Odyssey

Product Review

Hayley Westenra's new album Odyssey was always going to be a different proposition to Pure, the record-breaking 2003 collection which marked her international debut. A lot has happened to the young New Zealander over the past two or three years--and those changes are clearly reflected by a record which encapsulates her growth from a budding teenage prodigy into a mature young woman.

Now, at 18, Hayley is ready to show the world how much she has grown up, both as an artist and as an individual. Fans of Pure will be pleasantly surprised by her new album. Her wonderful voice retains its crystal-clear purity, but Westenra's singing is now richer and more rounded than before. Touring the world and singing in some of its greatest concert venues, such as the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and Carnegie Hall, has worked wonders for her confidence. Suitably emboldened, she has embraced an even wider range of musical styles including classical, hymns, folk and pop.

"I was happy with Pure at the time, but I've moved on so much," says Hayley. "It's really exciting to have something new out there for people to listen to. I wanted to make a record that represented me as a person. And I think I've improved as a vocalist."

Variety is certainly one of the keywords with Hayley's new album. When she first entered a recording studio in New Zealand as a 12-year-old, Westenra restricted herself to classical pieces and show tunes. Now, in addition to impressive takes on classical works, Hayley uses her new album to perform an inspired cover of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and has arranged and written much of the material. "I like to push myself, and I'm now confident enough to try different things. I have been much more involved behind the scenes with this album--I wanted to put my individual stamp on each song."

With her career stretching out promisingly before her, Hayley is also keen to continue experimenting. She is still primarily a classical crossover artist but she also wants to keep broadening those musical horizons. Three years after her international debut CD, Hayley Westenra is still pure: she exudes pure quality and she remains pure class--but her musical journey continues with her new album Odyssey.

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review

(76 customer reviews)

80 of 82 people found the following review helpful

Spiritual and Beautiful, October 20, 2005

Nikon Prime (Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Odyssey (Audio CD)

Since purchasing her first major album Pure, I've been eagerly awaiting Odyssey. I am not disappointed at all. She retains her crystal-clear singing-style, but at the same time improved on her articulation and expression to the songs.

Among my favorite songs are "Both Sides Now", "What You Never Know", "May It Be", and "Never Saw Blue". I know, that's like a third of the album. :)

Overall, this album has a very spiritual feel to it. Even the blue colors on the album gives it a very contemplative feeling. It's great all-around listening and helps me relax, especially when I'm driving in southern CA traffic.

One last comment, I'm very impressed by Hayley's mature, intuitive, and realistic approach to her singing. She seems to really knows her strengths, and the songs she chooses to sing has a technical perfection to them. I just hope that her transition from a child prodigy to a international artist will be smooth and she will be able to share her...Read more

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful

What an Odyssey, October 27, 2005

rorqual "rorqual" (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Odyssey (Audio CD)

This Odyssey - this second fantastic journey - for Hayley and for all of us is about to begin.....

'Prayer' opens with unaccompanied vocals from Hayley and the Conventus Choir and immediately conveys an atmosphere of peace and serenity. Members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra gradually fuse with the vocals, almost unnoticed.

The first-time listener might now expect an up-tempo number to contrast with the opening track but the fact that it doesn't happen is a stroke of genius. A second sublimely gentle song underlines the peaceful mood. Instead, the contrast is achieved by the fact that 'Never Saw Blue' begins with only piano accompaniment. I have never used this word to describe a song before but this is really pretty.

A dramatic but nevertheless fairly quiet introduction opens 'Dell Amore Non Si Sa'. The lead vocal builds towards the end of the first verse and, if you haven't read the cover notes, you may wonder where this will lead. Then...Read more

47 of 50 people found the following review helpful

A Very Pretty Voice., November 8, 2005

Richard D. Cappetto "RickDC" (Moodus, CT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Odyssey (Audio CD)

Hayley Westenra's new CD ODYSSEY is a beautifully done Album of mostly covers. All the songs are done well and you will enjoy the whole CD. The CD starts off with a beautiful song called Prayer it has a Celtic flare as much of the album does. Hayley does nice renditions of Both Sides Now, Never Saw Blue, May it Be, You Are Water, She Moves through the fair, My Heart Belongs to You and Ave Maria. Hayley does a nice version of Andrea Bocelli's Song, Dell Amore non Si SA, Heylay sings the lines of the song in English and Bocelli sings the Chorus in Italian, and then at the end of the song Both Bocelli and Westernra sing in Italian together; It sounds wonderful. Then the Album closes with a Gospel song, which is a change up, called I Say Grace. A very good song. Overall a 5 star album and a must have for those who love beautiful singing.

Odyssey

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