Search - Various Artists :: Beautiful Sounds of Nature

Soothing Sounds of Nature

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 07/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While I can appreciate the sounds from a secluded lake, there is nothing like the sound of a thunderstorm rolling in. For the past few days I've been in rainy day heaven. There is nothing like snuggling up in bed and listening to a thunderstorm while you read poetry. Of course it would be better if someone was reading you the poetry although the thunder in the "Rolling Thunder" CD is so realistic, it will keep your full attention.



You can hear each droplet of rain hitting the parched earth. The storm brews slowly, then the wind starts to blow and finally birds chirp and the thunder gets louder and louder as if the storm is rolling across the sky. Spectacular! The best I've heard so far and well worth the price of the entire set. Of course my cats fell soundly asleep to it and once you get used to it, you can eventually enjoy it late at night as you fall asleep.



"Morning in the Mountains" is perfect for a time when you want to listen to a cool mountain stream cascading down the mountainside.



"Secluded Lake" is much more restful and you can hear the cry of a loon as it echoes off the alpine shores. The sounds on this CD were recorded from sunrise to sunset.



"Ocean Shore" is mostly rolling surf and a few seagulls. You really need to dig your toes into some sand while listening. ;) It will inspire a trip to the beach.



"Bird Sanctuary" is a symphony of birds serenading one another.



"African Rainforest" was actually quite comical in places once the gorillas and monkeys have their say about it all. Exotic birds, insects and a tropical rainfall makes this the most unique recording in the set.



"Humpback Whale Serenade" is an interesting conversation between whales to the background of a soothing sea and rolling surf. The haunting echoes seem to surround you if you imagine yourself at the bottom of the sea. Truly the best recording I have heard to date.



"Pine Forest" is filled with life. All you need is the scent of pine to complete the experience.



"The Deep Woods" has a chorus of birds mixed in with cooing doves. If you think about it, the harmonizing is rather amazing. These are the sounds you would hear if you were on a long hike and got to the place in a woods where you imagined no man had been before. This was my least favorite as it seemed a plane was flying overhead, an echo from a cave was included? or there was a sound that I could not quite identify which could remind you of a generator or car passing by on a freeway. If anyone figures out the sound, I'd love to know. So, I would not recommend "this" particular CD for that reason. Also, I could hear a rooster crow. So, not sure exactly what is going on in that CD and the birds really overpower the other sounds. Hey, 9 out of 10 isn't bad.



The first 9 CDs would be perfect for Massage Therapy, a quiet moment, calming background for writing, or just a complete nature escape. Each one of these recordings is clear and realistic except I was not happy with "The Deep Woods" for various reasons.



I'd pay $20 just for the "Rolling Thunder" CD because it is that good, so getting 8 additional CDs that I love almost as much was a great deal for the price. Think of this set as being 9 CDs and you will be very happy with this collection.



~The Rebecca Review"