The greatest artist of the 90's and 2000's
Robert Storm | Finland | 01/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On Valensia's first album some songs were brand new while some had been written years earlier. His fourth full-length album is made the same way, and that's why Valensia called it Gaia II. However, the sound of this album is quite different. That's because Valensia produced it himself, without the help of Pim Koopman. Valensia's voice sounds even more beautiful than on the earlier albums, and his guitar playing has developed a lot. All the songs are excellent. My favorites are probably the first two songs: "Mayke&Veronique" and the reggae-flavored "Bruxelles". "Phantom of the Opera" is a bit like "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, and "Celeste" was inspired by The Police. The title of "Electric Lady House" is of course from the Jimi Hendrix classic "Electric Lady Land" but the song sounds a bit like Sparks. For some reason the song "Einstein" was only a Japanese bonus track. This is strange because it's one of the best songs on the album and features some of the best lyrics Valensia has written. There's one thing that makes Gaia II different from Valensia's earlier albums: there isn't a waltz as a follow-up to Gaia, Kosmos and Millennium. This is a wonderful album from the greatest and most underrated artist of the 90's and 2000's."
A must for Queen fans!
Kurt Morris | Sandy, UT United States | 04/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Valensia is very much influenced by Queen and it shows throughout this album. Such awsome Queenlike harmonies and he's even captured the Brian May guitar sound. Of corse Valensia isn't Queen's equal and I doubt Valensia would want to be considered that way, George Michael, Robbie Williams, The Darknes, or any of those artists who are often compaired to Queen don't hold a candle to Valensia. All you need to do is listen to 'Phantom of the Opera' to know what I mean."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1