Search - Operatica (Lord Vanger) :: Operatica: Shine

"Shine" is far better than the first album

Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 09/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed the first Operatica album "Volume 1" a lot. I love the concept of fusing opera and techno music together. Unfortunately my problem with "Volume 1" was that some of the songs sounded a like as well as weak material. Still it didn't deter me from wanting to hear the new album "Shine". After listening to "Shine" a few times. I have come to a conclusion that this album is far more enjoyable than "Volume 1". All the songs have a separate identity to them and do not sound alike. I think there is a bit more use of techno beats on this album than on the previous album. I also enjoyed hearing different vocalists than just sticking with Maureen. I think using other vocalists has added more depth to the music. I particularly enjoyed "Solvej's Song", "Shine", and "Standing On the Edge of the World" a lot. All the songs are good in their own right. "Shine" takes Operatica in the right direction. I look forward to hearing more from Lord Vanger."

Much better than the first album

Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 09/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I liked the Operatica's first album "Volume 1" but it was a flawed album. The songs sounded alike and was repetitious. I love the fusion of opera and techno music but sometimes the combination can be a weakness too. I thought Lord Vanger who produced the album got lazy therefore the music sounded too much the same. When I saw that there was another Operatica album when I was at a book store a few weekends ago, I was awfully curious what the album sounded like. I didn't get the opportunity to listen to it then. Then on a recent trip to my favorite record store, I found a promo copy of "Shine" so I picked up that album (like the first album). After listening to "Shine" the first time, I immediately thought this album was a great improvement over the first album. The music is a lot more diverse and each song has a sound of its own. And as much as I like Maureen's voice it was nice to hear other singers on the album. I think there is a bit more of a techno influence in Operatica's music this time around yet with opera being the main focal point of the sound, with hints of Middle Eastern influences. I thoroughly enjoyed "Standing On the Edge of the World", "Solvejg's Song", "Mon Amour", and the title track a lot. I can't wait to hear more from Operatica in the near future."

A great find!

Mike | Miami, FL, USA | 08/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a time in which creativity should be praised, this is an album that stands out. This album is a daring eclectic mix of an electronic/opera/persian fusion. It sums out to a beautiful masterpiece. The album keeps a dreamy state all the way through from start to finish. It is a perfect album for that late night drive, recovery from a big night, or even bedroom activity. It is the kind of album that entrances the listener and the skip button does not have any use. I am glad I stumbled upon this album, a rare find."