Dream (new album 2024)

[bruinrules]

Ok, I'll put in my two cents about the probable cover art for Dream. Well, it is more artistic than the last two more generic looking covers. It has an ethereal feel to it, considering that the theme is Dream. The three figures are more interesting to look at (the standing figure makes me think of Nathan for some reason)and are more representative of the members. So two thumbs up as it kinda is growing on me.
I am looking forward the the release of this CD since it is the first time I get to anticipate a release. Also, I am looking forward to hearing the new original songs again (Sea Bird,Lark's Last Song). I remembered that I enjoyed it but can't remember what it sounded like.

[fugalharmony]

Frankly, I'm not that concerned anymore about the cover art. I know I've been rather opinionated about the topic in the past. If I had to pick my favorite cover art from a Libera album, it would probably be the "Visions" cover.

[fan_de_LoK]

The Western version can be already pre-ordered from the Plastic Head site.

It has the same cover as the Japanese version.
The release date is 22 November. (30 October in Japan)

https://plastichead.com/libera-dream-co ... igi-ihcd92

IMG_20240919_080959.jpg (122.4 KiB) Viewed 1047 times

IMG_20240919_080959.jpg (122.4 KiB) Viewed 1047 times

[dani]

Thank You Patrick

You have managed found the album cover and the release date for the UK.

ETA - it’s lovely they have a little sticker saying it’s their 25th anniversary. A nice little touch to mark it.

[fan_de_LoK]

The UK release date of 22 November was found by Andrezj on Amazon Music UK

[Surpinto]

Interesting album description on the US Amazon page for the album:

This new album 'Dream' marks 25 years since the release of 'Libera' in 1999 and the intervening years would see such opportunities as touring internationally, performing for popes and presidents, releasing a further twelve studio albums, and seeing generations of singers pass through our small corner of South London. The new album has the usual Libera signature arrangements of classics from Beethoven, Dvorak, Gershwin and Liszt, alongside original compositions from alumni Josh, Ben, Liam and Raoul. The group are celebrating this 25th Anniversary year with a UK Cathedral tour, Japan tour, New album and concluding with a Christmas concert in Westminster. Being the most famous anti-war song ever, the release timing of Libera's version of Happy Xmas (War Is Over) could not be more appropriate. This is a Dream for what is yet to come. Great Britain's Best Kept Secret - Celebrates 25 Years The International success story from South London, UK are celebrating this momentous occasion with three UK Cathedral concerts and a 3 date Japan tour, followed by the release of a new album titled Dream. The UK Cathedrals concerts are at Lincoln, Chester, Ely, and conclude on 1st Dec 2024 at Sinfonia Smiths Square, Westminster. The Japan concerts are at the Line Cube, Tokyo and the Grand Cube, Osaka from 29/10-1/11 The Biggest Boy Band in the World. Over the past quarter-century, they have grown from a small choir in St Philip's Norbury to a renowned name across the Worldwide music industry and all achieved by the 250 boys who have sung throughout the years.

[filiarheni]

Thank you for all the exciting information!

Regarding the album cover, my immediate association at first sight was "Hänsel und Gretel", good night scene of the opera (that's the scene where Libera's "Prayer" originates from ). And so for me it also suits the album title "Dream".

Although it's maybe too concrete and not "artistic" enough.

On the first sight, I agree that the darkness is dominant, but having a closer look, you see that it's not the entire truth: The bright light shining in is sparkling also through the dark trees, and I the blue and green colours have a gentle character.
The motif of the three children is continued. Their faces are all turned to that light and I like that too.
There's no fear radiating from the cover, I think, but confidence: In all the darkness (uncertainty!) that is so present exactly currently, there's always a light shining on us, and if we don't see it, we can still dream. In dreams, everything is possible and there is no limitation.

It's a calm cover with calming colours. I'd still have preferred less broad black on the sides, I must say. But we'll see what it really looks like at the physical CD.

