CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Josh Groban

by: Josh Groban

Release Date November 20, 2001
The music and songs are wonderful. I have this CD in my car and listen to it over and over. It is especially well done. I am enjoying every song the more I listen to them. "The Prayer" with Charlotte Church is one you can sing to.

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Marilyn Horne - The Complete Decca Recitals

from: Decca Records

Release Date April 15, 2008
I agree with the previous reviewers about Ms. Horne's voice and performances. There are many riches here: the singing is superb throughout, one or two optional unmusical high notes aside. The range of music is enormous and Horne sings it all with style and grace, including the odd collection that is the American Songbook (Copeland, Foster, Berlin and... Malotte!?) Most of these recitals were conducted by Henry Lewis. He is fine, but I really sat up and took notice when Zubin Mehta took over for the Mahler song cycles directly after listening to Lewis conduct the Mahler/Wagner songs. Horne seemed more engaged on the Mehta led disc, too.
The unfortunate news is that some of this music is unfamiliar (Nin and Bizet songs, some of the bel ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Our American Journey

by: Chanticleer

Release Date November 12, 2002
The harmony is outstanding and in combination with the right song can ring a powerful emotional cord such as "Calling My Children Home". I doubt you can find a better group than Chanticleer.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Enchantment

by: Georges Bizet, Richard Rodgers, Michel Legrand, Leo Delibes, American Traditional, Erik Satie, British Isles Traditional, Jerome Kern, Johann II Strauss, Lucy Simon, David Foster, Sian Edwards, John Clark, Eric Rigler, Frank Ricotti, John Parricelli, Mark Hammond, Paul Keogh, Michael Thompson

Release Date October 09, 2001
I recommend this album for anyone who loves opera, contemporary, pop, and classical music. Although this album was made years ago when Charlotte was just 15, she has since released a hit pop album with a string of hits, had a baby and a hit T.V. variety show, she has recently stated that she's looking into acting again, and getting a role in an opera in the theater, releasing a new classical album, and a new pop album! This record is a great way to get ready for what Charlotte will be hitting us with next!

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Watch What Happens: The Jazz Album

from: Deutsche Grammophon

Release Date February 13, 2007
I recently became aware of a new album by one of the finest singers I've ever heard. Thomas Quasthoff is one of the leading bass baritones in today's classical world. What is also phenomenal about this German lieder singer is the ease with which he crosses over into the world of pop and jazz. I have never heard a classical artist do this with such total spontaneity and the ability to not only swing you to death but scatting with titillating aplomb. (See him on Youtube - Thomas Quasthoff - All Blues.) Since German is his native tongue it is all the more impressive that he has mastered not only the English language but many of the nuances of the language as well. Although I would not label this a true jazz album, it is nonetheless a lovely vocal album of jazzy ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Prelude: The Best of Charlotte Church

by: Charlotte Church

Release Date November 26, 2002
I was introduced to Charlotte Church's music when I saw one of her concerts on PBS. This cd is a good collection of her music.

Her music ranges from opera to Broadway to traditional Celtic to pop.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Of Thee I Sing / 1952 O.C.R.

from: Drg

Release Date May 07, 2002
First, compare 1931, when "Of Thee I Sing" was orginally produced, with 1952, the date of this revival. Then, compare 2008 with 1952. The form of the musical is clearly 1931, as is the style of the voices (hear Mary Turner's broad vibrato!).
Still, the satire remains virtually timeless. Update a few of the lyrics, and we can see the backroom politics that have characterized the twenty-first century.
I recommend this recording, first, for its place in Broadway musical lore, and, second, simply as an entertaining listen.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

You Don't Have to Be Jewish/When You're in Love the Whole World Is Jewish

by: Bob Booker, George Foster

Release Date February 06, 2007
Waited a long time for these to be released on CD. Some of the wonderful
one liners I have used in comebacks and story telling ever since I first
listened to these recordings. The Ballad of Irving is a classic song
which I sing to myself every once in a while and is remembered fondly by
many listeners I have met over the years.
Frank Gallop was the announcer for Perry Como and his voice is great to listen to. You don't have to be Jewish to love this CD.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

The Broadway Album

from: Sony

Release Date October 25, 1990
The Broadway Album by Barbra Streisand is clearly one of her very best. Barbra really opens up on this album and belts out some of the greatest Broadway show tunes ever written. The sound quality is great and the artwork is very well done.

"Putting It Together" starts the CD with Barbra singing her heart out on this number; she handles difficult tempo and key changes like the great chanteuse she always was and still remains! "If I Loved You" from Carousel features Barbra front and center--and that's OK by me! The melody is very pretty and it makes great use of the strings. Barbra's voice is in excellent form--her voice is rich, warm and rather vibrant. Terrific! Similarly, there's another coup for Streisand when she sings "Something's Coming." This magnificent ballad from ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Songs of Free Men/ A Paul Robeson Recital

from: Sony

Release Date December 09, 1997
Really enjoyable set of songs. I never tire of hearing Robeson sing. These songs are my constant delight while on the road.