The Songs That Got Away

Sarah had such an amazing voice at this stage of her career - she could make any song beautiful.

I purchased this CD many years ago and loved it. I hadn't listened to it in a while and brought it back out again. I love it just as much now. My personal opinion is that Sarah's voice on this CD is far lovlier than it is on her more recent works. It is so clear and expressive. And, for the most part, I really love the songs that were chosen. Meadowlark is very theatrical. The Puccini area is breathtaking. But my favorite is the Lloyd Weber tune, Half a Moment. Sarah is sublime, and most of the songs on this CD should be revived.

Despite absolutely adoring all of Sarah Brightman's work and owning nearly every one of her albums, I had yet to give this one a try. I could be that major bookstores and electronics stores where I live don't carry it, or that I was unfamiliar with most of the songs present, and wasn't sure how much I'd like it.I was really glad that I decided to take the plunge. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with these forgotten show-tunes, both from opera's and Broadway's stage. You'll probably hear a relatively different side of her voice than you're used to, but it's not a bad different. If you've heard her Andrew Lloyd Webber releases (which I have), it won't be a big jump; but if you've only heard her pop/opera albums, you may have some initial trouble getting common ground.I love this album for the sheer variety that Ms. Brightman displays with each of the fourteen selections on this CD, covering a range of composers from all around the world and over fifty years worth of theatre; not to mention the beautiful photograph of Sarah on the booklet cover. Simply gorgeous.Does this album emphasize her operatic range as well as in her later releases? No. That said, I find "The Songs that Got Away" one of her most enjoyable albums.These are showtunes, but they take on a more intimate feeling with Sarah's beautiful vocals. She makes each one sound effortless and very, very special, as if they were all written especially for her. Despite what negative reviews might say about her voice not being up to par by 1989, this album was done right after she had finished in Phantom on Broadway, and a two years after the Phantom cast album was recorded. In my opinion, her voice never sounded better, and she sounds just as pretty here as she does on that recording."Silent Heart" is a particularly dreamy ballad, begun by a gentle piano accompaniment, later joined by flowing violins and harps. This is the best I've ever heard Sarah emotionally and vocally, and is the prettiest song imaginable as she performs it."Dreamers" is another one I really liked. One cannot help but think Ms. Brightman puts herself among the legions of dreamers rather than those who "don't dream at all"."Three-Cornered Tune" is unique in that you can hear her sing a trio with herself, sung to the tune of what was later known as "Fugue for Tinhorns" from Guys and Dolls.The Rodgers/Harnick tune "Away From You", reorchestrated by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is made into an evocative, longing lullaby, and is one I am so glad that she chose to sing. The same is true for "If I Ever Fall In Love Again", which is probably my Third favorite, right after "Silent Heart" and "Chi Il Bel Sogno".The lovely Puccinni aria "Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta" from La Rondine is just wonderful. I have never heard it sung better by anyone, counting a selection of highly lauded opera singers. The song is simply perfect for her delicate soprano, and on the high notes she just shines.Sarah Brightman is a very talented woman, and "Songs That Got Away" shows that even very early on in her career she had a very strong grasp of emotional and vocal power which would be seen even more prominently in her later artistic endeavors. If you enjoyed her charming, angelic vocals in "Phantom of the Opera", than you'll be sure to like this album. I guarantee it.

I liked all the songs,. Sarah Brightman beautifully performed these songs I like this album because the music is familiar. A wonderful, enjoyable album.

I am a true Sarah Brightman fan but this CD was a total waste of money and the time I spent listening to it. With only a couple of exceptions the songs, (and Ms. Brightman's renditions) are totally forgettable. I will never again buy a Sarah Brightman album without first listening to it.I have to re-visit this revue.Since I originally wrote the revue I have come to enjoy several of the songs on this album. It just takes a little time. I have raised it to three stars.

I had this truly delightful album on audio tape and just about wore it out some years ago. I am a big fan of Sarah Brightman and feel that this particular album is one of her best...the material is brilliant. I am so glad these beautiful songs have not got away from me again! Highly recommend it.

The lovely Sarah puts her special touch on these classic tunes, a fragile pixie quality with her special blend of darkness and pathos. Not everyone enjoys her style, but for the initiated, there's no mistaking the artistry in what she does.

I'm sure this album won't appeal to everyone but personally I love it. The standout tracks here (for me) are: Meadowlark, Mr. Monotony, Dreamers, Three-Cornered Tune, Away From You & If Love Were All. This album should appeal to lovers of obscure musical theatre songs and to fans of Sarah Brightman. I think this album shows that she is far more versatile a singer than people give her credit for. The reason I have given this a 4 star rating instead of 5 is because the album was recorded on a lower volume so you have to turn it up a bit, but that is a very small quibble about an otherwise great album.