Surrender (The Unexpected Songs) [Soundtrack]

Personally, I think "Surrender" is excellent. The tracks are recorded in different languages, giving Sarah's voice a whole new edge. The heavy-toned vocals are just what I like to hear. One track in mind is "Piano"(Italian version of) "Memory". Sarah uses her full range and voice. "Guardami",the sister track of "Piano", is also one of those aria type of pieces. Webber chose some interesting pieces for her to sing. There's nothing she can't do.

Those who prefer quiet, relaxed songs will like the title track "surrender". The orchestra is light. The music fits well with ballet. "Unexpected song" is great. The best is saved for the last seconds of the track. "Surrender" is unlike Sarah's other material. Look for songs from "The phantom", the original cast of "cats" and "little-known" tracks. The disc sets me to believe that it is a second version of The cd "The A.L.W. collection.

The photos inside are "behind the scenes" with Sarah& Webber. There are notes about when and why these tracks were recorded. It's nice to read about Sarah's musical background and her previous performance repertoires. Buy the cd.

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This album is just incredible. As I'm sure you already know, this is a collection of Sarah singing the works of brilliant composer (and ex-husband) Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Sarah just takes my breath away. Her technique is incredible and her voice is perfect- which I unfortunately can't say for all of her albums. Her Spanish pronunciation is nothing short of amazing on one of the album's highlights, 'No Llores por Mi Argentina', 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' from 'Evita' in Spanish. Another incredible highlight is 'Piano', 'Memory' from 'Cats' in Italian. Sarah really throws herself into it and it comes out sounding almost like an operatic aria. If you're looking for her famous 'Music of the Night' that's here too, as well as a brand new version of 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again', which definitely improves on the already fantastic version that's on the 'Phantom of the Opera' cast recording. 'Macavity: The Mystery Cat' from 'Cats' shows off a whole new side to Sarah's voice. When I first heard it I was amazed! I couldn't believe that it was Sarah singing it. Other amazing highlights (for me at least) are 'Unexpected Song' from 'Song and Dance', 'Tell Me On a Sunday' from the musical of the same name, and 'The Last Man in my Life' from 'Song and Dance'.

The album includes fantastic liner notes explaining each song and the musical that it's from, courtesy of Andrew Lloyd Webber himself, and some really cool behind the scenes pictures. I strongly urge you to buy this album even if you already own the 'Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection'. I don't own that album myself, but from what I understand, it's basically a repackaging of this with a few song changes and different pictures. I'll probably buy it to get the songs that I don't have one of these days .....

I adore this album. All Sarah Brightman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and musical theater fans in general need this. In my opinion it's one of Sarah's 3 best works, (the other two being 'La Luna' and 'Time to Say Goodbye'.) Of course, with Sarah's huge and varied discography, your opinion is bound to differ from mine but I'm saying mine anyway.

This album is one of my top favorites of all time. It's worth every penny. Buy it- you won't regret it.