CelticWomanForum.com

I have been a Celtic Woman fanatic since the beginning. I've been a Lion King fanatic since it was created and I saw it in theaters. I have seen more Celtic Woman concerts than I can remember, they have helped me through many rough moments in my life, I own everything they've released and have had the lucky privilege of meeting them once (Apparently the higher powers have stopped me from ever being able to again :( ). I own every Lion King, including sequels and most re-releases, seen the musical multiple times, have written a 7 page Art History Final on it, and own a Lion King comforter set still from when I was 9. Besides these random facts, I have not studied music, film, or theater in any way.

But may I say, as a lover of Celtic Woman, I was disappointed by Believe in a way that's hard to describe. I have read multiple reviews, and it may be the fact that I haven't seen this live yet (I don't have the money to blow on tickets to Atlanta...), but I would not call this superior, better, more amazing or any term like that compared to the original, New Journey, or Songs from the Heart (I'm not counting Christmas Celebration because that's Christmas and I love this season too much :)). None of the songs captured me like the old ones. The set up was lovely but was nothing compared to New Journey or Songs from the Heart. Only four Celtic Woman instead of five didn't feel right at all. There were just so many negative feelings that pulled me away from this. I've only watched it twice, but I feel like I don't need/want to watch it anymore... and this worries me about what could happen in the future with them.

As for The Circle of Life... http://youtu.be/bcMAowBVr6U?hd=1&t=3m30s
What. A. Mistake.
Lisa Lambe seemed to enjoy singing it, and it isn't a bad version of the song. But Celtic Woman, the Celtic Woman I remember, never a song before. And this felt like it. The energy, the life, the chill the runs down a person's back when you listen to them sing... it wasn't there for the first half of this song. Not in existence at all. I could have been watching this at a High School recital (Not saying a high schooler can't be talented). Once all three of the women come down and sing, it finally has a taste of the True life that you expect from a performance such as this. Watching this song actually hurt. And I've endured it over 7 times just to see if I'm missing anything spectacular. And I really don't believe I am. I'm sorry for those who don't agree with my opinions, but I've been a member for a long time, a fan for a long time, and I am still allowed to share my views on here. There was so much potential for this show to be their next shining star, but it supernovaed before reaching its zenith. When the come around again I'll still go to their show at least once to bask in the presence of nostalgia and former glory and the rare gems they still had, but I won't pretend I'm skeptical about the future.

Hi Vincanity :)

You might not remember me, but we met at the Mohegan Sun show back in October of '09.  I too have been a long-time fan of Celtic Woman, and I really wish you could have been at Atlanta with us.  We didn't know they were going to perform "Circle of Life" until they did; it never appeared in that setlist that got leaked several days before the taping.  Also a few days before, Rachel and Alexa and I were talking on skype, and I offhandedly said "You know which song I'd love to hear them sing?  'Circle Of Life' from Lion King."  And they both said "Ohhhh yeah that would be awesome!"  Now I had been actually hoping that they'd do it for about a year or so, since I love "Circle of Life" so much.  And coincidentally, both Rachel and Alexa were also at Atlanta for the first night, sitting in a different section from me.

So as "I Dreamed A Dream" faded out, I heard the beginning part of the song and wondered what it would be.  As Lisa Lambe sang the first line, I immediately recognized it and I absolutely gasped.  I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that they were actually doing it.  I was shivering.  There are a couple of other songs they have done that I (and others) have posted that we always hoped that they'd do, like "Amazing Grace", and it doesn't surprise me that they eventually did perform "Amazing Grace" for SFTH.  But I really never expected that they actually would do "Circle Of Life."  I just didn't know how they could fit it into one of their shows.  But David Downes found a way to get it in.  When the song was done I was so overjoyed that I was on my feet with a standing ovation before anyone in that theater.

At intermission I connected with Rachel and Alexa, and Alexa said "Oh gosh, we just TALKED about "Circle of Life" a few days ago!!"  And I said, "I know, I know!!"  To me, hearing them perform "Circle of Life" that first night was one of the highlights of my Celtic Woman experience.  :)

I actually don't remember you specifically but I do remember meeting a group of CWfans there. It was  a great day, that one. I am happy they did do the song, but it wasn't to the level that it could have been.

