Hannah's Journal

Track 10 - Bridal Ballad
This track is really quite haunting, but in the most beautiful sense. It is taken from the Merchant of Venice and for me it has this very traditional folk feel to it. An odd yet compelling melody, some nice picking (I think that is a harp in the background) and some strings combine to give this track a very unique feel and I would say that it is very Celtic in its tone. This track has grown on me since I've had the album and it always comes as a nice little surprise each time I hear it. It is quite different to most of the tracks that come before it and for this reason I think it stands out a bit more. At just over four and a half minutes it is a little longer than expected, yet when it does end it leaves you wanting more. A strange yet beautiful track and one which I seem to enjoy more with each listen.

Track 9 - Bachianas Brasilerias No. 5 Aria (Cantilena)
This has quite a startling beginning with Hayley's voice being used to it's operatic best and it really grabs you. This is a classical track and I find that it begins quite menacingly but then becomes smoother and slightly warmer. This is not the style I prefer to hear Hayley singing, however having said that, this track is still very impressive and it just shows what a truly exceptional voice Hayley has and the different styles she can adapt to.

Track 8 - May It Be
I don't really know what genre you would class this in. It isn't really folk and it isn't classical, I suppose it's in the style of traditional folk music? Anyway it doesn't really matter what you label it. The track was originally performed by Enya and it appeared on the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, to the first film Fellowship of the Ring - maybe that will give you an idea of how it sounds. I vaguely remember the song from the film, and from what I can remember Hayley's version is pretty similar to Enya's and it is a great choice of song as it really suits the style of the rest of the album. This marks the halfway point of the album and as you can read, I haven't had a negative thing to say about it so far. Great stuff.

Track 7 - Both Sides Now
I know I keep on saying this - but this probably is my favourtie on the album! It is a cover of the Joni Mitchell classic 'Both Sides Now'. Continuing the folky theme of the album, Hayley performs a beautiful version of this wonderful song and really does it justice. I could see this being potentially big hit single as it is simply so good. Simple backing, meaningful lyrics and at just over three and a half minutes, this is a song that never outstays its welcome and actually I don't want to write too much about this and spoil it. It is simply beautiful and deserves your attention. Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed.

Track 6 - Quanta Qualia
Well I didn't quite make it an entry per day as the weekend sort of took over - so I've got a bit of catching up to do! This track Quanta Qualia is more of a classical track than the previous, but it once again shows off Hayley's beautiful voice. I know a lot of people say this, but her voice does have a very ethereal quality to it and tracks like this are just so relaxing to listen to. It is so calming and smooth, it is an absoulte joy to put on. It is probably one of the most unassuming songs on the album, but that is not to say that it isn't strikingly beautiful.

Track 5 - What You Never Know
As I hinted yesterday, this song, What You Never Know, is one that Hayley co-wrote and for a first attempt at songwriting, I have to say that this is mightily impressive. Not only does Hayley prove herself to be a wonderful singer and performer, she has now added songwriter to that list. This is gentle track which very gradually builds and gathers momentum. It is a slow paced number which once again employs a limited amount of production, and feels all the better for it, as it allows the song to breathe and move along unhindered. This is a love song, whose end refrain of 'I'm falling for you' rings out beautifully as the track fades away. If this initial attempt at song writing is anything to go by, we should expect great things from Hayley in the future, as it shows a genuine talent. This track is truly wonderful and it achieves that great feat of already feeling so familiar, even though I had never heard it before the start of the week. Brilliant.

Track 4 - Ave Maria (Caccini)
With a swift change of direction from yesterday's poppier track Hayley once again excels herslf on this, the fourth track on the album. This is the Caccini version of Ave Maria, which probably isn't as well known as some of the other versions, this however doesn't detract from the beauty of it. If anything I think it adds to the overall wonder of this song. It sounds quite traditional yet it doesn't sound over familiar. Yet again the production is quite simple, but as seen on the previous tracks and many of the ones to come, I think this is the style that best suits Hayley's voice. I must say that I do prefer Hayley's poppier and folky tracks, but this is still another fine song. Tune in tomorrow for a track which Hayley co-wrote - trust me, it's a real treat.

Track 3 - Never Saw Blue
This is an absolutely gorgeous track...I seem to be saying that about every track on this album! But this really is! A beautiful uplifting love song which Hayley handels with real delicacy. The production is kept simple and I definitely think that this style of production works best for Hayley. It allows her voice to reach its true potential and it never becomes too fussy. There is no denying that this song is really quite basic, but that is where the beauty lies. A nice sentiment, lovely lyrics and a heartfelt message which Hayley carries off perfectly. This is one highlight on an album of many. Back again tomorrow for yet another change of direction.

Track 2 - Dell' Amore Non Si Sa
This track is a duet - and the guest is a very special one; none other than the the fabulous Andrea Bocelli. I think this song really fits both their voices - in my opinion two of the finest voice operating in classical music at the moment. Andrea has a rich and grand voice whereas Hayley's is quite fragile yet still strong. The song really builds up and it has a great crescendo in it. This is definitelty more of a 'classical crossover' track, and I must say that it is probably one of my favourites on the album. A wonderful pairing of two of my favourite singers who work so well together. Great stuff. And you can look forward to something a bit different tomorrow.

Track 1 - Prayer
This is an absolutely superb opening track to what sounds like, on first listen like a really brilliant record. Prayer starts with Hayley's earthy tones in their purest form and the track slowly builds from there. The music is very quiet and simple but retains a sense of real beauty. There is a nice little guitar break half way through which is stylistic of the whole track; there is nothing too flashy about it, it is simple yet effective. This track really showcases her voice and I think it is a great re-introduction to the music of Hayley Westenra. Tune in again tomorrow folks for track 2.

Hayley Westenra album blog
I'm quite excited at the moment as the new Hayley Westenra album, Odyssey, is out on Monday and I can't wait to hear it! I also think that this is going to be a great opportunity for me to increase my blogging activity. I'm going to start entering blogs daily as of Monday and each day I will give a detailed analysis of each track. So by the end of it, there should be a very comprehensive album review! Think I'll give Pure a few listens over the weekend to get myself in the mood for the new album. I can see the next few weeks being very enjoyable, productive and exciting. That's it for now, see you Monday.

just another post
This is going to be a pretty boring one - just had time to drop by and write a few sentences, so thought I might as well take the opportunity - my first blog was looking a bit lonely there all by itself. Maybe I should set myself targets and try to enter x amount of blogs per week? Think I need to get into a routine. Right - 5 blogs per week - that's what I'm going to try - maybe a bit ambitious but I'll see how it goes...

Well - I set my account up a few days ago, but I didn't have the time to write my first entry! Anyway here I am now giving it a go - but I still don't have much time! I think I'm just gonna use this as a way to drop in every niw and again and write down what I've been doing. Had a pretty relaxing weekend and didn't do much I suppose - I watched Van Helsing on DVD for the first time - I know it's quite old! - but I really liked it. But now it's Monday - so that means another whole 5 days til the weekend! I know I'm lazy but I love weekends! Anyway, I 've got to dash - I think I might quite like all this bloggin. Hopefully be back soon.

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