Russell Watson

I like Russell Watson and the new collection is excellent. However if, like me, you already have several Watson CDs you probably have a copy of all the songs on this CD. I recommend purchasing if and only if you have no other Watson recordings.

Tom Watson has the most beautiful tenor voice I have ever heard. I am a professional musician, playing pipe organ and piano. I accompany singers all the time, but I have never heard one of Tom's ability.

Please let me know when he records another "CD"! I would buy it in a heartbeat!

This is a wonderful album by my favorite singer. He can sing any style, but I enjoy his classical style the best. I'm glad he has recovered from his surgery and is back performing again. I hope he'll come to California some day for a concert.

I bought this CD for everyone that I needed a unique gift for at holiday time. What an amazing repertoire of songs and WHAT A VOICE! Russell Watson seems like this everyday, random guy...but,when he sings--the world stands still. Most noted are his choice of accompaniments from "Volare", complimented with a full orchestra, to "Barcelona", a fun vocal with rap star Shaun Ryder. Excellent choice.

Prior to purchase, I previewed the samples and was convinced that the songs in this collection are truly endearing. I enjoy listening to it especially while I'm driving as it provides a soothing and peaceful feeling while trying to patiently maneuver through heavy traffic. At home, it provides me an equally wholesome experience. Russel Watson's voice and rendition of the songs make his style uniquely pleasant.

This item was ordered as a Christmas gift for my husband so it has not been used yet.

The order I placed was shipped and received in a timely manner. The product was just as described. Very pleased with my purchase.

I purchased this CD after reading a review on Amazon.com and was extremely happy with his style.He has a rich, mellow, and haunting voice. I especially enjoy listening to him sing "To All THe Girls I've Loved Before" with Alexander O'Neal.

Russell Watson continues to deliver the goods in his latest release. Great song selection and wonderful singing. He's still got it!

Wow! I purchased this disc as soon as it came out hoping that it would match or perhaps even exceed his previous ones but my gosh this was beyond all expectations. I've actually worn out a new cd player listening to it. This is the greatest cd I've eved heard. His voice is richer than ever and I LOVE the song selection. It's hard to explain. It's like a giant magnet. The songs are beautiful, inspirational and if you have ever loved (which most of us have) they seem to draw you back through the best memories of those times. Don't deprive youself. This is definitely worth it.

I enjoy Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. I thoroughly enjoy Russell Watson's "Encore" and "Amore Musica."

Do I like this CD? Well, the songs I already liked, RW did a good job with. Songs I didn't know or like before are just so-so.

I like this CD and the new genre for Russell. His voice lends itself to the style of music but I think he needs to have a little more fun with it and be relaxed (he sings Sinatra but doesn;t have the loose style yet). There are a few clunkers, notably "Born Free." How did THAT get into this mix??

So...3.5 stars. If he doesn't a Nelson Riddle songbook he would probably be practiced enough to make it great.

Russell's versatility talent is shown on this album. The voice is just the voice. This one is not like his albums before which have many classic songs (kind of tenor)that for some is unlistenable,:)(you know..)

I am not particularly fan of certain kind music. I do like pop,rock,classical,jazz or should i just say good music.

So, now we have Frank Sinatra songs covered by Russell here. Though I am not fans of Frank Sinatra before, I can say I really enjoy this cd and that make me want to collect some Sinatra's album.

Last, I would say as a fan of Russell's voice, for non classical audience this is the voice for you to enjoy.

The problem with this album is that everyone had done swing music, and it really does't highlight the sheer strength in his voice.
Russell Watson is the British answer to Andrea Bocelli.
In his nine years on the UK classical scene, he has released five albums and received critical acclaim for bringing operatic-style tunes to the average Briton.
He has five million worldwide album sales tucked under his belt, including the fastest selling classical album since Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti: The Three Tenors in Concert / Mehta.
His debut album, Russell Watson · The Voice, spent a whole year on top of the UK classical chart and every album he has released since has received either gold, platinum or double platinum-selling status.
But tragedy nearly struck last year when it was discovered that the tenor had a brain tumour.
After a period of successful medical treatment, the 40-year-old is currently on the road to recovery and "That's Life" is a celebration of his return to form.
Writing in his album leaf, he says: "It's very hard to put into words how I feel about this recording... It has been a very difficult period in my life, from which I am gradually recovering."
In his first departure from pure classical music, Russell Watson releases a collection of tried and tested love songs, including some of the hits made famous by greats such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.
The 11-track album features some of the world's best known songs - from "That's Life", to "Let There Be Love" and "Smile".
It also features a bonus track with soul legend Alexander O'Neal.
"That's Life" is a pleasant album and unfortunately that's all that can be said about it.
The song choices are pretty obvious and do exactly what they say on the tin.
He has since changed musical tact - from opera to lounge music. A shame really as he is one of the best mainstream classical artists, having paved the way for far more inferior acts, such as Il Divo Il Divo.
So the voice finds himself curtailed on some real snore-fest tracks like "Strangers In the Night".
A Russell Watson fan knows what they're getting when they pick up the album - a lovely voice crooning out some of the world's best known love songs.
It's enough to melt the hearts of the mums, aunts and grandmas who will probably be receiving the CD on Mother's Day or on Valentine's Day.
Highlights include the title track "That's Life", which kicks off the album - a triumphant song, which features Watson uttering the rousing words "I just pick myself up and get back in the race".
While Russell may be one of the UK's great operatic voices, the types of songs he chooses on the album unfortunately reduce him to somewhat of a copycat swing singer, belting out the tunes with the same inflections and faux-American accents implemented by the plethora of artists who have done this so many times before.
This is especially evident on songs such as "Born Free", in which you might think he's nothing more than a Frank Sinatra tribute act.
There are, however, some good tracks on the album, including "You Don't Know Me", "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "A Very Good Year", whose long vowels suit the operatic style with which Russell is most comfortable.

