Pop goes the classics

When Enya was unavailable to sing on the 1997 Titanic soundtrack, Norwegian singer Sissel was hired instead. Thanks to Sissel's ethereal voice, Enya comparisons probably will continue with My Heart. She tackles several classical pieces, most of them familiar: "O Mio Babbino Caro," for instance, already has been covered by Sarah Brightman.

Josh Groban, Closer (Reprise). Groban's previous album was more classical than pop, but this one is the other way around. Producer and songwriter David Foster (thank him for "Man in Motion," from the 1985 teen flick St. Elmo's Fire) is once again at the helm. Here, Groban glides through pieces such as "Mi Mancherai" (from the film Il Postino).

Amici Forever, The Opera Band (Victor). Amici Forever may have some of the best voices in the crossover market, but the band's material is unorthodox, including an update of Fauré's "Pavane" (with pop-style verses and a chorus) and a reworking of "Requiem for a Soldier" from the 2001 film Band of Brothers.

View Source

RELATED STORY | "A classic case of making music for the masses" | Apr 18, 2004