Katherine Jenkins / Katherine Jenkins Forum / Katherine's Music / 'Believe' Review Thread / Latest Posts

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Zara — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:11:39 GMT

The Believe Album = AMAZING

My favourite would have to be...oh... I dunno! :D

I find her version of Parla Piu Piano stunning! I prefer it to any other version! I love the way it has an almost serene start and then is emotional at the end.

Angel is also FAB!!!!!

TTFN

Zara

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Ewart — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:43:24 GMT

Believe was always a fabulous album but now it is exceptional! The two added tracks have added a really wonderful dimesion to it. The duet on Endless Love with Amaury at the O2 was sensational and it has transfered to the album with the same dynamics - a wonderful find and only 20! He has a great career in front of him and Katherine sings with the grace of a truly international star. I shall be wearing the album out in the car on my journey's to and from the office over the coming weeks!:):):)

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

rogbear — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:35:36 GMT

I've now listened to the album many,many times and I love every track but Queens' "Who wants to live forever" is my favourite. Katherine Had you really not heard it before it's one of the songs from the movie Highlander, so if you'd like to see it in context you should watch the movie. I love your version and would love to see you perform it with Queen, Live. I do love the album and think you were very brave for taking it on as well as the world tour to promote it, you're a very plucky and beautiful lady God Bless you for bringing such happiness into my life,. Rog xx:hehe:

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

KatherineandSarahfan — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:43:11 GMT

It's my favourite one yet! I didn't think it could possibly beat Sacred Arias or Rejoice, but it did. I'm a bit obsessed with it to be honest and i've had it playing constantly since the release!

1. Till There Was You

This song is very pretty.

2. Bring Me To Life

Well, I never liked the Evanescence one, so to hear a much softer and prettier version was great.
3. Angel

One of my favourites of the album. I adore it and I think her rendition is stunning.
4. I Believe (with Andrea Bocelli)

Very pretty duet. Andrea's voice makes me swoon lol.
5. Fear Of Falling

I love the simple and pretty song. The lyrics are great and obviously so is Katherine's voice =D

6. The Godfather Theme

I wasn't keen on it at first for some weird reason, but now i'm slightly obsessed. It's a haunting and beautiful song/

7. Ancora Non Sai (with violinist Andre Rieu)

Love it. I like the pretty tune.

8. No Woman, No Cry

I don't really know about this one...I like it but don't.

9. La Vie En Rose
Love it!
10. La Califfa (with Chris Botti)
Omg, it's amazing! I was so happy that she covered this.
11. Who Wants To Live Forever

It's great.

12. Se Si Perde Un Amore

I adore the tune to this. It's very beautiful!

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

TIM M — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:47:14 GMT

"Believe" arrived (with the Ultimate Collection) on Christmas morning courtesy of the man in a big red suit with white beard and reindeer.

Having dashed to the CD player and put it on I listened to it as we had our first pre-lunch drink and my immediate reaction was "No, I'm not sure about this - this is not the Katherine I fell in love with"

THEN when I got home, after the festivities I sat in the lounge, with nothing but the tree lights on and listened to it again and it was very good.

I have listened to the album a good many times since, and it definitely grows on you.

It is so different to her other albums, some of the tracks I thought were quite courageous, each one carefully selected and beautifully performed.

It took two or three listens, but it is a very good album and if the "crossover" approach brings more people to her type of music it has to be a good thing.

So if there are fans out there who have been a little disappointed, stay with it, it will be worth it. It's a great album from a wonderful singer, and definitely 'up here' with her other work.

Finally, it might amuse you all if I tell you that the first copy of the album was sent back because the opening to La Vie en Rose was distorted. It took two more returns and a discussion with a very helpful young woman at HMV for me to wake up to the fact that the beginning of La Vie en Rose was meant to be like that - ah well, blame it on the Turkey.

