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Product Description
Review
Susan Boyle is a classic example of the underdog. And she's still in our hearts – now making her second stab at the seasonal charts in the guise of Syco’s Christmas cracker. Flung onto the monitors of billions of YouTube visitors from her West Lothian council flat via Britain’s Got Talent, Boyle’s second album is a predictably comforting affair comprising seasonal standards, classic covers, touching string arrangements and a generous helping of boy-choirs.
The signature diction – fresh, clean and clear – is certainly heart-warming. But clocking in at just 35 minutes and without a big-belter hit at its disposal, The Gift is not as touching or grabbing as it could be. The climax two-thirds through Do You Hear What I Hear? reminds us just how exceptional a singer Boyle is; but the sentiment elsewhere is too placid, and perhaps too seasonal to achieve staying-power in the charts.
The Gift certainly isn’t lacking in rectitude or tenderness, but does fail to make the most of that catch in Boyle’s voice – the sparkle and the show-stopping confidence that made her ubiquitous. The restrained vocals are haunting, but the joy is stemmed from reassurance and association rather than the magic of her tale. There’s an unexplored middle ground here – it’s a guaranteed hit of an album, sure, but without that feeling of urgency in performance much of Boyle's magic has become diluted.
Even the cover of Lou Reed’s ode to heroin, Perfect Day, is less than wide-eyed. It’s an odd choice on the face of it, but in the setting of songs as classic and overdone as Auld Lang Syne, just another melody on top of a sea of subdued, whimsical string arrangements. And that shy touch is taken too far on Away in a Manger, which opens with the voice of a schoolboy rather than our still-new superstar. Boyle’s skill at flooring crowds with the big notes has been compromised; the waif-like softness should have been used more lightly.
The Gift wins at warming the heart in a time of reflection and recession, ringing subtly – via an impressively less-than-mechanical recipe – in the slushiest part of our brains. Sap sells, and that’s granted, but there’s a missed trick here, a lost chance to put Susan Boyle back on the centre-stage she so deserves.
--Natalie Shaw
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Voice of an Angel,
By
This review is from: The Gift (Audio CD)
When I first ordered this Album, I did not know what to expect,I thought Christmas songs yes ok,But when I received it I was blown away by this beautiful voice , Make me a Channel of your Peace , is my favourite so far,so soothing,Perfect day it makes you think back to a day in your own life that was perfect,I loved the duet ,Do You Hear What I Hear, Amber Stassi has a lovely voice ,I understand she was the winner of Susans Search,competition,Oh Holy Night is so beautiful. I have just picked out a few but the whole Album is superb,Susans voice is one of the best I have heard in a long time.
74 of 81 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful and Pure,
By Pauline "Judy Garland Fan" (London, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Gift (Audio CD)
When I hear Susan sing, I am blown away by the beauty and purity of her voice. It's like when you "ping" a crystal vase or bowl or glass. You hear a beautiful, pure sound. You can also hear every word Susan sings.The Gift is an odd mixture of pop classics and hymns and carols, but it works. Susan loves to sing and you can hear that in her voice and the feeling that she brings to each song. The Gift brings me peace and calm. There is a lot of jealousy out there because of Susan's perceived overnight success.It wasn't overnight. Susan has been singing for years in clubs and going to auditions and she deserves her success. There's plenty of room for everyone.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic voice!,
By Michelle from Sweden (Sweden) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Gift (Audio CD)
Susan Boyle has a beautiful voice and she seems to be a nice woman. Even if it's a christmas album it's lovely to hear even if it is spring. This cd I bought for my mom as a christmas gift and she loves it. She has already Susan's first album that we bought in London last year. I recommend it very much, buy it as a gift or to yourself.
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