Search - Sissel :: All Good Things

The voice deserves 5 stars, the songs slightly less

Sandy | Brussels, Belgium | 03/12/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Sissel is a household name in Norway and I'm curious about any artist coming from that corner of the world. I had never heard her sing, except for the not representative "Prince Igor" collaboration with Warren G, but I got more or less what I expected from an artist of her reputation: high profile pop music. Most of the ballads would not sound out of place on Céline Dion albums ("Keep falling down", "Better Off Alone", "Sarah's song"). She has a beautiful soprano voice and she never forces it. She would sing New York entire phone book, I would probably still listen with an open mouth and dreamy eyes. Shame some of the material is rather bland and do not use better that great instrument (reason why I cannot rate higher - even if 3 stars is a positive rating in my standard). The Norwegian song "Lær meg a kjenne" is my favorite. It sounds like a classic piece, and the combination of the breathy vocals, the light orchestra (a little bit a piano) and the language that I don't understand create a feeling of unreality and dream. Interesting is also her duet with Norwegian pop singer Espen Lind "Where the lost ones go". I will also pinpoint her collaboration with Morten Abel, a hype singer of the moment in Norway, for "All Good Things". The young Lene Marlin (who took Europe by storm with her first album "Playing my game" in 1999) wrote two beautiful ballads: "Should it matter" and "We both know". "Weightless" will make you feel like floating around. If you are listening to Sarah Brightman and Andrea Boccelli, you will love this."

If you don't alreday own this cd--then why not???!!

Henning | 08/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My mother is Norwegian, and being the proud patriot that she is, she made me listen to Sissel's work a while back.Let me just say I have been a fan ever since. She truly has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard (it was she you heard singing away all throughout 'Titanic'!)
Before 'All good things' came out, I pretty much had all her previous cds and all are great. That was why I was so upset to see she wasn't that popular anywhere else. I've been hoping this cd would make it to other places, and I'm thrilled it finally has!
I listen to all kinds of music, including new age/individual music i.e. Enya, Lisa Gerrard -whose music I love. I suppose I would categorise this cd with those artists because Sissel has this amazingly powerful yet soothing voice. You could put this cd on before bed & it would send you right off. But if you're having a very stressful day, this would calm you right down. It's one of my most prized cds (and I have 100s!)
'Weightless' is superb, you really will feel like you could drift away when you hear this. It doesn't remind me of any other song (which is why it's SO good.)
'Carrier of a secret' is simply lovely. You'll try to sing along but will give up (as your voice is nothing compared to her amazing soprano feats.)
'Laer me a kjenne' the only Norwegian track is good (not a standout) it reminds me of the work she did on the Titanic soundtrack. Very relaxing though.
'All good things', 'Better off alone', 'One day', & 'We both know' are all very good. The style is similar with these lovely steady flowing soothing melodies.
I personally think that 'Should it matter', 'Keep falling down' & 'Sarah's song' are better than the previous- as they are excellent. Particularly 'Sarah's song' (a song about a mother/daughter relationship)- it's beautiful.
Finally, and my fave on this cd 'Where the lost ones go' a duet she sings with fellow Norwegian singer Espen Lind. It's perfect- it's not too slow and both singers display their talents (though very different) on an equally powerful level.Brilliant. I often have it on repeat.
I don't have the bonus track on my copy (He's alot?) but I'm sure it's great.
I think I've probably raved on enough about her now. I hope I've convinced you to check out her cd. You really won't be sorry- I've converted all my friends, and my mums friends with this cd- now it's your turn!!!
Also I advise you to check out Enya's 'Paint the sky with stars' and 'A day without rain' cds & 'Gladiator' soundtrack and any of Lisa Gerrards solo work especially the 'Mirror pool' album (if you like this sort of relaxing/individual style.)
***"

Simply Incredible

Eric L. Reyes Altamirano | Mexico, D.F. Mexico | 11/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"She's different, and she's great at it. There are so few original artists out there today, and to suddenly hear Sissel Kyrkjebo and her own style and her amazing voice is definitely worth any expense!"