Having said that, I'm surprised and disappointed that they took an existing picture and only modified it and did not do the art work on their own. Why? It is not that difficult to create a beautiful, meaningful and unique cover.

[john45]

'Rhapsody in Blue' plays from 15 to 17 minutes.
We can guess that 'Music was born' is a part of it.

But which part? That which lends itself most easily to lyrics and Libera's style would probably be the gentle melody around 11 minutes in, but I would love to hear what Sam might do with the dramatic finale.

[Luckdragon]

Interesting album description on the US Amazon page for the album:

Also worth noting is the November 22 release date in the U.S.

[fan_de_LoK]

'Rhapsody in Blue' plays from 15 to 17 minutes.
We can guess that 'Music was born' is a part of it.

But which part?

Here is the result of my research so far.
There is progress but it is not complete.

Rhapsody in Blue can be divided into four main sections:
1. Molto Moderato
2. Scherzo
3. Andantino Moderato
4. Finale

The part used by Libera is the third section, Andantino Moderato.

The song title 'Music Was Born' chosen by Libera aligns with the lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

Lyrics start as this:
Music was born to help the world go round.
Born to adorn it with a sweet ...

(Unfortunately I haven’t found any more lyrics yet.)

Here is an audio clip of the Andantino Moderato section:

[Yorkie]

Nice work Patrick.

[filiarheni]

On the first sight, I agree that the darkness is dominant [...] I'd still have preferred less broad black on the sides, I must say.

Sometimes it's better to not only use the phone, but rather a computer. I have now looked at the album cover on a decent screen and what was black at the sides turns out to be trees as well, details of them can be distinguished and it is not as dark.
I'm okay with the cover, not overwhelmingly enthusiastic, but okay, and what I like a lot is the foggy blue-green on the trees coming from the light rays. I very fond of the Kielty art from the previous covers, while I think Libera should not continue forever with one album design style and also remain free in this regards.

I like it and I'm not sure it qualifies as dark, it's mysterious but forest feels good. Even like a safe place to dream ?

Maybe a safe place because of a protective light?

Though from the songs I know I don't see a match with the cover.

Well, Twilight of course!

Let's see, if there's more about "dream" and/or the cover.

Dream of You
Obvious.

Always There
Eternal light is always there? The title is too general to say anything.

Twilight
See above.

Veni Sancte Spiritu
The English lyrics are "Come, Holy Spirit, and send from heaven a ray of your light."

Resurrectio
If we interpret it like this? One is lying, one is halfway sitting, one is standing, welcoming the light ...

Lullay
That's a cradle song word, if I'm correct? So it fits in the dream topic just perfectly.

Interesting album description on the US Amazon page for the album:

This new album 'Dream' marks 25 years [...] achieved by the 250 boys who have sung throughout the years.

Nice number game!

[Luckdragon]

Josh said in today's monthly Q&A:

They decided to call the album Dream because one of his songs was called "Dream You Of" (that is the correct title) and there were other songs that touched on dreams. "Seabird" is about being taught how to dream. "The Lark's Last Song" describes a dreamlike scene. In general, he feels that much of Libera's music is about escaping everyday existence and inviting the listener to enter a dreamlike state. This is how he feels when he listens to it. They only put the finishing touches on the album last week, but he seems very happy with how it all came together.

He also showed us the notes and chords in the Libera harmony demo and told us if we'd see the demo again anytime soon, and he talked about how his being in Libera influences his music today.

Supporters can listen to the entire Q&A at https://www.patreon.com/joshmadine.

[Luckdragon]

From @Officiallibera today:

"We are absolutely thrilled to announce our new album, Dream. Marking 25 years since the release of our first album Libera in 1999, Dream is an homage to the bravery and creativity of those who helped shape our unique sound over the years. We will reveal much more about this new album over the coming weeks..."

Might they be hinting at a pre-release video or two?

[Jake4263]

Do you know if after each concert, is it possible to buy Libera's goodies? (As the new CD album for exemple for christmas concert !! )