CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

.

Rejoice

by: Katherine Jenkins

Release Date November 19, 2007
I'm surprised by the number of reviewers who criticise Katherine because she has not performed in opera and then compare her unfavourably with leading opera singers. Nowhere on this CD (or any of her CDs and DVDs) is she described as an opera singer and her recordings do not claim to be opera. Her recordings do include some arias from opera (though not here) and these are sung very well, but she also includes Welsh songs,(again sadly none on this disc), hyms, songs from musicals and other works. This variety increases that buyers might not like every track. I bought this CD because it contains 'Samcta Maria' set to the music of the Intermezzo from Mascagmi's Cacalleria Rusticana' 'Be Still My Soul' the hymn set to the main theme from Finlandia ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

.

As Heard on TV

by: Various Artists

Release Date September 10, 2007

Once again this is a helpful Classic FM 2CD release, aimed this time at those who hear a piece of TV advert music and like it, but haven't a clue who wrote it.

The tracks generally expand on the shorter pieces heard during the advert, and although some are not by the same artist as the TV version, they are by no means inferior and the difference will often be unnoticeable.

Whether the version of music is the 'best one' is largely irrelevant, for these are all good performances and recordings of some of classical music's finest and most popular masterpieces.

This is a great chance for those unfamiliar to classical music to get to know a little bit more, even if it's just the composers name and title of the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

.

Classic FM Christmas

by: Various Artists

Release Date December 03, 2007

Considering Classic FM's skill at producing CDs for almost every occasion, it's no surprise to see this timely release of Christmas songs for the 2007 festivities.

The packaging is of the usual high quality expected of Classic FM, the 2 CDs are in a slim case and wrapped nicely in a card sleeve with (a picture of) a festive red bow on the front which begs to be picked up and bought as a Christmas present. The selection of tracks is well chosen, giving a balanced mix of carols, traditional and modern music.

The carols are all good recordings of popular choices from the back catalogues of The Kings College Choir and the Choir of Westminster Abbey, traditionally sung, with organ accompaniment to some of them.

Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

.

Classical 2008

by: Various Artists

Release Date October 15, 2007

This 2CD release is a great collection of classical music which bears no real relevance to the 2008 in the title other than being released almost (!) in 2008.

The only common factor between all the tracks is that they are all, without exception, performed by top artists, making the album both highly recommended and, considering the numerous different performers who are included, guaranteed to please most listeners.

The album doesn't make any 'Best of', 'Ultimate' or 'The Only One You'll ever Need' claims because quite simply anyone who likes it will probably want more, the obvious choice of course is the inevitable 'Classical 2009' release next year.

It should be noted that not all the recordings are from 2007, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

.

Vivere - Greatest Hits

by: Andrea Bocelli

Release Date November 12, 2007
I have this CD on constant repeat! The music is so varied but holds your attention every step of the way. Bocelli's voice is one you just have to fall in love with. His "Romanza" is 1 of my favourites but "Vivo Per Lei" has me hooked also. GET THIS CD!!!!!!

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

.

Classic FM Voices 2008

by: Various Artists

Release Date January 21, 2008

Classic FM wasted no time in releasing this 2008 compilation - just 3 weeks into the year and the first of undoubtedly many classical compilations is on the shelves.

Voices 2008 is effectively a sequel to its 2007 predecessor and will appeal to both general and occasional classical music listeners as well as existing Classic FM fans. Just like last years compilation this one offers a wide range of vocally orientated orchestral music (it's not a collection of Gregorian chants) from many of the big names currently dominating the `popular' classical music world, as well as a few lesser known performers.

There is one disc of `relaxing' and one of `uplifting' music, boasting names like Pavarotti, All Angels, Katherine Jenkins, Alfie ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

.

Voices Of The Valley Encore

by: Fron Male Voice Choir

Release Date November 19, 2007
This could be any reasonably competent male voice choir. I WAS VERY DIASAPPOINTED WITH IT. It did not have the depth and resonance and passion of a 'proper' Welsh male voice choir like Treorchy.
It seems like a sanitised version.
Nowhere near good enough!!!

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

.

Classic FM Movies - The Ultimate Collection

by: Various Artists

Release Date February 18, 2008
Classic FM Movies- The Ultimate Collection overlaps with previous editions to a large degree. In other words, we are listening to same movie tracks featured in previous editions in this three disc set. The album offers no fresh movie tracks to listen to, but offers some bonus tracks from today hottest classical artists. The title of the album seems inappropriate bearing mind we are spoilt with huge cinema choice today. Why not feature the newest tracks rather than exhaust listeners with timeless classics? Combining the best movie tracks from previous editions seems a pointless task and releasing a new version with a pop corn cover is a typical marketing gimmick to allure buyers in the album.

The tracks featured in this album are pleasurable to listen ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

.

Into Paradise

by: All Angels

Release Date November 26, 2007
Grotesque, air brushed caricatures nearly put me off buying this. Not in the same league as the inspiringly beautifully natural first cover. WHERE'S THE SIMPLICITY GONE.

Slightly disappointed, just very slightly. I should have listened to my instincts and I wouldn't have missed much. I get more enjoyment from the debut album. This album is all right. But just all right. It's not got what the first album had - good choice of crossover songs. This time around they have picked songs that cannot be improved or sound similar to what's gone before. Shame because I love the first album - its one that I put on when I'm busy and before I know it I end up sitting down putting my feet up and just chillin right through to the end of the album. Every time! Its bliss.

Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

.

Spirit Of The Glen

by: The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Release Date November 26, 2007
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.