Search - Vanessa-Mae :: Storm

Vanessa's Masterpiece

ericmusicguy | 10/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This follow-up to the groundbreaking 'The Violin Player' is the most revolutionary violin album out there, taking everything achieved by its predecessor several steps, if not leaps, forward. Establishing what is her trademark with this album, Vanessa reworks and invigorates many beautiful songs. 'Summer Haze' and 'Storm', are two of the most inspiring renditions of pieces from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' I have ever heard, capturing every note of the intense beauty and vivaciousness that the original pieces had years ago, but now with wondrous modern influences. This is equaled, if not excelled, by the stunning 'Bach Street Prelude', Mae's arrangement with producer Andy Hill of the renowned Bach piece 'Preludio'. Lilting, georgeous and uplifting, this interpretation leaves the previously recorded "classical version" in the dust, with Vanessa playing with so much more emotional intensity and personality to her own remarkeable style. 'Happy Valley', a song written by Vanessa herself, among others, is the unforgettably breathtaking theme used for the Re-Unification of Hong Kong; the song progresses with intricate production of a choir, interludes within the song, before a fantastic, spellbinding finale, easily one of the most stirring and beautiful songs of the past decade. The album continues with endless highlights, including the Spanish-flavored 'Retro' and 'Leyenda' and an exuberent performance of the Can Can, called '(I) Can, Can (You?)' on this album, to the joyous and fresh 'Embrasse Moi (You Fly Me Up)', 'Hocus Pocus', and a remake of Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love' with Vanessa contributing vocals. 'A Poet's Quest (For A Distant Paradise)' is beauiful in that it captures the bittersweetness of soul-searching with reverse side: the uplifting and adventurous; while 'I'm A Doun' is a one-song culmination of all the priceless elements on the album. 'The Blessed Spirits' is the dynamic closer to a landmark album, leaving the listener with just as much impact as the first notes of the first track.

This album is a masterpiece because the recordings here will be remembered not only for their beauty and life, but for the wondrous talent and musical genius they represent and convey. Those wise enough to buy the album and expose themselves to such beautiful music will, I hope, agree."

Love this cd!

A. Kilgore | 07/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my favorite cd of Vanessa-Mae's, and definitely the one you should buy first. The pop/techno arrangements are very good, not cheesy and dated sounding like those on The Violin Player. A must-have for anyone who enjoys the classical crossover genre."

Fresh, exciting, upbeat twist on classical - sooo hot

Douglas Hileman | Van Nuys, CA USA | 01/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i was in a video bar in DC _____ years ago (it's gone now), and heard some music that made me stop dead in my tracks, listen to the music, stay glued to the video, and wait until I could find out, "WHO IS THAT?" It was Vanessa Mae. I bought this cd the next week, and it's still among the favorites in my collection.

VM has a brash, unique, peppy approach to anything she does. She's anything but boring. Her technique and respect for the underlying music is clear. I've slipped a VM in where I've had my hair cut, popped it in in the car - every time, people stop and pay attention.

I dont listen to her 24/7, mind you, but had to post a review 'cause it's among my favs. Hope you enjoy it too."