Tim M

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Nicola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:06:32 GMT

I wrote a proper review on my website, but I posted that somewhere else.

In a nutshell, it's my favourite KJ album. It has clear signs of her growth as an artist, and I think covering 'Bring Me To Life' was a gutsy thing to do, and she pulled it off so well. Also loved her rendition of 'Who Wants To Live Forever', and I always love 'La Califfa'. :)

The only song I didn't like was her version of 'Angel'. I think it totally missed the point.

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

jenny and john — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:58:47 GMT

Hi Quentin,
Katherine's album Believe did take a few listens to get used to,but now I love it! However,I do prefer Katherine singing more of a classical song and feel that her voice does deliver that certain magic when she does!
I understand that an operatic performance will be on the cards in the not too distance future,that will surely be a talking point and a real bonus for us folks!

Regards.
Jenny.

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Quentin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:52:54 GMT

I think I will fly in the face of most of our long term posters on this forum when I say the jury's still out concerning "Believe". Being a devotee of Katherine's traditional soprano style I'm not so sure this album delivers her best. As I have posted elsewhere on this forum, I'm very keen to see Katherine pursue an Operatic career. With songs like "Madame Butterfly/ Un Bel Di" & "The Flower Duet" with the magnificent Madam Kiri Ta Kanawa I think this is where her future lies. Feel free to disagree. I simply can't get enough of Katherine"s beautiful dulcet tones.

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Geoff — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:57:14 GMT

I absolutely adore the new album. So different from Katherine's previous CDs, yet still retaining the warmth and power of Katherine's beautiful voice. I am a little dissapointed with the exposure and play time it has received on the radio. I listen quite regularly to Radio 2 and would have thought that many of the tracks on Belive would have fitted Radio 2's criteria, yet I have only heard one track played. Terry Wogan played "Bring me to Life" a couple of weeks ago. I personaly think Believe is worthy of a much higher rating than No.6 in the charts, and if it was played more on the radio then perhaps it would have chgarted higher.

I love every single track on Believe, but my special favourites are:
Till there was You - a fantastic version of an old classic, showing how versatile Katherine really is.

I believe - a beautiful song with wonderful lyrics. I think Katherine and Andrea Bocelli blend together beautifully.

No Woman, No Cry - I never would have chosen this for Katherine - but it works.

La Vie En Rose - I loved this in Viva La Diva and I love this version.

All in all another wonderful album from Katherine, whose star continues to rise.

God Bless you Katherine - We love you.

Geoff

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

texas — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:30:01 GMT

As someone who is more keen on the classical than the crossover, I was a little apprehensive prior to the release of this album. I shouldn't have been, Katherine has made a fantastic album. After a few listens, these are my thoughts.

Till There Was You
Beautiful, a great first track to show off Katherine's vocal qualities.

Bring Me To Life
I have listened to my copy of Fallen a lot, and I am a big fan of the original. Katherine's version has really grown on me, and I think it will be even better live in a big arena.

Angel
I think this is going to become a favourite.

I Believe
Great performance, but the song does little for me.

Fear of Falling
A really beautiful song, another favourite in the making.

Parla Piu Piano
Stunning. If the Godfather movies have music like that, I might have to watch them.

Ancora Non Sai
I can just imagine Katherine performing this on Strictly, with the Pro dancers waltzing around the floor.

No Woman, No Cry
Not sure about this one.

La Vie En Rose
I really like the arrangement, and the way Katherine worked the crackly gramophone bit in to the Brangwyn Hall performance .

La Califfa
I'm running out of ways to say this: Beautiful, I love it.

Who Wants To Live Forever
I have heard a lot of Queen covers but very few good ones. Katherine has the voice to carry this off, and in a live environment the ending can be even bigger and more operatic.

Se Si Perde Un Amore
A beautiful finish to the album.

