28th January 2006

REVIEW

ODYSSEY (US version)
Reviewed by Oksana

Ontario, Canada

At long last, I am finally sitting down to write my review of Odyssey. Here it is…

The album begins with Prayer. In several reviews I’ve read, people have called this song “a gem,” and really, I can’t think of a better word for it. It is a simple but heartfelt lullaby -- Hayley is getting much better at putting emotion into her songs. The song sounds both wistful and comforting, and is a beautiful opening track.

The next song, Both Sides Now, has a bit of a vintage feel to it and the lyrics evoke fun, childish images. I love the deceptively cheerful arrangement, although the sad verses could have had more feeling. Following that is Never Saw Blue -- a haunting string of poetic fancy -- I love the words, and the melody is really poignant.

Dell Amore Non Si Sa, Hayley’s duet with Andrea Bocelli is very pretty, but I think the arrangements could have been improved. However, the parts where they sing together are just breathtaking. The album takes a pop twist with the poorly-remixed (sorry!) but hypnotic What You Never Know, and the chorus Hayley wrote is really effective and keeps the song from being too repetitive. It’s a promising start for song-writing.

I have no words for May It Be. Placed exactly halfway through the album, it’s beyond beautiful, and leaves the listener with very high expectations, which are met with the uplifting Quanta Qualia. We see what a wonderful instrument Hayley’s voice is, as it reaches breathtakingly high notes that contrast with the pulsating choir.

You Are Water is a really interesting piece -- beaty and just slightly discordant-sounding, reminiscent of alternative rock. It’s an interesting arrangement for such a pure, innocent voice, but the result is spectacular. It took me a few listens to tap into this one, but I wouldn’t be angry if Hayley decides to record more songs like this in the future (though I suspect many other fans would!).

I’m not crazy about the song She Moves Through The Fair; it’s not bad, but it’s not outstanding. My Heart Belongs To You fares better, but Hayley doesn’t really get a chance to showcase her vocal abilities on this one, and the remix makes it sound like a hundred other songs on my radio -- not necessarily a bad thing, however it’s too commercial for me.

Ave Maria is a beautiful song, and Hayley’s serene voice weaves the melody with ease. To contrast the touch of melancholy on this track, the album ends with I Say Grace -- a wonderful, laid-back piece of gospel-pop.

While I could have done without a few of the songs on this album, each one is a special emotional journey for me, led by Hayley's voice -- now much deeper, rounder, and more satisfying. The only thing that slightly annoys me is that she can sound nasal at times, but that doesn't tarnish the shining odyssey she takes the listener upon.

Five stars.