Majestic, magnificent and unlike no other...
In my mind, Sarah Brightman is the wild child of the operatic and classical world. Her career has spanned over three decades, her three-octave vocal range extends to an E above Soprano C, which is not only hard but the woman can hit while dancing. She is famous for her pop like shows and her seamless transition form classical music to working with old Enigma producer, Frank Peterson as it has changed her life and enriched her music forever. She reminds me of Vanessa Mae, an exquisite violinist who plays fusion of classical composers with acid like electronica on her clear electric bone like violin.
I recommend putting this on loud, shutting everything else out and succumbing to the voice.
This album has air of desire, tenderness and feels like a midsummer night in Scheherazade's garden. There is a song called Arabian Nights and this whole album is truly the reflection of this hot theme. There are drums, chanting, foreign voices and wondrous melodies with some modern base, violins and a whole chorus are at her disposal. Sarah's voice is almost of a siren beckoning the sailors into her long hair and open arms and listening to hear is like drinking out of the pool of ethereal beauty. Her voice and melodies truly caress the ear and the soul and I can never get enough of her. Harem, What a Wonderful World and The War is Over and Anytime, Anywhere - where her pop and classical voices meet - are some of the coolest and richest songs I have ever heard but the whole album is a treasure in itself. I also recommend listening to the duet she sang with Andrea Bocelli, Time to Say Goodbye - a bone jarring, beautiful and unforgettable piece.
Harem is my second favorite album of hers following Eden. My first introduction to Sarah was few years ago while driving with my boyfriend towards the skyline of Manhattan with red skies and magnetic last rays of the sleepy sun, wind in my hair, listening to her magnificent song - Deliver Me and she has stuck with me ever since. Not only is she talented but at almost fifty she is of magnificent beauty and is incredibly sensual with her creativity when she is portraying herself. This album is very exotic and not to be missed, I recommend getting both because truly it's hard to only having to live with one.
I am happily dedicating my 500th Amazon review to the very talented Sarah, may she sing into eternity.
- Kasia S.