CD Review: Hayley Westenra's "Odyssey"

I popped my (autographed) copy of Hayley's new CD into the player with high expectations. This amazingly talented young woman is a wonderful example of a Kiwi living the dream. Now based in London, Hayley says she has had more control over her new album, and was picky about which songs would make the cut.

The album begins on a quiet note with "Prayer", which is almost like a lullaby. Hayley's voice is supported by a harp, occasional strings and a choir in a sweet melody. The first single comes next: "Never Saw Blue". It's a deceptively simple love song that gets under your skin after you've heard it a few times.

The duet with Andrea Bocelli, "Dell'Amore Non Si Sa", seems a little monotonous and hurried in the verse (Hayley), but blossoms into a glorious chorus (Andrea). The best party (both together in harmony) is saved until last, although to me it sounds like Hayley could have been mixed a little louder. I hope these two have another chance to record together, perhaps with some more dynamic material.

Next Hayley has chosen to sing Caccini's "Ave Maria", impeccably. I've heard this piece performed by many others, and I can't say this version left much of a new impression on me, but it was done faultlessly as you'd expect.

Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" has been co-arranged by Hayley next. The song doesn't really show off Hayley's voice much, but it is pleasant enough. The following song has been both co-arranged and co-written by Hayley: "What You Never Know (Won't Hurt You)". It is a better example of the unique qualities of Hayley's voice, without being showy.

"May it Be" immediately being forth the beautiful imagery of our country on display in "The Lord of the Rings" to my mind. This is the best version of the song I have heard so far - it seems that there is something stirring in the melody that suits Hayley's voice perfectly.

"Quanta Qualia" is a kind of pulsing ensemble choral song which crescendos its way forward, interweaved with oboe solos. In about the middle of the song, Hayley's voice begins to soar above it all. Upon first hearing it took me a while to recognise it was her voice - it is so high and pure that I at first thought it was a flute. "Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 Aria (Cantilena)" is another song in which Hayley's voice is used purely as an instrument (sans lyrics). She leads a melody above plucking strings and a solo cello.

I love "She Moves Through the Fair" - it moves the Irishness in my veins. I already knew the song since I'd heard it sung by foodie/writer/traveller Peta Methias. The arrangement is haunting and mystical. The next song "I Say Grace" is a gospel tune which must be geared towards the America audience she is next to conquer. It doesn't really strike a chord with me, and does tend to go on for a while - but I am sure others will find it more appealing than I do.

The album finishes with "My Heart Belongs to You", which is a contemporary ballad. It's an attractive song sung with great feeling.

Overall, this album doesn't have as many catchy tunes as her first one - hopefully this won't be to her detriment. In many of the songs however, she is quite experimental with her voice, and I think this is refreshing in today's manufactured and bland music world. All the best Hayley!

Official site