Watson is stunning in this album of Sinatra-style remakes. There was a lot of risk in recording songs that have already sold millions of albums, but he took them to a new level of style, precision and feeling. Fantastic album.

What a glorious voice Russell Watson has! I keep this CD in my car so I can enjoy it while driving.

I purchased this based on the song I heard for the opening of the Star Trek Enterprise tv series. I love that song and found out that Russell Watson was a wonderful singer and I will most likely buy his new album. I even signed up on his website to receive e-mails about him and his work, that's how much I enjoyed this cd. Beautiful voice, he is an amazing singer. I hardly ever purchase cds anymore but I am so glad I bought this one.

This is a beautiful CD - it showcases Russell Watson's multiple styles beautifully. A nice mix of songs and what is not to like about his voice?

One of my more successful online purchases. I bought this for the "Star Trek Enterprise" theme song, but was pleasantly surprised by the rest of the CD content as well. There is wide variety of music contained on this CD, and all top notch. This is a welcome addition to my CD-Changer.

Having just heard Russell Watson for the first time I am very impressed. What prompted me to listen to him was after reading on AOL that he had just had a brain tumor removed. This was the second time for this type of operation. The article had listed two songs sung by Russell, one of which was my favorite song sung by Josh Groban which is You Raise Me Up. I was ready to dislike it since I thought no one could sing that song like Josh. But I was wrong. Russell blew me away. He sent chills up and down my spine. I am hooked and have since purchased two of his cd's. I can't wait to receive them and listen to all the songs. I have been to many Josh Concerts from his Closer tour to the recent one Awake. At first his voice was amazing but now I find that he is more into the women that go to see him. His performance is not about the music. His current cd titled Noel was very disappointing. I will not be purchasing any more of his music or going to his concerts. Russell is now number one on my list. My prayers go out to Russell for a speedy recovery!

I first heard Russell Watson during a Fourth of July concert which aired on one of the major television stations. He sang "Funiculì, Funiculà" and the crowd went crazy, as did I. Soon thereafter I went to the nearest record store and asked where I might find any CDs by Russell Watson. The clerk who helped me smiled. I asked her why she smiled and she replied, "We have a lot of customers asking for Russell Watson's CDs." I bought every album of his they had, and then I went online and ordered more. His voice is stunning. His talent is enormous. He once said he sang the selections he did, a mixture of opera, classical, and modern, because he wanted to reach a broad audience. I have since given his CDs as gifts and I never tire of listening to this album, as well as others of his.

I do not even remember why I acquired this recording, probably because of a magazine review suggesting an interesting new tenor. Whatever my reason, I must say that I enjoy listening to it.
And I do not understand the vitriolic reviews some on this site have given the recording. True--Domingo he is not. But, I have never heard anyone claim that he is. It is amazing to me how many reviewers praised the (talented) amateur Daniel Rodriguez' recordings and how many are panning this one.

The first time I heard him sing I was blown away- in a land full of fat old men siging opera- he is anything but- as easy on the eys as his voice is to the soul, Watson remains one of the most under appreciated artists of the day. This is my second copy of this CD as the first one mysteriously walked away. Russell Watson, is a man of many voices- this CD just shows one side- it's a beautiful compilation- mostly classical in nature. There is not a bad track in the whole thing but my favorite was Pelagia's song from Captain Corelli's Mandolin. This was his debut Cd. He has since done many more but this collection remains one of his strongest. I would also recommend Encore over Ultimate Collection. If you enjoy Josh Groban, you will definitely like Watson- except that unlike many other classically trained tenors, Watson can actually cross over to pop and rock without sounding like something is lodged in his colon (not naming any names here). On subsequent CDs the man's voice is truly versatile. He is a chameleon, moving seamlessly from Nessum Dorma to a cover of Bohemian Rhapsody to a popular Broadway show tune and doing them all meorably well. This, his first, remains one of my personal favorites. This one is definitely a keeper, but you will defintely want to hear more!

