Pure - Hayley Westenra

Advantages: Different styles of music - powerful voice
Disadvantages: For myself - none

Hayley Westenra arrived in our house at Christmas. We had seen the album advertised and were gob smacked at her voice so when Craig got some money at Christmas he went straight out and bought the album for under a tenner in Tesco’s. Since then I have kinda waylaid it as my CD - having only just come around to any sort of classical music since I have known Craig, he scoffed (lovingly he says) at the idea of my writing an op on this CD. Not one to ...
...- here I am. In my eyes, being a complete classical/opera novice gives me the distinct advantage of looking at things through fresh eyes - though forgive me if I don’t know techy terms etc. Sitting comfortably? Then here we go... If I have worked her age out right from the little history Hayley has provided within her booklet then she is a mere 17 years old. Astounding really that such a voice can emit from such a young (and tiny statured) soul. ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent debut album
Disadvantages: Spot the duff track...

I have to admit to a vested interest here. I’ve performed as a backing singer for Hayley on a couple of occasions, and she’s a very sweet, unspoiled girl, with a great attitude for making a success of herself in this business. If any of the “child star” so called classical musicians have a shot at enduring success, it’s her. I also have to confess that the Special Edition of “Pure” that I have was a gift from Universal Classics, but you can buy ...
...bet. DO I LIKE THE ALBUM? Yes. I have to confess that I didn’t think I would, and that I would be passing it on as a present at Christmas, but I’ve played it a few times now, and Hayley’s sweet, girlish soprano is initially very appealing. Whether it will pall on repeated hearing I couldn’t say, but at present, it’s still close to the CD player in this house. COVER/BOOKLET/PRICE As a new release, it’s obviously at Full-Price at present. £13.99 ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful Vocal, Wide Range of Msuical Genres
Disadvantages: Absolutely None

Hayley is New Zealand's equivilent of Wales' Charlotte Chruch. However, while Charlotte has a wonderful voice, Hayley's voice has a magical quality that is a rare gift in one so young. This 16 year old has a power and resonance that is unequaled. Her beautiful offering of the Maori song 'Pokarekare Ana' is stiking in the crystal clarity of her vocal octave range. 'Amazing Grace' will stir your heart. But the song that really caught my fancy was ...
...does this song so well you would think Kate Bush herself was singing the track. The vocal strength of this one song alone would knock your socks off. This CD will not only impress you and make an excellent addtion to your colection, but will leave you wanting more from this young and gifted singer. I have no doubt she has a long and important career ahead of her ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful, smooth, enchanting, mahnificent
Disadvantages: Not enough songs

I saw Hayley in concert last christmas and then met her in the interval and have grinned my head off every time I hear her voice ever since. This 18 year old woman has the most magical voice and the most magical personality the world has ever seen. The likes of Charlotte Church, yes, they have the quality of voice but if you compare the same two songs they sing, you'll be stunned at just how much more Hayley's voice moves you. This CD is in my CD ...
...listen to whilst trying to sleep as it lulles you gently to sleep. Some songs to listen out for are such as Never say goodbye, who painted the moon black, Dark Waltz, River of dreams and Heaven. (And Believe me the only reason tracks such as Pokare kare ana have a negative effect on me is because I have awful memories of singing them myself, not a good thing to do!) This Album is exceptional and will enchant the listener. ... Read review

Advantages: a breath of fresh air
Disadvantages: none

In order to sit and listen to a whole albumn of a genre that your not usualy intrested in it must be exceptional ,and this one is And ime glad i decided to listen to it In this albumn the clarity of Hayleys voice shines through.It doesnt need any enhancments , and in reality it would be a pleasure to listen to with or without the musical accompaniment Once listened to youl be hooked With tracks that reflect her maori background "Pokarekare Ana" ...
..."wuthering heights" "Amazing Grace" to the beautifly haunting "Who Painted The Moon Black" From start to finish first to last track this little kiwi with a style all her own will keep you enthralled with the voice of an angel and the looks to match, any lover of good music would be pleased to add this albumn to their collection I for one would have no problem in recomending this albumn and hope to hear many more ... Read review

Advantages: great voice, blend of styles
Disadvantages: may not appeal to all listeners, espacially young

...There are many great female singers (my own current favourites tend to be Norah Jones and Katie Melua), but it's rare to come across such a pure voice as Hayley Westenra's. This is a music genre which wouldn't normally appeal to me - a bit too classical for my taste, even with its pop leanings - but this has certainly won me over. Overall, Odyssey is a very good mix, with something for everyone : there's a track (May it Be) from Lord of the Rings ; a new take on an old folk tune (Scarborough Fair) which, while good, is not quite up to the standard of Simon & Garfunkel's version ; a very good cover version of Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now ; a couple of other easy listening tracks ; and a selection of classical tracks, including a duet with Andrea Bocelli (if you're not a fan of Andrea Bocelli, I can entirely sympathise, but please don... Read review

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