Adagio
A lovely bonus

I did hope that Una Voce Poco Fa would be on the album, but I can see now that it would not have fitted in with the tone or tempo. This is a record mainly of slower ballads and arias, finely selected and beautifully arranged. Katherine really excels with her vocals, mixing the operatic style with a quieter, softer sound. This is an album that should win Katherine new fans as well as delight the existing ones.
5 Stars from me.

Stephen

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

keitho — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:24:37 GMT

I honestly think this is Katherine's best album yet. Her voice is as amazing as ever, but it is the choice of songs that really stands out, there is not a single track that had me reaching for the skip button:)

There have been a few sniffy reviews from people on Amazon and Itunes from people who probably haven't actually listened to the album. Most of them have focussed on Bring me to Life, saying she shouldn't meddle with a great song. Well, I have never heard the Evanescence version, all I hear is a stunning voice singing her own interpretation and for me, it works 100%.

Same for the No Woman No Cry. I was never a big Bob Marley fan, but again, I love this arrangement.

But for me, the best song is Angel, it would take a hard heart not to be moved by this beautiful song and I think this will prove to be one of her popular live songs too!

So, Believe has really exceeded all my expectations:)

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Abi — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:05:46 GMT

Hi Everyone

I know what you mean Ang about the impact of listening to the album first time - I fell in love with it straight away. I have listened to nothing but Believe for the last few days with one cd in my player at home and the other in my car!

Love Abi x

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

jenny and john — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:52:23 GMT

Hi everyone,
This is indeed a great album and I know we all wish Katherine much success with it!
I have five favourites and they are: I Believe,Theme from the Godfather,Ancora Non Sai,Se Si Perde Un Amore but my absolute favourite is Angel.

Best regards
John.

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

jenny and john — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:58:49 GMT

Hi,
Well the first listen I liked the album but having heard it twice now I love it,especially the ones with more of a classical feel.I am having a little trouble with No Woman No Cry but did the same with Bring Me To Life and now I've really taken to that one,so perhaps the same thing will happen to the other track.
Favourites at the moment are I Believe,Ancora Non Sai,La Califfa,Se Si Perde Un Amore and Adagio but who knows after a few more listenings I will probably be adding some more!

Jenny.

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

angjack — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:13:33 GMT

Don't think I can go any better than the wonderful comments already posted, especially Abi's; for me the whole album is magnificent, I have loved every album but this one hit me on first hearing, usually I need to listen a couple of times.

Well done Katherine, you amazing woman xxxx

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Martin Hotspur — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:40:59 GMT

Dearest Katherine

I have now played your new album a number of times and and would definately put alongside Living A Dream as your best to date. You know I have always adored your music and I can honestly say there is not a single track I do not like.

I wish I had a crystal ball and could tell you how it will go down in the USA but if the good American people do not like this CD then it would amaze me. It is full of power, passion and emotion and I cannot imagine playing anything else for ages.

Am I a little biased? Yes you know I am but the CD is truly wonderful and I wish you every success with it both her and in the USA.

Take care

Lots of love Martin xx

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

ADF — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:17:05 GMT

Hi Abi

Thanks for your review

Regards

Tony

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

johnp — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:21:17 GMT

Thank you to everyone who has posted their comments so far.

Playing the CD in the car yesterday was Awesome! and much more powerful than the online previews, Cody Carey's duet with Katherine singing 'No Woman No Cry' is superb (not included in my original review).

The whole album's running order is another factor which compliments the presentation (I recall saying the same with Living A Dream).

I have come to the conclusion that the Believe CD is an absolute classsic

Well Done Katherine :)

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Abi — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:02:16 GMT

Gosh, thank you Tony - Im glad it was of some help - I had convinced myself I had waffled on for too long! :blush:

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

ANTHONY PETER — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:35:56 GMT

Abi just read your superb review of BELIEVE. Forget about the music writers just send that to the media and it will be number 1 in any chart. A big thank you. Tony Peter

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Abi — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:16:26 GMT

Here is my review of Believe;

Till There Was You

Great opening track with Katherine introducing us to a new album and a new beginning!