He has native talent...an untrained working class guy who sang in a pub and knocked 'em dead! Really a pleasure and delight to listen to. he would end the night, the set, with Nessun Dorma to a standing ovation. these blokes appreciated it! You will too.

I'm glad that musical artists besides opera singers are encouraging the art of opera. I also like some of his more upbeat selections as well. In my opinion though, I couldn't listen to his CD for very long. A couple of his arias sounded a bit splatty at times, and back in the throat at others. I don't claim to know everything about opera, I'm only in highschool, but his sound seemed quite pushed in places.
When all is said and done,however, I hope more people will come to know and love opera through his music.

The soundtrack to Captain Corelli's Mandolin is very beautiful with dramatic and moving selections from the film as well as vocal selections of opera and Italian music of the 1940's which are performed by the cast during the film. The film is about and Italian army officer in occupied Greece at the beginning of World War II when the Italians fought the Greeks in Albania. He falls in love with a beautiful Greek woman. There love affair is fought with many barriers; historic, cultural, and emotional. The soundtrack captures these movements well.

It's more evocative of the book instead of film but the music helps one recall those moments illuminated under the Mediterranean sun.

It's only fair that I take responsibility for buying what is simply a Sound Track Only of the movie. I'm deaf and need a sound track like I need a hole in the head.

I grew up with Greek and Italian music and that is one of the reasons I bought this CD in addition to absolutely loving the movie. The music is original and traditional. "The Mandolin" is perfection. If you want to take a romantic journey through another time and place this music will give you that chance.

Awsome music; lyrics, as well as instrumentals. Takes you away to a land of beauty. If you also grew up with Italian music in your home, you may especially enjoy this version of standard favorites such as Santa Lucia and La Donna E Mobile. I consider this movie as the Italian Americans' "Pearl Harbor". Lots of heroism in the movie and the music elaborates on that with spendor.

Purchased Amore Musica when it was released in the United States in 2004. Have friends that just became aware of this tenor (who is immensely popular in the UK and abroad) so purchased the CD's to give to them. This was recorded after Russell Watson had surgery on his vocal cords and I'm happy to say, left his voice unharmed. CD contains something for everybody. Love it!

Two thumbs up from me. Just found Russel Watson in Nov. 2007. I have bought all CDs and the latest DVD in Dec. 2007. Absolutely wonderful. I play it over and over. I particularly like Magia Sara, Il Gladiatore, The Alchemist, ou'll Still Be There for Me...Actually I loved hering this beautiful voice sing all the choices. Wow, I just marvel each and every time I hear him. The Voice has a quality that cannot be matched & makes me throw rocks at all the rest...

He appears to have lost the sound and confidence of invincibility that was apparent in his previous works. The feeling that he could hit any note and nail it with attitude and aplomb is no longer there. It's a subtle loss. The album also appears to have been made by different producers, musicians, and audio technicians. The accompaniments dont have the grandeur and fullness of past albums. It also sounds like he's using a different mic/pre-amp set-up and effects unit to record his vocals in the studio. This results in a voice devoid of the typical sheen, fullness, spatiality, and "airy-ness" we grew used to hearing from him. I think it has little to do with his voice surgery since in his most recent album "That's Life", the vocal tone exhibited from his first two albums has returned.

I am a strong fan of Watson and have all of his CDs but I was somewhat disappointed in this latest one. While I still enjoyed listening to it, it seemed to me that his voice was not as strong as before--perhaps because of the surgery. I was also not as impressed with his choice of selections as on his previous CDs. I very much liked the mix of songs previously--both opera and popular. This group of songs seemed bland by comparison although they were all very pleasant. I hope his next album will be more like the earlier ones because on those he exhibited a truly powerful and beautiful voice.

Softer than his work before the surgery but every bit as enjoyable.

This is very good collection of music that brings to life a wide variety of music that is both old and contemporary. The selections vary from composers, historical and famous such as Pavarotti and Puccini to today's James Horner (Titanic, A Beauituful Mind) and John Williams (Star Wars, Sabrina, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan).

If you enjoy the sounds of Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Enya, Kate Bush, Andrea Bocelli, and various theatre music (Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, Cats), then you will find this collection worthy of your appreciation.

