At first glance, I actually thought Emma Shapplin really looks like Susanna Hoffs... doesn’t she? She is the ‘latest’ thing in the classical genre, actually giving it a much-needed lift.

Shapplin’s brand of classical is best described as ‘classical soprano meets Gregorian Chants plus a little bit of World Music thrown in’. There is almost a surreal or ethereal element that runs throughout the album – permeating from the very start with a male half-chant/whisper.

The opening track De L’abine An Rivage is about 1.5 mins long, set an ambience that is at once hypnotic, dark and moody.

For a classical offering, this album is a lot more upbeat than you think. It actually uses very modern instrumentation – I could swear the drum tracks are electronic! You also hear the electric bass etc…in other words, you don’t picture this performance is some stuffy concert hall. In fact, what might go through your mind is a long, dark and seductive music video. There is also something attractive about Gregorian (Latin) chants, giving the choruses more meat.

The third track Vedi Maria, starts with sounds of a flowing stream…then comes in the synth and finally Shapplin’s wistful singing. The drum track comes in on the choruses culminating in a stunning love track. Quite a unique experience listening to this one actually.

For those of you still sceptical about trying out a classical album, Shapplin’s work is friendly and commercial and it has elements of world-music… whichever end of the musical spectrum you may be.

The songs or ideas that revolve around them are all about love and relationships and what wins is the fact that you actually get a translation of the lyrics on the CD sleeves. Finally, some help to understanding the lyrics behind the brilliance.

This is a brilliantly packaged work which should win mainstream listeners who are slightly partial to orchestrated works. Shapplin’s vocals are credible enough, maybe not as shrill and piercing as a true-blue soprano (which is a blessing if you ask me). She also sounds more updated somehow with her younger feel and fresh approach.

And this classical album is truly universal – from its themes to its delivery. It is aimed at getting the common person hooked and hypnotised. This is evident in Shapplin’s opening comments printed in the CD sleeve… ‘join together, come untied, catch each other and run away…’ Of course next to it we see Shapplin posed in black lingerie… drama!

A pleasure to consume and easy to digest!