Debut album by 'opera boyband' put together by the king of manufactured pop, Simon Cowell. This features popular arias, classical crossover pop and opera versions of pop standards - including Toni Braxton's 'Unbreak My Heart' - in much the same vein as Tony Henry, Josh Groban and Amici Forever. Syco. 2004.
Unfortunately, these gentlemen prove that a beautiful voice does not make a great musician---and four beautiful voices do not make a great ensemble. This quartet takes itself catastrophically seriously ("Unbreak my Heart" in Italian? please!); the only thing thicker than the vibrato is the pretense. In the hands of a gifted vocal/choral coach, they could be stunning, but in the hands of Simon Cowell, they're mostly just loud, un-nuanced, monochromatic, and slick. Enjoy it if it's your cup of tea, but please don't tell me it's high art. (On the other hand, it's fun to try to guess what they'll be translating next---"Who Let the Dogs Out" becomes "Chi emette le cani"? Hee.)
Posted by Anonymous, on 2005-09-19
Heaven's Sake! Give The Guys Their Due!
5
I LOVE these songs. These men have smooth harmony and sing beautifully. Let negative reviewers get up and sing; I'm sure THEY sound wonderful.
Bravo, Simon Cowell.
Posted by Anonymous, on 2005-09-26
Music for the sophisticated ear only! Simply the BEST!
5
One of the best music CDs! I highly recommend it! It is so nice to hear beautifully trained voices and talented singers. The orchestral accompaniment is outstanding. The mix of different languages is a plus! The combination of music and singing style is magic.
There is nothing plain and ordinary about this music or the singers. The world needs more of this. It is extraordinary! My congratulations to Simon.
All of the negative criticism in the previous reviews must be ignored. The reviewers just don't understand music and obviously don't have an ear for GOOD QUALITY music.