We all experience songs differently. To be honest, the Circle of Life doesn't feel as fit for me, but I Dreamed A Dreamed makes things well enough  :D 

SFTH for me was your Believe. I decided to go in no spoilers and not knowing anything. I was greatly disappointed. That being said I am now quite happy with the show after I'd say 4 or 5 viewings. For me knowing all the songs can make all the difference. Now I love Nil Sen La's Live version, and there performance of Amazing Grace was the best I've heard (I actually know more than the first verse now).

So going into Believe I wanted everything all the details, any spoiler news I wanted. When the sizzle reel came out I instantly knew which songs I would love, which touched my heart and which I wasn't in to. I am one of the Believer's that this there best show. I don't mind the four girl line up, I actually prefer it. A few things added to my belief: Awakening is much like SDS in it's opening, Sailing like Orinoco Flow, The Parting Glass like You Raise Me Up, it's all familiar to what they have done before but evolved. Without the Tribute to Broadway I wouldn't know I Dreamed a Dream which was one of the highlights for me. I'm a huge Lisa fan and completely nailed it with her musical theater background. That being said I am in complete agreement about Circle of Life. I am about as big a Disney fan as I am of CW (maybe more if that is possible) and I much prefer the original. I find it does get better once all the girls are on stage. Where it lacks here and there I find it more makes up for it in one single song.

Teir Abhaile Riu (fondly called TAR cause it's easier to say) is my favorite number by far. I knew the second I heard it I loved it and the added dancing took it over the top. I mean this song for me was MIND BLOWING. I can honestly not get enough of this song. And this special for me is the one I want to watch the most. I already see a lot of songs growing on me the most significant Follow On by Lisa K. It is the Caledonia of the show which for me is saying something.

This show is just proving what there productions have been since Slane: BIG LOUD and PROUD. Some aren't taking to the bigger production but I feel this one has the big production while keeping the heart of what the show is all about. It brings joy and relief to a very stressed global and local climate. As Lisa says the success of the show is that there is something for everyone. You don't have to love every song to love CW. It must be stressed that they can underwhelm us. More often then not they are pretty good at overwhelming us too.   

~LL7
Thanks for listening to my novel of 2 cents ;)

Thank you, Vincanity! That's almost exactly what I was feeling, but had no words to describe!

I didn't like I Dreamed a Dream, but that is in part because Les Misérables has been my favorite musical for 10+ years. I really didn't like that they turned it into a duet, skipped lyrics, and then put it with Circle of Life (which I didn't like either). That being said, I do now want to hear Lisa K in the part of Fantine and Chloë in the part of Cosette. Overall, it seemed that there was way too much pop involved, like they were loosing their Irish touch or something.
Also, I find this strange, but I have yet to like a Lisa Lambe solo! I like her voice just fine, but her solos are just not working for me...

Now, it should be noted that I rarely like a song the first time I hear it, so maybe I'll like Believe after hearing the songs a few more times. Also, I adored both of Máiréad's solos AND Nocturne.

I couldn't tell you what I thought of the camera work as the program kept skipping like a scratched up dvd. :P

Then there's the choreography. Did anyone else think of an octopus during Spaceman?

Wow,I must say I really like The Circle Of Life and the dancing they do at the end with the choir is awesome I think  :o

Believe is my favorite special so far! SFTH was my least favorite, and I was hoping that Believe would be better, and I like how CW has evolved. They can't stay the same forever! I did enjoy Circle of Life. it wasn't my favorite, but the amount of incredible music in the show made one not-so-great song not stand out.

