I will confess to being a Russell Watson fan and have been for many years, so I'm biased. But, if you want to get an idea of what he's about and why they call him 'The Voice', buy this cd.
Russell has NEVER claimed to be an opera singer, he just has a beautiful, rich and powerful voice that can tackle opera with as much ease as pop.
I have heard his voice mature over the years and the voice singing Nessun Dorma now is different to the version on this album, but I defy you not to have the hairs on the back of you neck stand up with the power and emotion of the man.
Nella Fantasie is simply one of his fan's favourite songs, which he doesn't sing often enough nowadays and Ill Gladiatore (based on the theme music from the film Gladiator) is my personal favourite.
I would also suggest that if you get the opportunity to see him perform live, take it. His concerts are really good fun, with the audience joining in with some of the more well known numbers, such as Volare and his famous 'walkabout'; you can then judge for yourself if the title 'The Voice' is deserved.
Keep up the good work Russ and look forward to the new album on 24th November (Happy Birthday too).