Russell Watson, Stephen Warbeck, Giuseppe Verdi, Lucio Dalla, Zucchero, Cesar Franck, Ernesto de Curtis, Umberto Giordano, Nigel Hess, Russell Gordon Alistair / Mahoney Gary / Watson, Paul Simon, William / Ure, James Allen Christopher / Cann Warren / Currie, Luigi Denza, Freddie Mercury, Giacomo Puccini, Ennio Morricone, John Themis, Richard Harvey, Caroline Dale - Russell Watson A· The Voice

A very pleasing voice

I do not even remember why I acquired this recording, probably because of a magazine review suggesting an interesting new tenor. Whatever my reason, I must say that I enjoy listening to it.
And I do not understand the vitriolic reviews some on this site have given the recording. True--Domingo he is not. But, I have never heard anyone claim that he is. It is amazing to me how many reviewers praised the (talented) amateur Daniel Rodriguez' recordings and how many are panning this one. March 10, 2008

They don't call him "The Voice" for nuthin'

The first time I heard him sing I was blown away- in a land full of fat old men siging opera- he is anything but- as easy on the eys as his voice is to the soul, Watson remains one of the most under appreciated artists of the day. This is my second copy of this CD as the first one mysteriously walked away. Russell Watson, is a man of many voices- this CD just shows one side- it's a beautiful compilation- mostly classical in nature. There is not a bad track in the whole thing but my favorite was Pelagia's song from Captain Corelli's Mandolin. This was his debut Cd. He has since done many more but this collection remains one of his strongest. I would also recommend Encore over Ultimate Collection. If you enjoy Josh Groban, you will definitely like Watson- except that unlike many other classically trained tenors, Watson can actually cross over to pop and rock without sounding like something is lodged in his colon (not naming any names here). On subsequent CDs the man's voice is truly versatile. He is a chameleon, moving seamlessly from Nessum Dorma to a cover of Bohemian Rhapsody to a popular Broadway show tune and doing them all meorably well. This, his first, remains one of my personal favorites. This one is definitely a keeper, but you will defintely want to hear more! December 8, 2007

Stunning version of Nessun Dorma

He has native talent...an untrained working class guy who sang in a pub and knocked 'em dead! Really a pleasure and delight to listen to. he would end the night, the set, with Nessun Dorma to a standing ovation. these blokes appreciated it! You will too. December 4, 2007

Unsure

I'm glad that musical artists besides opera singers are encouraging the art of opera. I also like some of his more upbeat selections as well. In my opinion though, I couldn't listen to his CD for very long. A couple of his arias sounded a bit splatty at times, and back in the throat at others. I don't claim to know everything about opera, I'm only in highschool, but his sound seemed quite pushed in places.
When all is said and done,however, I hope more people will come to know and love opera through his music. January 7, 2006

A wonderful voice

I'd just like to say that while most of the opera purist lot criticize his "untrained voice", they are completely neglecting to say that the beauty of his voice is completely NATURAl. He is a man with a naturally beautiful voice, not one worked on for dozens of years in a conservatorium. Personally, that in itself is commendable. Yes, his pronunciation is not exactly perfect, but I think that this adds to his charm - how his gift (and yes, it is a gift) to him from welding to living out his dream.

Opera purists are a dying race. Making opera accessible to other people is not a crime. I have been brought up in a house filled with music, quite a lot of opera. And I do not think that making opera more accessible is a bad thing. Bringing a more youthful image to opera is a very positive thing. We are seeing a whole generation of artists with wonderful voices, ridding opera of its middle aged image.

Bravo, Russell! You're doing a great job.

PS: Opera purist, I can assure you Russell does not spend a sleepless night on account of your whining. So I suggest you learn to deal with the new youth of opera. May 28, 2005

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