I really honestly don't know how I feel about BELIEVE. I mean I love it...but at the same time, I have issues with it. It's almost bitter-sweet for me.
First of all,
Awakening is absolutely incredible!!! def. one of the highlights of the show for me. Mainly cuz it still has that CW feel to it.
Nocturne was gorgeous!!! Luv ya' Chloe ;D :-*
The World Falls Away (Give Me Your Hand) is my personal over-all CW favorite...It is, in my opinion, their best song yet. I heard it live during the SFTH tour in 2011 and was hoping beyond belief that it would be included on their next album (That goes for Walking the Night and My heart Was Home Again as well!!!) and I got my wish..yay ;D
Teir Abhaile Rui (the new ceili  ;) ) is an awesome song!!! Would love to hear it live :D
Sailing was so beautiful...couldn't BELIEVE (see what I did there  ;) ) what I was hearing  :o The harmonies and the melody itself was so breath-taking!!
And The Parting Glass...what can I say...those opening harmonies gave me chills and it definitely was a good choice for the new show closer  ;)
Now secondly,
I really feel that CW is starting to go down a path I don't want to see them go down. A few of the songs in the show like Follow On, A Woman's Heart, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and The Water is Wide were really pop/rockish. And I'm sorry if people disagree with this but that sound is not the sound that made me fall in love with CW. Now, I know there is the statement that CW has something for everyone and that you don't have to like all the songs, but over the course of all their albums, I've seen this sound creeping into more and more of their songs and I'm sorry but I thought more of David than turning this group into a contemporary pop/rock group, not saying that that is the case necessarily but it could happen and it's looking more and more possible. In other words, let's leave the pop to the pop singers and groups and the rock to the rock singers and groups. Don't get me wrong, I think these songs are gorgeous and I will still LOVE CW no matter what, I just don't want to see them veer away from the sound that brought them so many fans, love, and support. Hope that didn't sound to harsh ???
And lastly,
So in all, like I said earlier BELIEVE is kinda bitter-sweet for me. I love it but I'm not too sure about it at the same time. I think I just need time to listen to the music more and wait for time to go by and see how things turn out.

As for what this topic was originally about lol, "I Dreamed A Dream/The Circle of Life" was really good, but wasn't a highlight for me, but I think it was just supposed to be a fun thing, you know what I mean?

Hope no one found this offensive in any way. I just feel a genuine concern for CW. They mean so much to me and have done so much for me :)

Okay I'm done  ;)

warning - long post coming. it may seem off topic at times, but in the end you will see why it all comes together (i hope!)

first, as one of the previous posters mentioned, CW has made some changes (the sing-along, the step dancer, filming in the USA, filming indoor, filming with just 4 principles, Lil Lambe is new, just to name a few), yet those changes arent radical. i have noted that before and how smart they go about it. if it isn't broke, then you shouldn't fix it. BUT, CW has to compete for our entertainment dollars at a time when many of us don't have many of those, so they have to keep things fresh and new too in order to keep our interest and also to win new fans. I would think its a delicate balance. But they are smart about it. In fact, one thing that I really like about the group goes beyond the sound or the look, its the way the show is put together and organized, the song selection, how you have solos and group numbers, vocal and instrumental pieces, all complementing each other.

Another new, and VERY important, aspect about this show is Lil Lambe.I thought about posting this part under a thread in her section about how she 'grows' on people, but its applicable here. At first, I think she was held back a bit by a number of things. First, she replaced someone. Thats tough for anyone. I remember when I replaced a guy who worked at the job for 20 years. For about a year it was like "John would have known what to do" or "John wouldn't have made that mistake" It takes about a year before predicesors are really let go and the new person is accepted. Thats esp. true with Celtic Woman, since we fans tend to be VERY VERY loyal to the ladies. Plus I didn't know how much I liked Lynn until she was gone. One of those 'you dont know what you got until its gone" kind of things. Plus Lil Lambe had to sing "Lynn's" songs. She didn't have her own. She certainly made Dulaman her own, but somehow never impressed me with Lagan Love. But thats one of the things here. Lil Lambe is a 'mover'. Arms waving, spinning, etc. Lynn, Meav, and Orla were more, how to say 'stationary'. Very talented but not exactly best suited for more upbeat quicker music. And Lil Lambe may not be perfect for the slower songs or the more traditional music. Or so I thought.

