These are dark days for fans of unabashed Hi-NRG records. Even Sandra, it seems, doesn't really make Sandra records anymore. Which is why it comes as quite a surprise to see West End/PBS diva Sarah brightman deliver one of the finest Hi-NRG records in ages. The entire record is built around a Middle Eastern theme, and many instruments native to that region flow through the mix of baroque pop, crunch-opera, eurodisco, and passionate balladry. The title track has been remixed by Robbie Rivera and Manny Lehman, but neither reworking compares to the original versions sinuous build from ballad to bumping club anthem. The five-part "Arabian Nights" feels like one of the classic Summer/Moroder/Bellotte album side suites that spans countless different musical genres, and "It's a Beautiful Day" takes an aria from Madame Butterfly and rocks out with it. The highlight is "Mysterious Days," which sounds like Erasure's "It Doesn't Have To Be" and features a vocal from the late great Ofra Haza.
Brightman and producer/long time collaborator Frank Peterson have outdone themselves with this effort, and it brings such joy to my heart that PBS supporters around the country will be getting down to 80s-style eurodisco
Pros: Impeccably produced and versatile for many moods.
Cons: Brightman's voice remains an acquired taste.
Written by Jason Shawhan
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