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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Russell Watson's story is a classic rags-to-riches fairytale: the former welder, after years of singing in pubs and clubs, travelled from Salford, his hometown, to London. He turned up unannounced at the Decca offices and was promptly signed up by one of the most important classical labels in the world. Vocal coaching followed, as did a number of successful live appearances supporting Cliff Richard. Now we have this 14-track CD which explores a wide range of musical styles. Watson's Italian is a little ponderous in tracks such as "Amor ti vieta", but this is more than compensated by his captivating and utterly natural-sounding tenor voice. The inevitable popular arias are there, namely "La donna è mobile" and "Nessun dorma!", sung with a refreshing and youthful vitality. Pop tracks, including Ultravox's classic 1980s hit "Vienna" and a witty cover version of "Barcelona" sung with former Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder as well as two new songs sit comfortably on the disc--Watson performs them with integrity, not simply paying lip service to the music of his generation. Watson has the potential to do for classical music what Jamie Oliver has done for cookery, and there are few people to whom this debut CD will not appeal. --Rebecca Agnew
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I had to wait patiently for my copy of this album, as it was a promised Christmas gift from my son - but it was worth the wait. When an album stays at arms length in my studio for almost 5 months, then it's a sign of a firm favourite with me. It has seen me through the dark winter afternoons and right into spring, and I'm certain that it'll still be with my 'most played' pile by the time winter comes around again. I was quite amazed when I first heard Russell Watson sing. Amazed not only by the fact that his voice is refreshingly different, but also by his age - I find his voice quite something for such a relatively young man. I did think that I wouldn't like the more modern tracks on the second half of this album as I usually prefer different types of music kept apart, but I did like them, and after playing the album a few times, hardly noticed the transition. I do however prefer the more classical tracks. One very nice touch with this album is the fact that the booklet not only gives the words to all the tracks, but also, where necessary, English translations. I was prompted to write this review by the fact that I had just listened to Classic FM's top ten albums programme for the first time since January, and was delighted to find this album still at No.1. Russell Watson deserves this success. It's not always easy to leave paid employment to follow a dream, but when it pays off as his dream so very definitely has, it's a wonderful thing. I for one wish him many years of success with 'the voice' as he calls it. This is certainly my number one favourite this year.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I loved it. He may not be classically trained and may have received a lot of criticism from the classical buffs but to me it was great. Having the mix of classical and more popular on one CD kept me entertained, enthralled and never bored. On my long commuter journey to work I sat back, earphones in, eyes closed and his voice both relaxed and uplifted me to another world.
As you have gathered I thought it was great - and I have already ordered another of his CD's.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I was somewhat skeptical about this young tenor but I have to say I have been converted, even though I don't consider "The Voice" (the CD) to be an unqualified success. Watson's voice has a natural, melodious timber that potentially can put him in the top ranks of tenors and I do not agree with the reviewers who have found his voice to sound "forced". My impression is the opposite--what sets him apart from other tenors, operatic included, is the combination of sweetness and power. My objection to this first CD is the collaborative efforts--to me they are a waste of the real talent involved, namely that beautiful voice. It is interesting and impressive that he can move easily between pop and classical but I hope he doesn't overdo the pop side. At any rate, this is an awesome beginning and I eagerly await his next offering.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Russell Watson
I was watching the X Factor and I thought it a load of screeching banshees singing and I turned over and found a programme of Russell Watson singing at the Albert Hour. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. David E. Darby
Golden voice
This is a man with the golden voice on a beautiful CD of carefully chosen music. I would recommend it to anybody.
Published 17 months ago by Alastair
Russell Watson: The Voice
Bought at my mother's request after she'd heard a track on the radio. She's 88 and she thinks it's great. It was a bargain price too!
Published 19 months ago by Fay
Russell Watson "The Voice"
Russells first release, and best! You have to liten to the most unusual brilliant version of "Barcelona". Lost our original copy so delighted to find on Amazon. Read more
Published on 1 May 2010 by Robin Hood
Russell Watson, album number 1 (The Voice)
The Voice, released in May 2001, is Russell Watson's debut album and marks the end of his progression from the pub and club circuit, and the start of his recording career after... Read more
Published on 8 July 2008 by Mart Music
The voice - more like the reverb!
Russell is on OK singer, no better than that. He is certainly not a great tenor. He is let down on this recording by the record company trying to make him what he isn't. Read more
Published on 7 Oct 2007 by A. Stewart
Russell Watson------ What Voice??
Decca must, indeed, have clambered to sign the Salford wonder, what with Pav fast nearing the end of his recording career, and with only so many people not posessing the... Read more
Published on 2 Sep 2003 by Mike 'Spudgun' Hardy
Russell Watson------ What Voice??
Decca must, indeed, have clambered to sign the Salford wonder, what with Pav fast nearing the end of his recording career, and with only so many people not posessing the... Read more
Published on 2 Sep 2003 by Mike 'Spudgun' Hardy
IN THE BEGINING........
I feel the title speaks for itself.If you've never heard of Russell Watson then this is the perfect way to introduce"THE VOICE". Read more
Published on 7 Jun 2003 by Ms. G. Sinclair
A Top Recording From a Top Artist
Where shall I start...???? There is too much to say about this cd so I'll keep it short. Magnificent recording for a debut album. Totally fantastic! Read more
Published on 19 April 2003
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