Search - Charlotte Church :: Voice of an Angel

STILL THE BEST OF HER ALBUMS

Cheryl H. Long | 05/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first of Charlotte Church's recordings, recorded back when she was still a normal, unspoiled 12-year-old Welsh girl. I first fell in love with her voice when I heard her singing "I Vow Thee My Country" on the radio about 8 years ago, and was blown away to find out that she was only 12 years of age!



I bought the CD shortly after that and have listened to it a bazillion times. Just recently, I decided to pull it out again and found myself enjoying it just as much now as I did then. She was probably in her best vocal form in this CD, before her voice became "overtrained," and eventually, ruined by her "Crazy Chick" habits.



Among the standouts -- besides "I Vow Thee My Country" -- are "Amazing Grace," "Ave Maria," "3 Welsh Bird Songs," "My Lagan Love," "Suo-Gan," "A Lullaby" and, of course, her signature song, "Pie Jesu." At the time, I thought she had the potential of becoming one of the greatest sopranos of all time once she reached adulthood. Sadly, this has not been the case, and her latest album, "Tissues and Issues," is a reflection of how far she has fallen both vocally and in her personal life.



If you buy only one Charlotte Church album, this would definitely be it."

I am divided between sadness and appreciation

Priscilla A. Arnold | Minneapolis, MN | 08/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"She is a natural talent that we will not likely hear from again. Unfortunately, Church was discovered too young, and rather than protecting the precious, amazing talent, it was used to make a quick buck. I'm sure that's what she thought she wanted, but now, several years later, her voice is showing evidence of the damage caused by the unrealistic strain put on her developing larynx and vocal folds.



I hope that she is able to come back. I hope that with rest and decent training, we find an artist that comes into her own and brings a whole new generation of vocalists and music lovers into an appreciation for classical singing.



The song selection was excellent for what it was... an album introducing the young diva to the public. A great selection of well-known as well as a few lesser known gems. Most of the text is in English, allowing the listener to relate better than if the text was in a foreign language.



Her pure voice is often so perfect and light. At times, there is a pushing into the "forte" dynamic that is unnatural and damaging for her voice. Overall, it is an amazing sound."