Angel

A personal favourite of mine - I love the lyrics and Katheirne sings it with so much emotion that brings me to tears.

I Believe

Probably the leading track to his album; really amazing duet. Very special song that's one to treasure.

Bring Me to Life

I love the atmosphere of this song - Katherine really soars at the end. Great production.

Fear of Falling

This is another amazing track; I love, love, love it! Such a beautiful melody - it's probably about to become one of my very favourite Katherine songs!

Godfather Theme

Another leading track! This showcases for me Katherine's voice at her best. I keep picturing her singing on Andrew Marr next to that amazing piano.

Ancora Non Sai

I really liked listening to this as I felt it was an original sound with Katherine singing very much in the style we are all used to so well.

No Woman No Cry

Wow - what a choice. This is a great exmaple of how somebody can take any song and adapt it to their own sound;I love it! I think people need to remove the original from their minds and take it on its own merit.

La Vie En Rose

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! One of my favourite songs and I love the atmosphere at the beginning. I have heard this form of recording done before & have always thought it would be amazing if Katherine did it. Very special.

La Califfa

Beautiful - great recording.

Who Wants to Live Forever

Interesting choice and not usually what I would listen to but I love how Katherine has covered it. She has great emotion in her voice.

I will always be a massive fan of Katherine's back catalogue and her first 6 albums hold a very special place in my heart. Nevertheless, I really love this album. It is unique in atmosphere and highlights Katherine's talent amazingly. I hope this hasn't bored you too much! It was a great project for a rainy weekend :-) xxxx

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

EmilyRose — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:04:55 GMT

I, unlike some of the other forum members, adore the crossover tracks!
I will add to this in time, but in the first few days of listening to the new album, my favourites have to be:

[b]No Woman, No Cry
Who Wants To Live Forever
Ancora Non Sei
Fear Of Falling[/b]
and
[b]Se Si Perde Un Amore[/b]

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Katrina millymollymandy — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:42:51 GMT

Hi

I have just had a listen for the first time.

I have yet to be persuaded on the crossover style of music but there is something for everyone here .
my faves are

[b]No Woman No Cry [/b] (come on folks have a few listens , this grabbed me straight away):)
[b]Till There Was You [/b], very poignant
[b]La Vie En Rose[/b] , a favourite for me
I[b] Believe [/b]is starting to resonate
[b]La Califfa[/b] sounds lovely

But I have to say that I look forward to more arias and classical tracks from Katherine.:)

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

karen a kjforum — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:25:37 GMT

I love most of the album
Fear of Falling just jumped out and I fell in Love with it
Theme from Godfather just Brilliant
Loved all the more classical ones as for me they show more of the Katherine vocal factor !!

Sorry folks but I just do not get "No woman no cry" maybe it will grow on me :hehe:

Bring me to life has an awesome endng.

all in all a brilliant album and not as far out as I feared I love it, however I am following Katherine's journey by hovercraft now !!! the changes in direction caused a bit of turbulance flying behind her !!!!!!!!

I wish Katherine every deserved sucess with BELIEVE

Karen

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

tonym — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:57:05 GMT

On first hearing, i do think Katherine has "Raised The Bar" with this magnificent collection.

Till There Was You - This will probably surpass Paul McCartneys version for me. One for the quiz thread, What musical did it come from?

Bring Me To Life - I wasn't sure on first hearing at Hyde Park but i'm now won over.

Angel - Got me emotional at Hyde Park and did so again this time

I Believe - Beautiful, but can't make up my mind if i prefer Katherines solo effort

Fear Of Falling - I'm a fan of Richard Marx and Katherine does this song proud.

Godfather - Will be a live showstopper for years to come

Ancora Non Sai - I think this will grow on me.

No Woman No Cry - I was intrigued to say the least about this inclusion, but can say i'm really impressed with Katherines rendition.

