Enchantment

No matter what kind of music you enjoy you will find beauty here. Only the classical 'purists' could find fault with this. This is a recording to be listened to with the heart and ears and not the ego. If there is one particular high note somewhere in the stratosphere that Charlotte doesn't hit on this or her new CD "Prelude" it may just be that we don't notice because we are so enjoying this lovely girl and her exquisite voice.

I am just as apt to pop this CD in as I am Sade or the Goo Goo Dolls. This is a lush and joyful recording with one great moment after another. It is obvious she loves this music and that emotion comes across in every song. The composers and writers of these songs read like a who's who of the music world. But it is the crystal clear voice of Charlotte Church that makes them memorable to us.

1) Tonight - She really captures the joy and anticipation of this classic from Bernstein and Soundheim.

2) Carrickfergus - A beautiful Celtic song with a low whistle and an almost contemporary feel, Charlotte's voice embraces the wishful and longing tone of the song.

3) Habanera - This song is given a Spanish flavor and a gypsy feel, making it really something special.

4) Bali Hai - Anyone who has seen South Pacific will recognize this one immediately. It is full of atmosphere, the music and words of Rodgers and Hammerstein and the voice of Charlotte conjuring up images of a South Sea Island and sandy shores, and, of course, a pretty girl.

5) Papa Can You Hear Me - A heartfelt song that she did because it is her father's favorite.

6) The Flower Duet - Charlotte does a duet with herself on this one and the fun she says she had recording it can be felt by the listener.

7) The Little Horses - A simple lullaby turned into magic by her voice.

8) From My First Moment - Charlotte's voice is haunting against the backdrop of a gypsy violin in this beautiful French song.

9) The Water is Wide - A heartfelt Celtic song of love lost sung beautifully.

10) Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - She's old enough now, but at this time she was just having fun so it's great.

11) The Laughing Song - Almost a vocal exercise for Charlotte, this is playful and lilting.

12) If I Loved You - The classic and often recorded favorite of her Nana, it's lovely listening to Charlotte's graceful rendition.

13) A Bit of Earth - She states that she had been looking forward to recording this for a long time and it shows. It is tender and touching.

14) Somewhere - The beautiful and simple words of this often recorded song are surrounded by Charlotte's clean and clear vocals to create quiet and graceful magic.

15) The Prayer - This is a wonderful duet with Josh Groban produced by David Foster. It has a contemporary feel and a classic flavor. A peaceful and captivating duet.

16,17) My CD has the two bonus tracks, "Tra Bo Dau" and "Eligie." They are both splendidly rendered by Charlotte.

Charlotte Church is refreshing. This voice of an angel doesn't mind letting those of us who rarely, if ever, are afforded the opportunity to hear this kind of music have a listen. Just pick this up and enjoy Charlotte Church's wonderful voice and her enthusiam for music. It is a warm and enjoyable recording of great beauty minus all the stuffy trappings usually associated with it. You'll be suprised how much you like it.

I could go through and extol the virtues of every single song on this album, just as Miss Church does in the liner notes--what a wonderful idea it was for her to describe why she picked each particular song on this album. Her notes lend a poignant simplicity to the selections. Her voice only reinforces this notion--amidst the complexity of these songs, there is an underlying simplicity that makes them even more beautiful. The range of her voice is remarkable, and her ability to sing songs of different styles so well is equally so. "The Flower Duet" and "The Laughing Song" are fairly challenging pieces of music, but Miss Church excels in her efforts here. "The Little Horses" is a sweet, calming song, and "The Water is Wide" is wonderful. The final song on the CD, "The Prayer," is a perfect ending to the album. I wondered how her voice would sound alongside the voice of another singer, but Josh Groden's voice blends perfectly and beautifully with Miss Church's.

This is music that gets better and better every time you listen to it. This was the most difficult review I have written for the simple fact that none of my words can convey the emotion, poignancy, sensitivity, and beauty of these songs. The fact that such a young woman is responsible for these recordings is incredible.