Then when I first heard Spaceman, Lil Lambe's first CW song, I first thought...NO! Thats NOT a CW song. But its grown on me. She makes it work! And in Atlanta when I first saw & heard Black is the Colour, I first thought...NO. Thats not going to work. But the amazing thing with it happens with the DVD. Because lil Lambe seems born to be on camera. If you are live, you must be very close to see the eyes, the facial expressions, all the little things that the tv camera picks up. They got her on all the right angles and right views to make it look incredible. Plus she displays a sultry flirty kind of thing that works. Its a tough balance though. A performer can't take that sort of thing too far. We like CW probabaly because we arent into seeing Lady Gaga do her thing on MTV! Once again theres a fine line and Lil Lambe , in combination with David, Scott,a nd the other professionals at CW, make it work. And Lil lambe again is different from the past performers like Lynn, Meav, or Orla, who I doubt could make that song work. Thats not a knock against them, and again they would be better suited for other songs that Lil Lambe might not excel at. But Black is the Colour, what I think is a traditional type of song, was turned into a very different and interesting performeance.

Also, when I pledged for tickets at one station, the lady told me "Hey I talked with some other people who went to Atlanta for the recording, they said its their best" and I said "I don't know, its great but the other shows are too" Now though, I think it is their best yet. Its really grown on me. Sometimes new stuff just needs viewed a bit and then you realize how great it is.

So with Circle of Life, some of that is happening. You have Lil lambe, who is on her first DVD and very different from past perfromers that we have got used to. You have a song and music done different from what many Disney fans have got used to. And thats were I differ from many of you. When I was a kid, we didnt have DVDs or VCRs. I wasn't into Disney, though I do remember my parents taking me to a drive-in to see 101 Dalmations because I liked puppies! But I have no preconceieved notions on how Circle of Life should be done, so I thought it was absolutely great! I wonder if those of you who didnt like Circle are young, and if those who did like it are older, like me. Is there an age thing going on here?

I'm young and didn't like it...maybe there is an age thing going! Like I've said before, I'm also very biased when it comes to I Dreamed a Dream...

I found it kind of funny listening to the PBS people when they were talking about how all these years of touring in America havn't changed the girls at all! That they still hold to their Irish roots......and then came all the pop songs. Really? Yes, they do still have an Irish feel, but the pop is very evident now....

I'm young and I loved it. :) (Sorry!)

Me too!   :D

I guess this would be a good place to post this and really say how I felt!! i am young'ish (23) to and I loved circle of life!  The only thing is Lil' lambe was almost singing it to soft at times. I guess I am just used to the original, but I had heard the cheetah girls version ... only other girl version and that is very soft too and yes Lisa does the song a million times better (no comparison!) and that happened during sfth live when I heard lynn do a song (so long ago I forgot which one!?) I was in the front row and I could not hear her at a point.  Not sure if it was microphone or what  but she came back powerful later! But lambes was to soft  up until the 3/4 the way in! This includes black is the colour. The first time i heard the song i heard ryan kelly sing it w his heavy voice and fast tempo. i was very sceptical at first an was like NO i will not listen i don't like it! well after listening a couple times i actually like the softness to it and it will be played a million times by me!  I dreamed a dream... uhm they def. could've used another song I think! like defying gravity or for good , beauty and the beast... I am very perticular on the song and the play! (phantom fan!)  I don't mind lisa singing fantine though, it doesn't ... bother me!  shs actually has the voice for it and I can see her in a les mis concert singing it and chloe was ok on the song I think that part needed to be stronger especially for what is being sung and that part of the story.  I actually like the song spaceman when it first came out!  I was totally suprised she interpreted it that way!  But lefties are very creative (lisa's a lefty like me!) ;) ! and actually there were more songs with irish roots in this one if you think about it than the other tapings!  Sfth was definately a thankyou to america and kinda americanised , which I will always love because it was my first time being front row and I will cherish that night in my memory forever, I don't think I will ever lose that memory or ever hope to lose it! where the first taping was contemporary which i admit i don't have this cd or the girls seperate ones that came w it b/c i know the songs and they do make the songs better its just i wouldn't ersonally listen to them every day?? and anj even though that was slightly irish and contemporary the whole back ground  and camera work, camera work, camera work by declan on all their ireland tapings made it, and when I first heard of the girls and it was a hook line and sinker!! i don't listen to the whole cd though, time constraint and I listen to other stuff when i walk to!  I listen to 5 songs  maybe but w/o those songs i would have the worst night ever or not be able to get through my day!! Yes we had spots were the believed stopped and the camera was just all over the place, literally and one of the girls would be singing and all of the sudden the camera would vere off withing a half second a few times, I was like woo!! But, just got to remember that it is their first time taping in a theatre in the states, and that they're the ones getting paid to be on stage and not us!! I can't wait to get the dvd and watch it live!  Sorry I have been wanting to say that for a while!

