CD Review

Ancora
Il Divo

Translated, Il Divo means 'The Superstar', and without a doubt, that is exactly what this group are. Il Divo have had prodigious success worldwide (they have hit the number 1 spot in 13 countries and achieved top 5 chart positions in 25 countries), and even though a lot of their tracks are in Italian and Spanish, you will soon be singing along.

Their first album, self-titled Il Divo, was excellent, but Ancora is an improvement on what was already first class.

We have a lot to thank Simon Cowell, of American Idol fame, for. With his quartet of GQ male opera singers and their self-titled album Il Divo, the producer has taken a big step toward making this music - a genre that rock and pop fans find cheesy and opera fans find insulting - more palatable for both. Il Divo put a fresh face on popular songs, utilising their exceptional voices, good looks, and cultural diversity to bring their romantic blend of classical and pop music to audiences around the world. Formed after a two-year search, the quartet is comprised of American tenor David Miller, popular French singer Sebastien Izambard, Swiss tenor Urs Buhler, and Spanish baritone Carlos Marin. Their eponymous debut album was released in April of 2005 and featured a diverse play list. Ancora is the second album from the international quartet and it once again features a collection of pop and classical tracks all given the unique Il Divo treatment.

Modern classics such as Mariah Carey's Hero and Eric Carmen's All By Myself are given a refined classical twist with lyrics sung in Spanish; also included is a rousing Italian version of Unchained Melody. Among the originals are the beautifully stripped down Si Tu Me Amas and the duet I Believe In You, performed in English and French with Celine Dion.

Their upcoming tour for 2006 (which includes a stop in Ireland), to promote the new album Ancora, should ensure the immense success continues for Il Divo.

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