Few artists engender such strong reactions as does Sarah Brightman. She is truly a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. This album is a perfect example of what divides people about her. The album is called "Classics" and is an album of classical material done Sarah Brightman-style. If you already like her voice and the production style of her music, it's probably for you. Sarah has never claimed to be a legit opera singer, and you'll probably find this CD in the vocals section of your store, not the classical section. So if you like legit classical singers or traditional opera recordings, of COURSE you're not going to like it. So put your axe away and buy something else. Sarah Brightman sings the classics her way; she does not try to imitate anyone else or give a traditional recital. A lot of the arguments made by reviewers here are old hat, from way back in the "Classical Barbra" days of Streisand's 70's classical album. They're TIRED, OLD arguments. Sarah's and Barbra's CD's were made for popular music fans who might enjoy hearing a few classical selections. If you're not part of that audience, what are you doing buying this anyway? So what do I think of it? I think it's pleasant and enjoyable coffee-table music. I much prefer Sarah's more diverse offerings, but I feel no need to tear it apart or swear my undying devotion to it. It stands up to repeated plays, and is an enjoyable listen for those who appreciate Sarah's recordings.

Listening to Sarah Brightman sing makes one realize that the human voice is truly the most lovely musical instrument (I think Chopin said this). I have 3 of Sarah Brightman's other CDs (Eden, La Luna, and Andrew Lloyd Webber) and this is my favorite of all three. I realize that the critique of music is a very subjective matter (there are beings that actually enjoy rap "music") so I should mention that La Luna is my least favorite of all because it's a bit "dark" and minor sounding. Most of the selections on this CD are very melodic and "happy" (sorry, I'm not a professional music person). All of the songs on this CD are derived from classical music, hence the name "Classics." I must mention that I am partial to classical music. This CD has taken the best parts of classical pieces and set them to words. Lovely! There are a few operatic pieces which are delightful. Listening to a Sarah Brightman CD versus today's pop music is like eating a fine creme brulee versus sampling a McDonald's apple pie.

There is no doubt (at least in my mind!) that Sarah Brightman has an exquisite voice, but just as important, she has incredible control over her voice which allows her to perform to perfection everything she sings whether it be opera arias, popular tunes, or jazz -- and let us not forget that she does all of this in five different languages! As many know, Miss Brightman likes to 'theme' her albums and "CLASSICS", I believe, is no exception. Each song flows beautifully into the next, creating a feeling of harmony and tranquility. While I have heard some complain that only four new songs are offered on this CD, it's important to note that many of the songs found on previous albums are presented here with new arrangements. I realize this is only a matter of opinion, but I rather enjoy hearing different arrangements, and in fact, find it refreshing. Additionally, since the previous recordings she has selected for this CD are among my favorites, I cannot complain on that note! The new selections she has given us are "Ave Maria", "Alhambra", "Winter Light", and "Dans La Nuit" which are all very nice. If I were to rate these four from highest to lowest, I would do so in the order that I have listed them -- but I truly enjoy all of them. While she has taken three selections from her "TIME TO SAY GOODBYE" CD, two of the three are new arrangments. There are four selections from "EDEN" and of these, "Nessun Dorma" is a new arrangement and is absolutely wonderful! Finally, there are three selections from her "LA LUNA" CD. In all honesty, I was not sure what to expect with this CD until I received it and listened to it in its entirety. In doing so, it became evident to me that Miss Brightman took great care in choosing songs that would keep with the theme she had in mind. The only recording that didn't take my breath away was the new recording of "Pie Jesu". For some reason, her voice appeared to be somewhat in the distance and didn't seem as clear to me as in previous recordings; but others have said they enjoy this new arrangement. If you are a fan of Sarah Brightman's, I truly feel you will love this CD! If you are new to the world of Sarah Brightman, I think this CD would be a wonderful introduction into her world!

WHOA! WOW! And that's just the CD jacket. Now about the music - I admit I have been a Sarah Brightman fan for only a couple of years; I am primarily an old rock music type, but all Sarah has to do to get my attention is put some air through her vocal chords. Now, having said that, her CD "Classics" has seven previously unreleased cuts, which is why I got the album. Here is another example that the person, who told me years ago that no human voice can obtain true perfect pitch was wrong. "Alhambra" is one of the sweetest songs I have heard Sarah do, and I have wondered for a long time how she would handle songs like "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night" (you can hear her do "Night" in "Christmas at the Vatican"). Sarah gives her usual wide range of talent in this album from the soft, sweet "Alhabra" to the dynamic build-up in "Bailero". An interesting note here - Deep Purple used the opening strains of "Bailero" as the intro to their 1970s cover of the Beatles' "We Can Work It Out" on their "Tails of the Talysin" album. That one caught me by surprise when I recognized the melody on this CD. Neat, Huh?
One review mentioned disappointment that not all songs here were classics by nature of being new. Well, they are now! I enjoyed this CD as much as the other seven or eight other CDs by her that I have. I would recommend this CD to anyone anytime, pun intended. My only regret is having to wait for the next album she puts out; I only hope she doesn't try to outdo the CD jacket, or my wife probably will make me put something over it, or worse, not let me get it!

I have been a Sarah Brightman fan since I first heard "Phantom of the Opera" in 1989. I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth as an artist. "Classics" is no exception to the fine material she has released in the past 10 years.

"Classics" is a bit of the old and new. There are tracks that have been in need of re-recording ("Pie Jesu," "O Mio Babbino") and tracks that just beg for Sarah's voice. Her rendition of "Ave Maria" is simply beautiful, sung in that soprano we know so well. Also, it was nice to finally get her solo version of "Time to Say Goodbye." I had the pleasure of seeing her do this song during the "La Luna" tour, and all I have to say is "Wow!"

Sarah is a classical music engima. If you don't believe me, simply look at the cover of this album! What she has done with classical music, though, is bring it to more people. She abandons the "stuffiness" classical music is known for, and makes it appealing to all. In this, she is a pioneer for such acts as Charolette Church (who cannot sing "Pie Jesu" the way Sarah does) and Andrea Bocelli. I look forward to more music from the Angel.