Amazon.com: If one's notion of "world music" promises a touch of the exotic and indigenous, often overlooked is the fact that the influence of western pop music has seeped into every corner of the globe, creating a hybrid that's often more than merely the sum of its influences. Theater vet Brightman steps into that pan-cultural hall of mirrors here, wedding her fascination with the music and rhythms of the "forbidden places" (the title's Arabic meaning) of the Middle East to her own oft ethereal vocal charms and rock-solid sense of drama. And if the diva's equally sound crossover sensibilities (and that of longtime producer Frank Peterson) sometimes mire it in familiar world-beat pastiche, Brightman's charmed muse manages some transcendent moments nonetheless. Her musical borrowings (Borodin for the title track; Puccini's *Madame Butterfly* for "It's a Beautiful Day") are as compelling as her choice of collaborators: classical violin star Nigel Kennedy and Iraqi vocalist Kadim Al Sahir add compelling touches to the weary timeliness of "The War is Over." The musical influences range from Europe across the Mediterranean and as far East as the Indian roots of "Bollywood" composer A.R. Rahman's "The Journey Home" and Brightman's own "You Take My Breath Away" to evocative recastings of the emblematic standards "Stranger in Paradise" and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," while ex-Killing Joke keyboardist Jaz Coleman provides the savory East-meets-West orchestrations that ensure Brightman's star turns the seamless foundations they deserve. --Jerry McCulley
so good I bought this four years ago when it was first released and didn't like it. I only listened to it once back then - I think I was expecting another Eden or La Luna. I put this cd in my player last month and fell in love with it. This is my favorite Sarah Brightman cd. I actually love it more than Eden and La Luna (both were extremely good). I own all of her cds, but this one is her best. My favorite tracks are 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14. Sarah's voice is so beautiful - she's extremely talented. I'm going to add the DVD to my wish list.
Harem is heavenly A voice so pure, effortless and flawless. What a gift - this voice.
Brightman turns every song into a seductive love song. She could gargle mouthwash and seduce me. Definitely a CD for cosmopolitan lovers.
Her worst CD First of all, I'm a huge Sarah Brightman fan. I have if not all but most of her CD's but I have to say with all honesty that this is her worst offering. I mean its downright terrible. Very disappointed and will be giving it away.
Oh em gee, what happened to Ms. Brightman. I'm not a fan of this type of music but I really like Sarah. She has a very sexy and beautiful voice and a beautiful look. My parents play her all the time and I became a fan and own most oif her stuff.
La Luna was one of the best follow-up albums ever because it was different. It maintained one pf the classical moods and this made it her best album ever.
But unfourtanately things don't last forever. I haven't heard the new album but I really just can't get into this album very much.
Take a look at the cover art. The beautiful sunrise, the cool looking title, and the very beautiful Sarah standing amongst the sunrise. Catches the eye, doesn't it?
The album itself isn't. The album starts off with her weakest opener yet, Harem. It starts off good, but then gets into a monotone techno beat that sounds like something that might be good for elevator music. Then What a Wonderful World is a cover, and it sounds awful!!!!!! What was in Sarah's mind?? The next 4 tracks are not bad, but then Arabian Nights is the most boring song she's ever released. The multiple languages thing is cool, but come on, the meaning of the song- if there is any, that is- is complete BS. Plus usally Sarah's albums have an amazing last track, while this one is a joke.
I can't wait to hear Symphony-- My aunt bought it today when we were at the mnall and I will post a review, so keep your eyes open.
So overall, this album is not bad at all, but a big dissapointment, and is very rushed. Harem? More like Scare-'em.
Incredible Voice - Fantastic Sonds Sarah Brightman continues her incredible career with this CD. I can listen this over and over again. I had the pleasure to actually see her in concert perform the songs from this CD. Amazing experience.
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