I have often wondered why classical music radio channels do not play modern composers (i.e., Horner, Willams), and am glad that this album gives them credit that they deserve. There is so many good compositions being created every day that only appear to have a voice on the big screen, which is unfortunate.

Track 11, composed by The Doors, and is a nice version, indeed. I also enjoy the Bond players giving a new twist to some old favourites.

Ciao,
Neil

First, let me begin by saying that I am by no means an expert in classical music, but have grown to appreciate it immensely in the past year. I can say wholeheartedly that this is the most beautiful compilation of music I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. It's simple irresistible. There are few words to describe how emotional it is to hear Pavarotti sing "II Canto", or Placido Domingo belt out "Questa o quella". You just get numb with joy!! I have NO idea what they are saying but a translation not necessary. The entire collection (TWo jammed-packed CDs) is phenomenal (excluding the selections from "Bond" which I found to be particularly annoying and not at all "classical" in the true sense of the word). There is something here for everyone, regardless of your personal musical tastes or tolerances.

A guaranteed hit -- Don't miss this one.

CD One

Andrea Bocelli "En Aranjuez con tu amor"
Bryn Terfel - "Granada"
Bond - "Viva" ( not my favorite, sounds almost disco-ish)
Hayley Westenra - "Pokarekare Ana"
Luciano Pavarotti - "Una Mattina"
Katherine jenkins - "Time To Say Goodbye" (a heart stopper - so beautiful!)
Duel - "Canon" (lovely!)
Janine Jansen - "Allegro from 'Spring'"
Andreas Scholl - "Ombra mai fu"
Nigel Kennedy - "The Unknown Soldier"
Kiri Te Kanawa - "Nuns' Chorus"
Nelson Freire - "Chopin Etude No. 1 op. 25
Julian Lloyd Webber - "Flight of the Bumble-bee"
James Horner - "For the Love of a Princess
Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard "Now We Are Free"
Renee Fleming - "Mesicku na nebi hlubokem"
Russell Watson - "Amore e Musica"

CD TWO

Luciano Pavarotti - "II Canto" (I MUST see him sing this in person!!)
Placido Domingo - "Questa o quello" (I never tire of hearing this)
Andrea Bocelli & Bryn Terfel - "the Pearl Fisher's Duet"
Jose Carreras - "Funiculi, funicula
Dominc Miller & Kaori Muraji - "Fragile"
Tavener - "Song for Athene"
Josep Calleja - "La donna e mobile"
Jean-Yves Thibaudet - "Gymopedie No. 1"
Juan Diego Florez - "Una furtiva lagrima"
Kathleen Ferrier - "Blow the Wind Southerly"
Angela Gheorghiu - "Ave Maria"
Janine Jansen - "Schindler's List Main Theme"
Bond - "explosive"
Secret Garden - "You Raise Me Up"
Hayley Westenra - "Never Say Goodbye"
The Three Tenors - "Nessun Dorma"

Enjoy!

Cris Cunningham for Amazon.com

I must say I enjoyed pretty much all of the songs on this album. "Victory" by Bond was the only thing they shouldn't have included, since it doesn't quite qualify as "classical" and wasn't what I would call a hit, anyway. True, it was instrumental, but real classical music is of a higher caliber. ("Now We Are Free" isn't quite classical either but it's not 'commercialized' like "Victory.") I really liked "Duel of the Fates," "Maria," "Now We Are Free," and "O Fortuna." Those were my favorites out of a great selection of songs. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't really care for full-blown classical.

I bought this cd when it first came out, as my first real taste of anything even remotely classical. And for that purpose, it works. For someone getting into classical seriously though, I'd start somewhere else.

aside from the second track (Bond-Victory) and the title track from the movie Braveheart, this is a decent classical album. The Bond-Victory selection is embarrassing commercial crap.

This is a perfect album for someone who doesn't like classical music. It's almost like classical crib notes. The mix is great for dinner or party music but I was left wanting more. I'm not sure of it, but it felt like each song was shortened some how.

This album contains many of contemporary classic music's finest songs sung by many of the finest singers in the world. Bocelli, Brightman, Fleming, Watson, just to name a few. The problem here is with the opener, where the song is sung by the execrable Charlotte Church. Its a mystery to everyone I know who has heard this CD why this song is not sung by Sarah Brightman who did the original and defining version. The rendition by Church simply demonstrates her lack of vocal control and emotion. Even a cover by Renee Fleming is far superior to that of Church's. The only thing I can think of here is that since the album is put out by Sony, and Charlotte is owned by Sony, they had to find some place for her songs after paying her so much money.
If not for Church poisoning the well on track 1, this album is an absolute 5-star