Bocelli''s ''Amore'' album

The track listing of Bocelli's latest solo album ‘Amore’ covers a broad selection of well known and well loved classic love songs from all over the world. Produced by David Foster, Humberto Gatica and Tony Renis, Bocelli strays from the traditional classical line-up to his first ever album of popular songs. A wise move- maybe? ClassicalX’s Tracey Bell reports whether ‘Amore’ should be ‘No-more-hey!’

Spanning several musical eras from the early 1920s to the mid 80s and even though ‘Amore’ contains no classical influences at all, it’s sure to win him a wide audience, and convert many to the ‘classical crossover’ market.

From 'Amapola' a song that old movie enthusiasts will recognise as being from the 1939 Deanna Durbin film ' First love' to Momentos', the mid 80s hit for Julio Iglesias, Bocelli brings each song to life with his vocal signature of sincerity and emotion in his own distinctive style.

Favourites such as 'Besame Mucho' composed by Consuelo Velazquez are given new life and Jacques Prevert and Joseph Kosma's much loved 'Les Feuilles Mortes' (Autumn Leaves) is revived and refreshed even after it's many interpretations from a wide range of artists including Nat King Cole and Eva Cassidy.

Songs are performed in French, Italian and Spanish, combined with a full range of instruments including accordions; harmonicas, saxophones, Spanish guitars, traditional Latin percussion or at times simply a grand piano. You would expect a clash of styles from one song to another, but nothing could be further from the truth as the variation of sounds, moods and styles is a refreshing change from the norm.

From the producers to the instrumentalists, you get the impression that Bocelli was not the only perfectionist at work and this results in a superb selection of classic love songs, sung by one of the best voices of today.

As always, expect passion and raw emotion – and if you are the kind of person that appreciates romantic nights in front of the fire with a chilled bottle of wine, good company and the everlasting sounds of Bocelli, ‘Amore’ is a must.

Added: January 31st 2006
Reviewer: xcept
Score: