(20 August 2000) The latest album by Sarah Brightman entitled La Luna (Angel Records (USA) 7243 5 56968 2 3, 2000) released in the United States on 29 August, continues much in the vein of the star's prior albums Eden and Time To Say Goodbye (Timeless in Europe and other territories). A classical crossover album in every respect, La Luna, with its moon themes, has something for every one of Sarah's fans. Cover versions of folk and pop songs perfectly compliment her modern interpretations of the more classical Aria-oriented tracks. Once again produced by Frank Peterson, the album clearly blends sounds from the Dive and Fly era with the artist's most recent releases. Sarah Brightman has long led the way in the classical crossover genre and has been joined by Emma Shapplin (review), Aria (review), Izzy (review) and Filippa Giordano (review).

The Angel Records version of La Luna differs slightly from the German pressing both in running order and tracks included to best address the American audience. Most notable is the differing lyrical viewpoints between the complimentary ballads "He Doesn't See Me" (USA) and "She Doesn't See Him" (EEC). This stunning track blends contemporary sound with Celtic orchestration. The four additional tracks on the American version make it more accessible, emphasising the contemporary side of the classical crossover genre. Musical Discoveries readers that have long requested a review of Sarah Brightman's work should appreciate this (pre-release) album review.

The album's classically derived tracks are performed graciously with operatic vocals soaring well above the orchestral instrumentation. Examples include "La Califfa" (Lady Caliph), Beethoven's "Figlio Perduto" (Lost Son), Handel's "Solo Con Te" (Only With You), and Rachmaninov's "How Fair This Place"/"How Fare This Spot" sung in Russian; it is joined to a Frank Peterson instrumental introduction entitled "Serenade" which includes Sarah's lovely soaring vocalise.

The most accessible tracks on the album include Brightman-style anthem "Here With Me" and uptempo rocking tune "Winter In July". The inclusion of Sarah's stunning cover of Gary Brooker's "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" this time with rich orchestral arrangements perfectly compliments "A Salty Dog" on Dive. Sarah's cover of "Scarborough Fair" is sensitively sung over light instrumental arrangements. The song was recently covered by Gypsy Soul as well (review). Sarah's singing in the lovely uptempo classically derived piece entitled "Hijo de la Luna" (Son of the Moon) is most reminscent of Kate Bush's style.

Slow ballads ("La Lune," "He Doesn't See Me" and "This Love") are sung tenderly and evocatively, backed with a well-produced blend of traditional and modern arrangements. The bluesy jazz smoky piano bar undertones of "Gloomy Sunday" add to the unique sound of the album. The American version of the album closes with the title track, an Frank Peterson adaptation of a Dvorak classic that blends classical construction with Brightman's operatic soaring vocals and slightly contemporary arrangements. A hidden track within "La Luna" includes a unique Brightman acoustic interpretation of "Moon River." Interested listeners will have to wait until about 5:15 on the counter for it to begin.

The booklet accompanying the compact disc of both EEC and USA versions is as stunning as the music. Produced on high gloss paper and loaded with stunning photos by Simon Fowler (all available on Sarah's website), it contains lyrics both in the language sung and their translations. You can order the American version of La Luna from amazon.com here as well as the import version here. Sarah Brightman's earlier albums are also available at amazon.com. Diverse in its content, well-produced in all regards with stunning vocals certain to delight our readers, La Luna is worth a trans-Atlantic journey and is a must listen!