Great Voice, Great Surround Sound
Written: Nov 05 '05 (Updated Nov 11 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: I really enjoy Alicia Keys voice, and this DVD audio really brings it out.
Cons: Nothing bad to say
The Bottom Line: Alicia Keys has a really nice voice, and the mixes (especially the surround sound mixes) really make her shine.
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| shopaholic_man's Full Review: Songs in A Minor by Alicia Keys |
Alicia Keys is a woman who I have recently discovered, and I think she has a wonderful voice and I enjoy her music.
This is a reprint of an earlier February 2004 review, that is now posted in the DVD-Audio section that it belongs in! (the original post is gone) If you want to focus mainly on the music, please read the CD reviews, if you are interested in the improvements offered on the DVD-Audio, read on!
Original February 2004 review:
I love the new formats of DVD- Audio and SACD, and I have been picking up a variety of albums from a variety of artists in these new formats, this being the latest. If you are reading a review of her DVD-Audio, I am going to assume that you already like Alicia Keys, and I won't waste your time reviewing the music of Ms. Keys, it's been done and very well by several epinions reviewers.
So!, what does the DVD-Audio add to an already great album. Songs in A Minor is recorded in three separate formats on this disc. My favorite, and the reason for investing in technology that plays DVD-Audio (Or SACD) is the advanced resolution Surround Sound Mix. Sound fills the sound stage in surround sound mixes. I will highlight two songs to illustrate. The first song I had ever heard that alerted me to this woman with a wonderful voice (and keyboard) was the hit "Fallin'" In the surround sound mix, Alicia's voice comes from Center stage with piano and back up from right and left with ambiance from the rear surrounds. The back up vocals seem to rush in from all sides as they accompany Alicia's center stage voice. The drums and bass sounds sound like they are center right, behind Alicia. Although no instrument is specifically designated in the rear channels, they are definitely in use, and the omnipresent sound of the piano and the surrounding vocals are full and rich in sound by use of the rear left and right channel. It's a good use of the surround sound, not gimmicky, just a beautiful use of the sound space.
On the opening track "Piano and I" Alicia's voice again opens center stage, then a single note wells up from everywhere and fills the room. Alicia then moves to left and right as Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata comes into the front sound stage. (yes, for those of you who don't have a wider music background, that particular keyboard melody was composed by Ludwig Van long before Alicia's grandparents were born). Alicia's voice expands to the full front stage and backing vocals come from all corners. The song just fills up from there, surrounding you. That is the wonder of advanced resolution DVD-Audio Surround Sound. I enjoyed the fuller sound of all the tracks in the surround sound mix. The music really comes alive.
The Advanced Resolution Stereo Track is excellent, and even though its only in stereo, you would swear that the center channel is on. The sound quality is superior to regular CD. You need a DVD-Audio capable DVD player to play the above formats. If you do not have a DVD-Audio capable player, Songs in A Minor also includes a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. The surround sound stage positions are the same as the advanced resolution surround sound mix, but you will notice the difference from Dolby Digital to advanced resolution surround sound. Although by its nature, the advanced resolutions surround sound is analog, it is superior to the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. I can't quite describe it, you just have to hear it for yourself.
As bonus Features, Alicia Keys Songs in a Minor Key DVD Audio also includes three videos, "Fallin", "A Woman's Worth" and "Girlfriend". Song lyrics, a photo gallery, bio information and weblinks are also on the DVD Audio. These bonus features are available on any DVD player.
I am pleased to see more and more artists of all genres release albums in these exciting new formats, and I hope to see more of them in the future. Alicia's reissue of Songs in A minor, is a great example of how terrific music can sound even better. The DVD-Audio only set me back 14.99 at Best Buy, which is about what you would pay for a new CD.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Romancing
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