Vanessa-Mae - Storm

Trashy when not transcendent

3 1/2

There are some brilliant, even innovative uses of Mea's very strong violin soloing throughout this Classical-breakaway disc. About half of the songs feature tremendous moments of power, where the violinist's passionate, fiery playing collides with a multitude of genres, including techno and rock. However, for all of it's calculated cool, the fusion does stumble at times with a sound that feels blatantly contrived (some of the mediocre overuse of House beats and silly sampling and come to mind). November 17, 2008

fresh, exciting, upbeat twist on classical - sooo hot

i was in a video bar in DC _____ years ago (it's gone now), and heard some music that made me stop dead in my tracks, listen to the music, stay glued to the video, and wait until I could find out, "WHO IS THAT?" It was Vanessa Mae. I bought this cd the next week, and it's still among the favorites in my collection.
VM has a brash, unique, peppy approach to anything she does. She's anything but boring. Her technique and respect for the underlying music is clear. I've slipped a VM in where I've had my hair cut, popped it in in the car - every time, people stop and pay attention.
I dont listen to her 24/7, mind you, but had to post a review 'cause it's among my favs. Hope you enjoy it too. January 27, 2008

Love this cd!

This is my favorite cd of Vanessa-Mae's, and definitely the one you should buy first. The pop/techno arrangements are very good, not cheesy and dated sounding like those on The Violin Player. A must-have for anyone who enjoys the classical crossover genre. July 17, 2006

Vanessa's Masterpiece

This follow-up to the groundbreaking 'The Violin Player' is the most revolutionary violin album out there, taking everything achieved by its predecessor several steps, if not leaps, forward. Establishing what is her trademark with this album, Vanessa reworks and invigorates many beautiful songs. 'Summer Haze' and 'Storm', are two of the most inspiring renditions of pieces from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' I have ever heard, capturing every note of the intense beauty and vivaciousness that the original pieces had years ago, but now with wondrous modern influences. This is equaled, if not excelled, by the stunning 'Bach Street Prelude', Mae's arrangement with producer Andy Hill of the renowned Bach piece 'Preludio'. Lilting, georgeous and uplifting, this interpretation leaves the previously recorded "classical version" in the dust, with Vanessa playing with so much more emotional intensity and personality to her own remarkeable style. 'Happy Valley', a song written by Vanessa herself, among others, is the unforgettably breathtaking theme used for the Re-Unification of Hong Kong; the song progresses with intricate production of a choir, interludes within the song, before a fantastic, spellbinding finale, easily one of the most stirring and beautiful songs of the past decade. The album continues with endless highlights, including the Spanish-flavored 'Retro' and 'Leyenda' and an exuberent performance of the Can Can, called '(I) Can, Can (You?)' on this album, to the joyous and fresh 'Embrasse Moi (You Fly Me Up)', 'Hocus Pocus', and a remake of Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love' with Vanessa contributing vocals. 'A Poet's Quest (For A Distant Paradise)' is beauiful in that it captures the bittersweetness of soul-searching with reverse side: the uplifting and adventurous; while 'I'm A Doun' is a one-song culmination of all the priceless elements on the album. 'The Blessed Spirits' is the dynamic closer to a landmark album, leaving the listener with just as much impact as the first notes of the first track.
This album is a masterpiece because the recordings here will be remembered not only for their beauty and life, but for the wondrous talent and musical genius they represent and convey. Those wise enough to buy the album and expose themselves to such beautiful music will, I hope, agree. October 10, 2004

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. August 6, 2003

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