Libera Dreams

So what songs do you think stands out the most so far ?

most of us have heard the whole album so think people will have opinions on this

"Time": This song stands out to me for several reasons, even if it is more of a "mainstream" song and less of a "classic Libera sound". For one thing, I was not expecting Josh to have a solo, and I was amazed by the control he has over his changing voice. Secondly, I was blown away by Ben's chorus part. It was much more powerful than his normal solos. And then the violin part and...I don't know, it all just works together so well, especially at the chorus with Ben's clear voice singing the top notes supported by Josh singing lower notes in a beautiful way, with a deeper, more powerful sound than his softer, sweeter treble voice used to have. The lyrics are also great.

"Touch the Sky": This song has some unique sounding harmonies and sliding notes in it, and if I am not mistaken, it is a cappella? The soloist has a very tender, wistful young voice. Is it Mini-James???

"The Fountain": Libera has done it again! This song has a very haunting tone to it, with nice harmonies, and an excellent solo part. The soloist has amazing control over both high and low notes, as the transitions between the two are very smooth. The overall feeling of the song is hopeful and melancholy, both at the same time. I like it.

"Exsultate": I also chose this song just because I love the energy that is displayed in the song. It sounds so joyful. And I also love the use of the lower voices in this track as they support the high notes. The boys singing the lower parts have such strong voices. It reminded me of songs Libera might have recorded back on their early albums ~2000.

I haven't listened to all the tracks yet so I'll give my opinion after the release.

I'll let you know during the second week of March.

Time

Time was destined to stand out.

It has the same formula as the Muramatsu pieces - haunting verses sandwiching powerful soaring refrains that segue into a soft but meaningful closing line.

Having two of the most recognizeable faces in the group sing solo kind helps.

Panis Angelicus

Every solo treble and boys choir seems to attempt a rendition of Panis Angelicus. This one is not a first for Libera/SPBC/AV. The song per se is fairly difficult to appreciate unless you are particularly religious. As usual, Libera take something mundane and transform it into something magical.

Voices in different descants rising in perfect harmony are what turned me into a beliver. Solos are fun to hear but the harmony of the ensemble is a beatific experience.

Exsultate

It has that "San Damiano" feeling to it albeit an Irish version instead of Italian.

Touch the Sky

Soft and delicate... Perfect piece for a child singer... makes
you want to take a walk in the woods...

Ave Virgo, Time, Faithful Heart for me so far

In ascending order, my favorites at the bottom:

Time - this alone would have eventually sold me the album. I'm slow to buy, but I want this.

Exultate - Upbeat, cheerful, but still pure-Libera in the sound. Always loved the latin/english mix songs.

Touch the Sky - Simply beautiful. I can see this taking the place of, or at least standing alongside "Far Away" as the song I run to when I just need a little bit of peace.

Adoro Te - So I mentioned Time WOULD have sold me the album? This did, on my first listen. And it just keeps getting better.

Altogether this seems like an incredible album - it has as many "must-listen-daily" songs as Eternal did, on one disc instead of two. And so far at least, no songs that I just skip because they don't work for me.

For me it would be Time and Exultate. At least until I hear more of the tracks once the album comes out.

I split this category into two:

The songs that I think have different feelings with others:
Time - a quite pop song with haunting melody
Exsultate - an upbeat song with cheerful tone
Touch the Sky - song that composed by Ben Crawley and have the innocent voice soloist in it

and the songs I personally like (in random order):
Ave Virgo, Deep Peace, Faithful Heart, Exsultate

I actually quite like Lead Kindly Light. I'm not sure why, but it's the song on the album other than Ave Virgo that really speaks to me.

The big "blockbuster" ones that are the most popular (eg. Time) are nice for sure, but in particular the refrain of Lead Kindly Light had me upon first listen. It's on repeat right now on my iPod.

bar wrote:I actually quite like Lead Kindly Light. I'm not sure why, but it's the song on the album other than Ave Virgo that really speaks to me.

The big "blockbuster" ones that are the most popular (eg. Time) are nice for sure, but in particular the refrain of Lead Kindly Light had me upon first listen. It's on repeat right now on my iPod.

I also really like "Lead Kindly Light". I love the soloists voice! Er...how did you get it on your iPod?

I will wait until I have the cd in hand and have listened to it several times. There are some song, by any group, that I will dislike upon first hearing but will grow on me.
Right now, though, for me, Time would be the song I'd push to be a single release for radio play. There is nothing about that song and video I dislike.

TEB wrote:I will wait until I have the cd in hand and have listened to it several times. There are some song, by any group, that I will dislike upon first hearing but will grow on me.
Right now, though, for me, Time would be the song I'd push to be a single release for radio play. There is nothing about that song and video I dislike.

Very true. In terms of pushing for radio play, I think Time, O Sanctissima, and Lullaby would do well.

for me, the stand out tracks are:

Time - obviously! my favorite Mini-Ben solo, ever.

Ave Virgo - this song is gorgeous. imo, the best solo performance on the whole album. still not sure who did it, but yeah...

Faithful Heart - there is a really nice descant/vocalizing part thing in the middle of the song (1:43 ish); i believe it sounds like Ed, followed by Mini-Ben, and then Josh. i also really like the lyrics.

How Can I Sing That Majesty/Lullaby, according to Amazon haha: i really like the haunting melody of the verses that are followed up by the grandiose chorus. it's really epic.

Im guna wait for my CD to arrive to listen to the rest of the tracks properly but I personnally love Time, The Fountain and Exultate so far!