[.ca] Storm

The greatest album of all time!:
I am a major music fan. I have tons of CDs and have heard tons more. So when I say that "Storm" by Vanessa Mae is the greatest album of all time, it's not from a lack of knowledge of what's available in the music world. I bought this album in 1998 in Taiwan, about a year before it was released in the USA. I listened to it regularly for nearly two years before listenings became infrequent. Most CDs, even ones I really like, become listened to infrequently within a couple months, which shows how spectacular this CD is that it would last so long. I don't know how to limit my acclaim for this album within the maximum number of words Amazon.com allows. To do so will require leaving out vast amounts of what I have to say about this album. So mostly all I can do is summarize. This album is powerful emotionally: it has a range of emotions from peaceful to frenetic, from grandiose to dramatic. The sources of music vary, from classical compositions by Bach and Vivaldi to folk music to Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," to songs that are probably original compositions for the album. Though the styles vary considerably, the album does not at all feel disjointed; it is a dynamic, complete, emotional journey. I have other albums by Vanessa Mae. My first album of hers was "The Violin Player." I really liked the opening Bach track on that, but the rest was more like background music. Her third crossover album, "Subject To Change," is better than "The Violin Player," still rather background but not as much. But this second album, "Storm," is FOREGROUND music all the way! The recording, the playing are all up front! And speaking of the playing, her violin playing on this album is intense! The other two albums seem so dull in comparison. Speaking of comparisons, "Storm" whips Bond's album "Born" too (I haven't heard Bond's new one). That album is lively but lacks creativity or variety. "Storm" is far, far superior to these other albums. My favorite tracks: "Storm," which is fast, furious, and powerful! -- Vivaldi like it was meant to be!! "Bach Street Prelude" is bouncy and energetic, also the best performance by far I've ever heard of this song. "I Feel Love" has beautiful vocals and killer violin jamming. There are more songs I like too, but space is so limited. I could go on and on about this album; I've barely scratched the surface. If you like Vanessa Mae, Bond, or other crossover classical, you ABSOLUTELY MUST get this album!!! And even if you're not into crossover classical (my main musical interests are rap, dance, World Beat, and alternative rock), but love a variety of music, you will certainly find this album astounding. Hunt for this album--it will be well worth the hunt.

What Vitality:
I LOVED the variety of the music on this CD. The violin is a beautiful instrument to listen to, but this was so stimulating. I am in awe of her talent. I turn up the volume and sit back and experience Storm again and again. It's time for another of her works.

The best Violin CD Ever:
I have looked for a long time to find a "classical" cd that I can listen to while doing homework. Unfortunately, they usually cause me to fall asleep. This cd is upbeat and fresh, and I don't have that problem anymore. I play the violin, and have for almost 6 years, and I wish that I could play even half as good as she sounds on Storm. I recommend this to anyone who is into classical music but needs a little more of an edge.

Not exactly what I expected:
This is my first Vanessa Mae CD and I am still wondering whether if it will be my last. I was expecting some nice violin music and I got what I call a lot of techno music. While I can tell that she plays very well and that she is very masterful in her playing, there are only a few tracks that I do enjoy. For me this is not music to relax to, but is music to keep you going while you are doing something and need to keep going. I may try one of her more classical CD collections, but after reading the online reviews here in Amazon I am leaning away from those also. This CD was truly disappointing for me.

How could I ever love a violin player?:
I admit I feel in love with Vanessa's first CD "The Violin Player", but "Storm" is my absolute favorite recording right now of any kind. I have listened maybe a hundred times and never get tired ( and often hear something new). Her versatility and expansive talent shine all through this CD. Vanessa is obviously her own person and not afraid of trying new sounds and techniques, who would ever even think of combining flaminco guitar and violin? I often sit back and close my eyes and imagine this attractive young asian girl with a perfectly proper British accent furiously strumming her signature white electric violin and swear to myself I will see her in person someday. Okay, if you are looking for something new, wonderful music, and a rockin' good time- BUY THIS CD!

• Summer Haze
• Storm
• Retro
• Bach Street Prelude
• Leyenda
• (I) Can, Can (You?)
• Happy Valley
• Poet's Quest (For a Distant Paradise)
• Embrasse Moi (You Fly Me Up)
• Aurora
• I'm a Doun
• I Feel Love
• Hocus Pocus
• Blessed Spirits