Title : Sometimes I Dream
Author : Frangoulis, Mario
Release Date : 20020917
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $12.98
Amazon.com Price : $11.99
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Editorial Reviews : Forget the age of battling boy bands, the era of dueling young tenors is upon us. Hot on the heels of Josh Groban's dizzyingly successful, Ally McBeal-fueled debut comes this first international release from African-born, Greek-raised tenor Mario Frangoulis. There are some clear parallels between Groban's debut and this Frangoulis release, but some distinctive differences as well. While Groban coated his slick, David Foster-molded pop sense with a veneer of classical respectability, Frangoulis has effectively turned the formula inside out. With similar classical training--but a few crucial years of experience on his American rival--Frangoulis treats the classics reverently but not slavishly, with the title track effectively turning an aria from Puccini's Tosca into romantic Europop. Elsewhere, the international flavor is further expanded by three melody-rich songs ('Hijo de la Luna,' 'La Luna de Valencia,' and 'Naturaleza Muerta') by Spanish singer-songwriter Jose Maria Cano and a sing-along-ready take on the 1950s Neapolitan chestnut 'Luna Rossa.' Like Groban, Frangoulis and producer Steve Woods also plumb the music of la cinema italiana for inspiration, turning Nicola Piovani's bittersweet Life Is Beautiful theme into the ponderous 'Buongiorno Principessa,' but faring better with a moody, dramatic take on Rota-Wertmuller's 'Canzone Arribiata.' The obligatory rock-pop cover here is the flamenco-inflected 'Nights in White Satin', with Frangoulis joined in a bilingual duet with original Moody Blue Justin Hayward that's surprisingly effective. Less showy perhaps than Groban's debut, but a more nuanced and emotionally satisfying album overall. --Jerry McCulley
Buyer Reviews : I give Mario more than 5 stars if I can. It is a truly amazing CD.
I bought this CD by chance. When it was first released, I listened to the 30-second clips on the net and did not appreciate it. I finally bought it after hearing a few lines on a store promotional TV. Now Mario's voice has become part of my life.
Mario's got the pop appeals - the gentle touch, the expressiveness and passion. In addition, he has very solid classical and music theater background behind him. The Mediterranean flavor with danceable rhythm is contagious. His pronunciation is exceptionally clear and his English sounds like a native speaker. His timing is breathtaking. Yet he sings opera like a pro with the magnificent voice of a true tenor. Yet he composed two of the most beautiful tracks in the CD - Track 3 'Sometimes I Dream' and Track 7 'Ton Eafto Tou Paidi' (He Himself As A Child). The lyrics of quite a few songs have poetry quality. Mario got the good looks too. But he does not need to depend on his looks. He is a truly amazing musician.
My favorite tracks:
1. Vincero Perdero. Great poetic lyrics, beautiful melody. Original song for the CD and for the artist's voice. Mario feels it is his own life story that he sings to us.
2. Buongiorno Principessa. Lyrics written for Acadamy winning movie music. Mario sings at very low range at beginning and end with dramatic ballad in the middle. There is a splendor the way he sings it.
3. Sometimes I Dream. The music and lyric lead into the opera piece seamlessly. The song demonstrates Mario's vocal versatility in pop and opera. It brings life to a classic piece. The rhythm makes you swing.
7. Ton Eafto Tou Paidi. One of the best tracks in the CD. Composed by Mario and written by a well known poet for his personal experience as a child. A very sensitive and touching song. A beautiful way to be introduced to the Greek language.
All said, I am still shocked to find myself listening to this CD over and over again everyday since I got it a few weeks ago. I can now even understand most the Vincero lyrics in Italian. Since Mario already has a good-sized repertoire, it may be possible to see more of his works soon.
