CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Pure Moods, Vol. I

by: Various Artists, Adiemus, Angelo Badalamenti, David A. Stewart, David Byrne, Deep Forest, Enigma, Ennio Morricone, Enya, Eight Others

Release Date April 29, 1997
I first heard of this cd when it was first advertised on tv in the 90's but honestly thought nothing of buying it. However in 2001 I happened to spot this cd when I was stationed in Japan and am happy to have spent my money on this cd. Due to the variety of the songs I feel that this cd is good to listen to at work , when you are spending time with your loved ones, and relaxing and nurturing yourself when you are alone. Some of the notable tracks that really stand out in a positive way for me are

"return to innocence" by enigma
"orinoco flow" by enya
"sweet lullaby" by deep forest
"tubular bells" by mike oldfield
"sadeness" by enigma

There are other good tracks on this cd that are also enjoyable. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Karl Jenkins Requiem

from: EMI Classics

Release Date May 10, 2005
After establishing a name as a innovative composer of popular music and of commercials, Jenkins has added several traditional works, most notably this requiem and his Mass for Peace. The Requiem is readily accessible with superb variety of effects. Following in the model of Britten's War Requiem, he intercalates Japanese poetry between sections of the mass. There are many historical connections with the English choral system. The melodies are memorable, the scoring varied. Jenkins extends the Dies Irae, breaking into five parts: Dies Irae, Rex tremendae, Confutatis, Lacrimosa, and Pie Jesu. Harmonically, the work has sufficient variety. There is notable variations in dynamics, rhythmic patterns, and tempo changes. There is some melodic extensions between ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Songs of Sanctuary

by: Adiemus

Release Date September 09, 1997
This CD is incredible! The way it is written with syllabic (rather than real) words makes the music itself more expressive.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Pure Moods, Vol. II

by: Various Artists, Adiemus lll, Clannad, Craig Armstrong, Dave Koz, Delerium, Dream Academy, Loreena McKennitt, Massive Attack, Various Others

Release Date November 17, 1998
I'm not sure what must have been going through the minds of the record label when assembling this collection as a sequel to Pure Moods vol. I. Now granted, most of Pure Moods I is actually quite good and enjoy it though I don't think it stacks up to the "Earthtone Collection", "Elevation", or "Buddha Lounge" series nor warranted TV commercials. The second entry in the Pure Moods series is in my opinion, the most uneven and shakiest of the entries for several reasons, several tracks do absolutely nothing for me. "Nightingale" strikes me as meandering classical leftovers from a orchestral outtake. No offense but what on Earth is "Breezin" doing on this collection?! It's not a bad song by any means but it has absolutely no place on here and belongs on a smooth jazz ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Karl Jenkins & Adiemus: The Essential Collection

from: EMI Classics

Release Date March 27, 2006
This CD is an excellent addition to anybody's musical collection. It reflects the popular famous music from TV commercials as well as other music not as well known, but equally as entertaining. All the music reflects Jenkins' ability to vary his style of music.
I have listened to this music many times.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Adiemus IV: The Eternal Knot

from: Higher Octave

Release Date January 23, 2001
This is another celtic cd which stirs the blood to your core. It has great melodies and wonderful arrangements to compliment the vocals. I will look forward to purchasing more of Adiemus in the future.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

The Journey: The Best of Adiemus

by: Adiemus

Release Date January 25, 2000
The first and last tracks are truly awe inspiring, uplifting, and just general feel-good music. The music seems like a fusion of African and East Asian percussion. I was introduced to this piece on a guided cave tour at Kartchner Caverns State Park (AZ). At the conclusion of the ranger guided tour, the lights were dimmed, the music was played, and colorful lighting illuminated different parts of the cave in perfect synchronous harmony to the music. All of us cavers were speechless at the end and I swear that was the second most moving experience of my life.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Vocalise

by: Adiemus, Karl Jenkins, Mary Carewe, Belinda Sykes, Martin Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Pamela Thorby, Mark Feltham, Nigel Hitchcock, Richard Harwood, Terrance Barber, Unspecified

Release Date January 27, 2004
I would have probably enjoyed this CD more if Sarah Brightman hadn't used the same formula several years ago. There's nothing wrong with making clever arrangements of classical themes, but that's all you'll find in this collection -- none of the exciting, original melodies for which Karl Jenkins is best known.

Don't get me wrong; I own and love Sarah Brightman's versions of these same themes. I was just hoping for something new.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

Euphoric Classics: A Classical High

from: EMI Classics

Release Date April 06, 2004
I bought this album because it had some favorites of mine and what looked to be an interesting composition of titles. It wasn't until I sat down to listen to it, did I fully realize how masterfully it had been put together. Most of the artists on here are well known (Such a Oriff's O Fortuna) with a few completely unheard of artists (to me). The CD's tracks were perfectly organized and each song came in a successive wave compiling into a series of deluges that becomes a great cresendo. Very powerful and very surprising. I am more than pleased and have subscribed myself to looking for more CD's by this company.

CD-Charts Position 10
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Esoterotica: An Innerplay of Love and Music: 15th Anniversary (2-CD Set)

by: Various Artists, Mythos, Four80East, Chris Spheeris, Eliades Ochoa, Shahin & Sepehr, Sacred Spirit, Jimmy Sommers, Coolio, Adiemus

Release Date September 25, 2001
"Esoterica commemorates Higher Octave Music's 15th anniversary as a record label, compiling a total of 24 songs from the label's archive over the course of two discs. Some of the featured performers include Chris Spheeris, Eliades Ochoa, Shahin Shahida, Haddad Sepehr, Jimmy Sommers, Adiemus, Acoustic Alchemy, les Nubians, and Neal Schon. If you generally enjoy Higher Octave releases or are curious about the label, this a great way to gather much of the label's highlights in one place. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide"