it regularly for nearly two years before listenings became infrequent. Most CDs, even ones I really like, become listened to infrequently within a couple months, which shows how spectacular this CD is that it would last so long.

I don't know how to limit my acclaim for this album within the maximum number of words Amazon.com allows. To do so will require leaving out vast amounts of what I have to say about this album. So mostly all I can do is summarize.

This album is powerful emotionally: it has a range of emotions from peaceful to frenetic, from grandiose to dramatic. The sources of music vary, from classical compositions by Bach and Vivaldi to folk music to Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," to songs that are probably original compositions for the album. Though the styles vary considerably, the album does not at all feel disjointed; it is a dynamic, complete, emotional journey.

I have other albums by Vanessa Mae. My first album of hers was "The Violin Player." I really liked the opening Bach track on that, but the rest was more like background music. Her third crossover album, "Subject To Change," is better than "The Violin Player," still rather background but not as much. But this second album, "Storm," is FOREGROUND music all the way! The recording, the playing are all up front! And speaking of the playing, her violin playing on this album is intense! The other two albums seem so dull in comparison. Speaking of comparisons, "Storm" whips Bond's album "Born" too (I haven't heard Bond's new one). That album is lively but lacks creativity or variety. "Storm" is far, far superior to these other albums.

My favorite tracks: "Storm," which is fast, furious, and powerful! -- Vivaldi like it was meant to be!! "Bach Street Prelude" is bouncy and energetic, also the best performance by far I've ever heard of this song. "I Feel Love" has beautiful vocals and killer violin jamming. There are more songs I like too, but space is so limited.

I could go on and on about this album; I've barely scratched the surface. If you like Vanessa Mae, Bond, or other crossover classical, you ABSOLUTELY MUST get this album!!! And even if you're not into crossover classical (my main musical interests are rap, dance, World Beat, and alternative rock), but love a variety of music, you will certainly find this album astounding.

Hunt for this album--it will be well worth the hunt.

I am a major music fan. I have tons of CDs and have heard tons more. So when I say that "Storm" by Vanessa Mae is the greatest album of all time, it's not from a lack of knowledge of what's available in the music world.

I bought this album in 1998 in Taiwan, about a year before it was released in the USA. I listened to it regularly for nearly two years before listenings became infrequent. Most CDs, even ones I really like, become listened to infrequently within a couple months, which shows how spectacular this CD is that it would last so long.

I don't know how to limit my acclaim for this album within the maximum number of words Amazon.com allows. To do so will require leaving out vast amounts of what I have to say about this album. So mostly all I can do is summarize.

This album is powerful emotionally: it has a range of emotions from peaceful to frenetic, from grandiose to dramatic. The sources of music vary, from classical compositions by Bach and Vivaldi to folk music to Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," to songs that are probably original compositions for the album. Though the styles vary considerably, the album does not at all feel disjointed; it is a dynamic, complete, emotional journey.

I have other albums by Vanessa Mae. My first album of hers was "The Violin Player." I really liked the opening Bach track on that, but the rest was more like background music. Her third crossover album, "Subject To Change," is better than "The Violin Player," still rather background but not as much. But this second album, "Storm," is FOREGROUND music all the way! The recording, the playing are all up front! And speaking of the playing, her violin playing on this album is intense! The other two albums seem so dull in comparison. Speaking of comparisons, "Storm" whips Bond's album "Born" too (I haven't heard Bond's new one). That album is lively but lacks creativity or variety. "Storm" is far, far superior to these other albums.

My favorite tracks: "Storm," which is fast, furious, and powerful! -- Vivaldi like it was meant to be!! "Bach Street Prelude" is bouncy and energetic, also the best performance by far I've ever heard of this song. "I Feel Love" has beautiful vocals and killer violin jamming. There are more songs I like too, but space is so limited.

I could go on and on about this album; I've barely scratched the surface. If you like Vanessa Mae, Bond, or other crossover classical, you ABSOLUTELY MUST get this album!!! And even if you're not into crossover classical (my main musical interests are rap, dance, World Beat, and alternative rock), but love a variety of music, you will certainly find this album astounding.

Hunt for this album--it will be well worth the hunt.

I have looked for a long time to find a "classical" cd that I can listen to while doing homework. Unfortunately, they usually cause me to fall asleep. This cd is upbeat and fresh, and I don't have that problem anymore. I play the violin, and have for almost 6 years, and I wish that I could play even half as good as she sounds on Storm. I recommend this to anyone who is into classical music but needs a little more of an edge.

This collection of Rock & classical music by the best violinist around only fails in so much that she doesn't write nearly enough of her own material and relies a bit on music already known by the people who listen to this album.(especially the older ones like me.However it does show her to have an amazing insight to the kind of album that her fans want to hear because there are so many different styles on it.Havin g seen her live 5 times already I can only say that she should really win more awards for her music because unlike other so called stars she really can play both live and on disc.Surely on the strength of this she has a sparkling career ahead of her.And she can only get better.!

This follow-up to the groundbreaking 'The Violin Player' is the most revolutionary violin album out there, taking everything achieved by its predecessor several steps, if not leaps, forward. Establishing what is her trademark with this album, Vanessa reworks and invigorates many beautiful songs. 'Summer Haze' and 'Storm', are two of the most inspiring renditions of pieces from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' I have ever heard, capturing every note of the intense beauty and vivaciousness that the original pieces had years ago, but now with wondrous modern influences. This is equaled, if not excelled, by the stunning 'Bach Street Prelude', Mae's arrangement with producer Andy Hill of the renowned Bach piece 'Preludio'. Lilting, georgeous and uplifting, this interpretation leaves the previously recorded "classical version" in the dust, with Vanessa playing with so much more emotional intensity and personality to her own remarkeable style. 'Happy Valley', a song written by Vanessa herself, among others, is the unforgettably breathtaking theme used for the Re-Unification of Hong Kong; the song progresses with intricate production of a choir, interludes within the song, before a fantastic, spellbinding finale, easily one of the most stirring and beautiful songs of the past decade. The album continues with endless highlights, including the Spanish-flavored 'Retro' and 'Leyenda' and an exuberent performance of the Can Can, called '(I) Can, Can (You?)' on this album, to the joyous and fresh 'Embrasse Moi (You Fly Me Up)', 'Hocus Pocus', and a remake of Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love' with Vanessa contributing vocals. 'A Poet's Quest (For A Distant Paradise)' is beauiful in that it captures the bittersweetness of soul-searching with reverse side: the uplifting and adventurous; while 'I'm A Doun' is a one-song culmination of all the priceless elements on the album. 'The Blessed Spirits' is the dynamic closer to a landmark album, leaving the listener with just as much impact as the first notes of the first track.
This album is a masterpiece because the recordings here will be remembered not only for their beauty and life, but for the wondrous talent and musical genius they represent and convey. Those wise enough to buy the album and expose themselves to such beautiful music will, I hope, agree.