Music : Pure

Rating: - Lovely voice and some highly original song choices

The original `Pure' album was released in 2003, and despite there now being a confusing number of variations of it (special edition, import, bonus tracks & bonus discs) there are basically two editions - the original single disc and this 2CD Special Edition which adds a bonus disc to the original one.

The songs are a mixture of classical, popular and traditional, with some highly original and unexpected choices such as `River of Dreams' which is a transcription of Vivaldi's lovely violin solo 'largo' from `The Four Seasons', and a powerful recording of `Benedictus' from the Karl Jenkins' album `The Armed Man - A Mass for Peace'.

The New Zealand traditionals, predictably chosen because of Hayley's origin from that country, are the beautiful love songs `Pokarekare Ana' and `Hine e Hine' which are performed with effortless grace.

Hayley's version of the 1978 Kate Bush hit `Wuthering Heights' was for me a disappointment, failing to display anything like the passion and intensity achieved by Kate Bush and her backing group. This one floats along comfortably like a nice love song but eventually fizzles out with a competent, but lacklustre, guitar solo.

The remaining songs though are good performances. The bonus disc includes a couple of Christmas songs plus a video track of Pokarekare making this an excellent (international) debut which deservedly reached No. 8 in the UK Pop chart and No.1 in the UK Classical chart. It remains the fastest selling international debut album in the history of the UK Classical chart and the best selling artist of her native New Zealand's history, having been awarded Platinum status ten times over.

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Rating: - Every Note Pure Pleasure
Hayley Westenra has been graced with a pitch perfect soprano voice. The dream-like melody of the tunes makes this one of the most relaxing alums ever. My best music purchase this year, which given the price is truly amazing.

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Rating: - Excellent CD
I first heard Hayley Westenra on a compilation CD entitled "Over the Rainbow" (The Songbird Collection). I had never heard of this artist prior to listening to this. On the strength of this CD I immediately logged on to Amazon and ordered her "Pure" CD. This is probably the best CD I have listened to in the past ten years!. This artist is something special and being backed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra makes this CD an excellent buy. If you want an easy listening CD from an angelic singer this is the album to buy.
Absolutely superb!!!

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Rating: - Flawed but still magical
I was given a copy of this CD and have really enjoyed it. If I hadn't been given it I would definitely have bought it myself.
Overall the CD is a little over-produced for my taste ... others may disagree. Also - I just have to speak up about Haley's version of 'Wuthering Heights'. It is just not up to the incredible version by Kate Bush. Kate seems to put more variety, emotion and feeling into it. That one song aside the rest of the CD is just a much higher quality than most of what is around at present, in fact quite magical! Go treat yourself!

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Rating: - There are no words good enough
I first heard Hayley Westenra sing on classic Fm and had to have the album she has the best voice I have ever heard.

This album's title describes her voice in one word-pure and the songs suite her voice so well especially never say goodbye, dark waltz and the maori songs. I love the bonus CD aswell especially Mary did you know? and Bridall Ballad- this CD is a must have

Charlotte Church is not a patch on Hayley and always sounds as if the notes are being squeezed out of her-hayleys voice is beautiful.
I love her version of Wuthering Heights as Hayley can actually reach the notes unlike Kate Bush who should learn to sing within her range.Buy this album and you will not regret it.