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In this follow-up to the smashing success of her 1997 CD Time to Say Goodbye, Sarah Brightman continues down the primrose crossover path, blithely gliding from covers of Hooverphonic (the title track) and Kansas ("Dust in the Wind") to Puccini and film scores (Titanic and The English Patient). Sometimes, as in "Anytime, Anywhere," the crossover happens within the same song--in this case welding a rhythm track to the somber harmonies of Albinoni's "Adagio." But there's nary a stylistic speed bump to jolt her listeners, as Brightman focuses her tiny, seraphic voice like a beam of light on each melody. The result, bless her heart, may be the invention of a whole new form of kitsch. Like plastic surgery, Brightman's years of specialized vocal training have helped refine her ability to float confidently well-rounded, sparkling tones in her upper range. These have a Dresden china-like, touching fragility in such songs as "So Many Things" and are well-suited to the gauzily romantic (and overproduced) gloss of the string-heavy arrangements that predominate. Eden also introduces Brightman as songwriter ("In Paradisum," with its mix of sitar and modal chant) and features a bonus track unavailable on the album's European-released version ("The Last Words You Said"). --Thomas May

Following the enormous international success of Timeless/Time To Say Goodbye, Sarah's subsequent album, Eden, evokes a musical paradise that is both lush and tranquil.

Sarah co-wrote "In Paradisum" with Peterson and the lyrics to "So Many Things." In addition to English, Sarah also sings in Latin, Italian and French.

The mystical strains of the opening track, "In Paradisum," sets the mood for the album. This is followed by the title track, "Eden," where Sarah's sensual vocals are interlaced with haunting Gregorian chants.

The album seamlessly merges pop and classical, sometimes within the same song; the sultry "Anytime, Anywhere" being a case in point.

Operatic highlights include Haendel's "Laschia Ch'io Pianga" and Puccini's "Nessun Dorma," hitherto the sole domain of tenors.

Contemporary songs include the uplifting "Deliver Me," the remarkably placid "So Many Things" and Ennio Morricone's "Nella Fantasia."

Aptly named indeed, Eden has the uncanny ability to soothe workaday nerves and transport to the listener to a quiet haven of serenity.

The US release of Eden contains "The Last Words You Said," a duet with Richard Marx. The Japanese edition also contains the duet, plus "Time To Say Goodbye." A subsequent "Millenium Edition" release features "Time To Say Goodbye," "Sleep Tight" and the bonus track, "Desert Rose."

1998/1999
CD album
Worldwide
East-West / Angel Records 24355 67692

Millenium Edition:
CD album
East-West
8573-80833-2

Tracklist

1. In Paradisum - Brightman/Peterson
2. Eden - Callier Listen Listen
3. So Many Things - Traditional/Brightman
4. Anytime, Anywhere - Albinoni/Brightman
5. Bailero - Traditional
6. Dust In The Wind - Livgren
7. Il Mio Cuore Va (My Heart Will Go On, From 'Titanic') - Horner/Jennings
8. Deliver Me - Marsh
9. Un Jour Il Viendra - Yared/Jonasz
10. Nella Fantasia - Morricone
11. Tu - Cano Listen
12. Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Handel
13. Only An Ocean Away - Andreason
14. Scene D'Amour - Lai
15. Nessun Dorma - Puccini
16. The Last Words You Said (Featuring Richard Marx)