Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Mystical Album from Across the Pacific, June 10, 2001
If you're looking for something to really stand out in your music collection, this has got to be it. It's different - I'll warn you of that right off the bat. But if you're ready to branch out and try something really superb and take your collection to a whole new level of quality, then open your mind and give this one a shot.A lot of work went into the making of this album - you can read about it on the cover notes. This is a Chinese artist singing her own interpretation of Tibetan music. The result is like nothing you've ever heard before. Some of the songs are strangely quiet, then suddenly become powerhouses of sound, complete with a thunderous chorus of male background voices and pounding drums. Some of the songs have catchy rhythms, but many are more understated, like someone singing a capella in the mountains. The overall effect of the album is a mystical one. It has the feel of strange music flowing from a temple. The voice may the hardest for some of us westerners to get used to. Not only is there no English, but she uses her voice in a distinctly Asian manner of singing that has less strength and melodiousness than what some people like. There are moments when it sounds like a high, shaky whine. But the instrumentation is brilliant, as is the song composition. And the singing is brilliant as well. You just have to train your ears. Be brave. Challenge yourself to add something this rare and this good to your music collection.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 stars max? She deserves tons more stars!, April 15, 2000
I only give five stars because that is the maximum rating that you can give, but I believe Dadawa deserves much more! This CD is one of the greatest CDs I have ever heard in my life and as I listen to the title track right now, I know I will never regret getting this CD. There is no singer who creates a greater ethereal atmosphere and expresses the spirit of her heritage. All of these songs have many layers of exorbitant sounds and creates some incredible touching feelings. The combination of the music from the computers and the Chinese music creates music that is not like any music on earth. ALL of these songs, each and every one of them, are examples of quintessential music. In fact, I don't have a favorite. I LOVE each and every one of these songs. Dadawa also has an excellent voice and her producer/composer He Xuntian is the music crafting genius. The spirit of the Chinese touches the soul of the listener. If you like the way Enya and Loreena McKennitt express the Celtic spirit, you will LOVE the way Dadawa expresses the Chinese spirit. You will miss out on so much if you don't hear this CD!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent stuff, September 30, 2004
I honestly do not understand people who complain that Dadawa merely exploits the cultural heritage of Tibet in her albums "Sister Drum" and "Voices from the Sky" (i.e. cultural colonialism of sorts) and that her works are not "true" Tibetan music. Well, hello! She never claimed that her works are "true" Tibetan music, she was merely influenced by Tibetan culture during her travels in Tibet. Read the inserts, people. Her works are influenced in equal measure by both Tibetan music and traditional Chinese music, and her fusion of both into something sublime is to be commended. Accusing her and her producers of "exploiting" Tibetan culture is like accusing Deep Forest of "exploiting" native cultures around the world by incorporating native music into their worldwide hits such as "Sweet Lullaby". And saying that buying her CDs is like hanging a beautiful Tibetan knife on one's wall i.e. doing something that does nothing to further one's understanding of Tibetan culture - well that's just plain silly. One has to start somewhere, and if loving Dadawa's music leads someone to explore more authentic Tibetan musical works, or to read up on Tibetan culture, or even to book a flight to Tibet, well that's a start. Yes, I do feel that the Chinese occupation of Tibet is reprehensible, but that is not enough excuse to accuse Dadawa of profiteering from Tibetan culture. Her love for Tibetan music is apparent to anyone who genuinely listens to her works without political bias, and I for one think Dadawa's CDs are a must in any serious music lover's collection. Do yourself a favour and buy both "Sister Drum" and "Voices from the Sky". You'll find yourself chanting "Om Mani Padme Hum" along with her songs in no time.
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by Dadawa 
