Tarja-My winter storm

Universal
2008

This is the second solo album from Finnish soprano and former Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen. This is obviously her show as the music is largely in the background and her vocals take center stage. There is both classical arrangements as well as some metal guitar. There is certainly more symphonic elements here than just straight out metal stylings. There is little doubt that Tarja has a huge voice and a tremondous range. However, this style of music isn't just about range, but it's also about the vocalist's ability to convey emotion. As far as that category goes I think she is a bit hit and miss at times. Some songs are rich and flow nicely and the vocals cut in with an instant amount of charm and she manages to sway the mood of the song with her vocal inflections. However on other tracks her vocals although strong sound more like she is doing vocals exercises because the emotion is just not coming across. Great talent doesn't always translate to great songs if there is just not enough going on to sustain the whole song. The music although lush and spectacularly produced doesn't always work. It is more in the background and meant to compliment the vocals and many times it's enough and other times it just exists. This album is an ambitious effort considering how much really relies on the vocals and the fact that it's over an hour long. It's overall more hot than cold yet there were numerous moments where everythings came across being a little bland and cold. If you love her voice then this may be for you, but if you are expecting a complete solid album then it comes up way short.

http://www.myspace.com/tarjaturunen