2006
All Angels are a quartet of female Celtic/[modern] classical singers, in a similar vain to Enya (but more like Celtic Woman) with the backing of a chamber orchestra. According to Wikipedia, they are a “British classical and pop group.”
If memory serves, Lise & I first heard All Angels on SBS Weatherwatch (the name is what it says… weather conditions of the world with music). I went & bought it the next day.
There is a mix of classical (including modern classical), traditional and pop songs. They even do Pokarekare Ana, which is a traditional New Zealand song.
The classical songs are perfect with harmonies of angels (funny that), and have both haunting and mesmerising backing vocals. They are by far my favourite tracks on the album. It has a few of my favourite classical songs, too, including Pachelbel, Agnus Dei and Ave Maria.
The pop songs are a bit harder to get into. With a cover of Robbie Williams “Angels” and Eva Cassidy’s “Songbird” (I’m sure it’s not actually Eva’s, but that’s the version I’m familiar with). That said, if you can get past them being dicky they are done exceptionally well.
My only real gripe with this album (and that’s all it is) is that it’s not a christmas album but it has Silent Night on it. Seriously? Every time I hear it I wonder what they were thinking.
If you like Enya, Loreena McKennit or Celtic Woman, you’ll love All Angels.
Standout tracks are Steal Away, Salve Regina, Ave Maria and Agnus Dei.
9/10