La Vie En Rose - Was expecting the Viva La Diva arrangement so am pleasantly surprised.

La Califfa - If Katherine is ever in the unlikely position of finding ideas for an album, can i suggest "Katherine sings Morricone" this and earlier Morricone tunes Katherine has performed are superb.

Who Wants To Live Forever - Beautiful. With todays technology i'd like to hear a creation of a duet with Katherine and FreddieMercury.

Se Si Perde Un Amore - Absolutely stunning

The album to me showcases Katherine as the artist, who second to none, can transmit so much emotion with the strength of her voice. A beautiful collection of songs and i'm sure on first proper hearing of the album (Late at night - with headphones) i'll end up an emotional wreck (but i'll love it):)

Well done Katherine

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

Johnov — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:43:01 GMT

It is a really superb CD. I should have to play it through a few times before I could decide which tracks I prefer but several of them bring out the full range of Katherine's lovely voice.

John

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

ADF — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:24:55 GMT

Hi All

Looking forward to track 4 Katherine and Andrea Bocelli, but in saying that it's a good C.D. for the collection

Regards

Tony

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

cliff101 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:11:16 GMT

Thanks John

For me the outstanding track and interpretation is Parla Piu Piano - The Godfather Theme.

Ancora Non Sai is very good. A suggestion for the marketing people. The violinist Andre Rieu is hugely popular in Australia and his participation should be made very clear when selling here, especially that the track is very good and closer to the known classical crossover style of Katherine and Andre Rieu.

La Vie En Rose is well known as the trademark of Edith Piaf and also from Viva La Diva. Very interesting transition effect between the old gramophon style and the modern sound. I heard this transition effect before on a Roy Orbison CD where he sang his old hit Oooby Dooby. A good track.

La Califfa is another good one.

I think Se si perde un amore sounds very similar to the italian (pop) song on Rejoice, one of my favourite songs on that album. So this one is likely to become another favourite.

This is the first impression. I am sure other tracks will grow on me after more listening.

In general a good CD, hopefully the market will react well to this new artistic experiment, at least as well as it reacted to Rejoice.
Katherine has done her best to promote the album, sometimes too much I think, now it is the fans' turn to do their share and support the album.

Cliff :D

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

johnp — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:34:53 GMT

I've edited Tricia's title as your reviews are requested

With the album only one week away, this is the place to leave your reviews of your favourite tracks. You may have already heard preview clips (which are available on Katherine's site), we'd love to hear what you think about them. Your reviews may even appear on Katherine's sites!

My review is in progress, please feel free to use the layout as a template for your review

1. Till There Was You

I love It

2. Bring Me To Life

This track has really grown on me
3. Angel

This has grown on me as I know the original well, Katherine has nailed it
4. I Believe (with Andrea Bocelli)

A Classic duet which works very well
5. Fear Of Falling

Gorgeous

6. The Godfather Theme

Hauntingly Beatiful

7. Ancora Non Sai (with violinist Andre Rieu)

Beautiful and flowing, very dreamy

8. No Woman, No Cry

I didn't know what to expect with this track, I think this version will grow on me big time
9. La Vie En Rose
Very atmospheric, Love it, very dreamy
10. La Califfa (with Chris Botti)
Gorgeous
11. Who Wants To Live Forever

Love it

12. Se Si Perde Un Amore

Katherine at her best, again very dreamy

RE: 'Believe' Review Thread

gemma_thomas — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:26:39 GMT

What do you think of it?

I think it is fantastic. All I expected and loads more. I love the cross over between opera and pop and how original Katherine makes covers sound. I cant wait to physically have the album now. The artwork looks great from what I have seen.

'Believe' Review Thread

Tricia — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:04:22 GMT

Hear it here!!!

kjofficial Listen exclusively 2my new album http://tinyurl.com/ylg48x62 minutes ago from Echofon