| | Promise CD Il Divo Discography of CDs
 (49 Customer Reviews)
Personnel: John Parricelli (guitars); Steve Mac (piano, organ, keyboards); Dave Arch (piano); Chris Laws (drums); Frank Ricotti (percussion).
With the arrival of THE PROMISE, the remarkable success of vocal crossover act Il Divo is certain to continue. Comprising four classically trained singers, Il Divo alighted upon a unique sound by bringing operatic technique to romantic and popular songs. The result--as heard on the #1 albums SIEMPRE and ANCORA--is sustained and refined on this 2008 release.
With its lush arrangements, songs sung in Spanish, Italian, and English, and the quartet members' gorgeous voices, THE PROMISE may not pack many surprises, but that won't come as a disappointment to devoted fans. Songs include "Amazing Grace," Abba's "The Winner Takes It All," and the Holly Johnson and Trevor Horn classic "The Power of Love," make this effort another dazzling showcase for the voices of Il Divo.
The greatest proof that Simon Cowell is some kind of mad, crass genius, opera-pop group Il Divo don't stray from their blueprint on their fourth proper album, The Promise, but the formula does show some signs of wear. The Promise isn't greatly different in feel or form from its predecessors -- it is still stately, dramatic Euro-pop covers of soft rock classics balanced by a couple of made-to-order tunes -- and that's part of the problem. Without a change in sound or mood, the novelty of opera singers singing pop songs is beginning to wear off, particularly because the group's material here isn't as strong as its prior albums. Previously, they sang songs that were hits the world over -- "Nights in White Satin," "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman," "All by Myself" -- but here they rely on "The Power of Love," ABBA's "The Winner Takes All," and Charles Aznavour's "She," which wind up skewing this toward the group's Euro roots and give it a bit of a turgid, stuffy feel, something that Il Divo are predisposed to in the first place. While this is hardly a disaster, it is complacent, giving fans no compelling reason to choose to listen to this over the other Il Divo albums they have unless they just want more of the same. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Opera-pop group Il Divo don't stray from their blueprint on their fourth proper album, The Promise, which isn't greatly different in feel or form from its predecessors -- it still consists of stately, dramatic Euro-pop covers of soft rock classics balanced by a couple of made-to-order tunes. Previously, they sang songs that were hits the world over -- "Nights in White Satin," "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman," "All by Myself" -- and here they rely on "The Power of Love," ABBA's "The Winner Takes All," and Charles Aznavour's "She," which wind up skewing this toward the group's Euro roots. Ultimately, fans can choose to listen to this or to the other Il Divo albums, because The Promise offers more of the same. ~ Stephen Thomas ErlewineBillboard (p.77) - "They're happy to pull every heartstring known to man -- or at least middle-aged woman -- which gives their crescendo-crammed records a kind of refreshing honesty." Promise Music | List Price | $13.96 (You save $0.17) | | Category | Rock/Pop Albums, Rock CDs, Classical, Easy Listening, Opera, Vocal, Contemporary Pop Vocals, Classical Vocal Crossover | | Label | Syco Music | | Orig Year | 2008 | | All Time Sales Rank |  162   | | CD Universe Part number | 7766733 | | Catalog number | 739968 | | Discs | 1 | | Release Date | Nov 18, 2008 | | Studio/Live | Studio | | Mono/Stereo | Stereo | | Personnel | Frank Ricotti - percussion
John Parricelli - guitars
Steve Mac - piano, organ, keyboards
Dave Arch - piano
Steve Mac - piano, organ, keyboards
Chris Laws - drums
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Promise Music Review Average Rating: (3.8 out of 5 stars)   List All Reviews Moving & Evocative
Il Divo's music is new to me, & I was very impressed. They have strong beautiful finely trained voices, whether solo or blending in harmony. A lot of opera is too stylized for me, but these artists sing with real emotion. The backing instruments, particularly keyboards, are also played with true skill & passion.
I was particularly taken with the opening number, The Power of Love (La Fuerza Mayor.) Although I only know a little Spanish, I soon found myself singing along. Their interpretation of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah (Aleluya) gives the song new life.
While relaxing background music, at times I was inspired to get up & move, because Il Divo sings with such power & energy. This isn't just for opera lovers, but for anyone who appreciates artists who sing straight from the heart.
Submitted by Phoenix (Bay Area, CA, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. Great music
I really like this CD. There are 11 great songs on this CD and my favorites are Amazing Grace and Hallelujah. I have heard quite a few singers sing these songs and IL Divo sings them so beautifully. I like to listen to this CD when I am feeling down or stressed out. It seems to take me away and relax. I can’t help but smile when I listen to it. The songs are:
The Power Of Love (La Fuerza Mayor), La Promessa, Adagio, Hallelujah (Aleluya), L'alba Del Mondo, Enamorado, Angelina, The Winner takes It All (Va Todo Al Ganador), La Luna, She, Amazing Grace.
This is a great CD to listen to when you want to hear easy listening music. These songs are emotional and uplifting. They are beautiful even though most are not in english. I think that's why I like them so much because I think songs sung like this are really pretty sung in a different language. This CD is great when you want to get away and take a break. It's a stress reliever!
Submitted by dustinnikki (OH, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. WOW
These guys are impressive! The lead singer has a masterful voice and the album is pure thunder! If you are a bonafide music fan you need to support and enjoy these artists. My favorite track is "The Power Of Love" ( TRACK #1.
Submitted by ortegaat (Sacramento CA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No new to il divo and will be back for more
This was my first intro to il divo and I'm very pleased with it.
Nice calming music and at the same time powerful and strong. This would be great when you have varying age groups in the house over the holidays. Grandma and the little ones and everyone in between can enjoy.
Submitted by kirkette (Maine)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  Not a "promise" worth keeping
I was excited when the opportunity arose to receive this cd for review by a networking group I belong to (one2onenetwork). After listening to this cd I was left feeling "cheated" by Il Divo. Ihave been a fan since the beginning and have enjoyed whatever they have put out in the past so needless to say this did not bode well with me. Ifound the entire cd monotonous and most of the songs sounded the same. I have not added this album to my list of must buy gifts for family and friends.
Submitted by Marcelle (N.Y.)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
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