Title : Russell Watson · The Voice
Author : Ennio Morricone
Release Date : 20010417
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $18.98
Amazon.com Price : $9.25
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Editorial Reviews : Russell Watson's story is a classic rags-to-riches fairy tale: The former welder, after years of singing in pubs and clubs, traveled from Salford, his hometown, to London. He turned up unannounced at the Decca offices and was promptly signed up by one of the most important classical labels in the world. Vocal coaching followed, as did a number of successful live appearances supporting Cliff Richard. Now, we have this recital CD, which explores a wide range of musical styles. Watson's Italian is a little ponderous in tracks such as 'Amor Ti Vieta,' but this is more than offset by his captivating and utterly natural-sounding tenor voice. The inevitable popular arias are here, namely 'La Donna è Mobile' and 'Nessun Dorma,' sung with a refreshing and youthful vitality. Pop tracks, including Ultravox's classic 1980s hit 'Vienna' and a witty cover version of 'Barcelona' sung with former Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder, sit comfortably on the disc. Watson performs them with integrity, not simply paying lip service to the music of his generation. Watson has the potential to do for classical music what Jamie Oliver has done for cookery, and there are few people who won't find this debut CD appealing.
Buyer Reviews : I was not a pro-Watson fan or a Watson enemy. Browsing the classical albums, I would have ignored this album if it weren't for the fact that there were so many negative criticisms in the reviews all similarly stating stating boredom, ghastly etc. countered by 5-Star rating reviews. Normally, if there were only 5-star ratings I would have assumed the reviews were coming from a Watson fan club and would have dismissed the album. However, the severe negativity of the reviews aroused my interest, so I bought the album. I enjoyed it immensely. I just thought this was an excellent album in which the singing of Watson lends an excitement that one seldom experiences as one reviewer mentioned. His rendition of the classical and pop tunes are new and refreshing. The critics should stop lambasting this album. It only arouses the curiosity of individuals like myself who are just browsing. Anyway, I thank the critical reviews because I otherwise would have ignored it and missed out listening to this wonderful album. I probably will now follow this singer's progress and future albums. Thank you critics.