I like Circle Of Life & I'm older. The beginning of the song seems slower - Lil Lambe sings softer. Later, you have all 3 vocalists, the choir, & a faster tempo. I like the way that works. I also love Black Is The Colour & have no issues with how it's sung. I agree that CW has to do different things. Doing the same thing over & over would get old & boring fast. I really like "Believe". Sorry, but I don't see(hear?) where the pop or soft rock comes in. This is Celtic Woman at their finest & they are AWESOME!!! :)               *just my opinion*

Maybe I didn't make myself clear before.  For me Celtic Woman is not a "style" of music.  I never fell in love with a particular style of song that CW performed; to me ANY genre of song they perform is disposable, as long as what they do perform reaches in and touches me.  And with EVERY show they have created - Helix, A New Journey, Christmas Celebration, Isle of Hope, Songs From the Heart, Believe, and Symphony - they have done some songs that I absolutely could care less about, and they have done some songs that shook me to the very core of my being.  I won't say which songs left me flat so as not to put down anyone else's personal favorites, but there was (to me) at least one and sometimes several duds in every show they've done, including Helix.  But the songs that do touch my heart have outweighed the one that did not, by a wide margin.  And that is as true today as it was when I first became a fan.  I feel that Believe stands up as some of their best work.  :)

Let me add something else too.  For those of you who panned their "Circle of Life" (and you have every right to feel that way), I feel that Celtic Woman has improved certain songs done more "famously" by others.  For example, there are certain songs that CW has done so beautifully that I NEVER liked when others performed them previously, such as "Danny Boy" and "Beyond the Sea" and "Over the Rainbow" and "Vivaldi's Rain" and "Suantrai".  I heard all those songs long before I ever heard of Celtic Woman, and in my personal opinion, those songs were all garbage until CW performed them.  Maybe David Downes deserves credit for bringing something to the songs, maybe it's the soloists.  But whatever, those are songs of Celtic Woman that I came to love when THEY performed them. :)

And another thing: I too think it was high time for Celtic Woman to mix a few things up.  A couple things had become almost formulaic, as I had alluded to in certain posts since the release of Songs From the Heart.  There seems less of that now, which to me is a good thing.


I couldn't have said it better myself.  :)

I completely agree with Scott here. Just cause I didn't love the cover of Circle of Life doesn't mean their covers have all gone to the way side. Honestly I had strong dislike for Beyond the Sea (the original) I absolutely love CW version.

I agree that what they have evolved toward isn't really 'pop' but its more emphasis on the visual presentation, while still maintaining the great sound. While Orla, Lynn, and Meav were great with sound, Lil Lambe adds spice with 'theatre' and makes the presentation a lot more visual. The spins, arm waves, facial expressions, etc. They always had Mairead doing that, but now they have a vocalist as well and they can match lyrics to expression a lot better now. Plus look what they have done, starting with SftH then continuing on Believe. All the bagpipers, fireworks / confetti , all the extra singers on stage with the guest choir members, the step dancer. So in a way, it is similar to 'pop' because pop artists have background dancers, special effects, etc, yet its not really pop its just presentation.

Didn't they always have a choir and pipes (celtic) and live drums ( ray and nicky) and guitars (des) etc?? right from the first taping/ tour?? I don't know if they added anything but I think they had that since the start?  I didn't go to their first tour, which a fun fact... the very fist city they came to on their very fist tour to kick off was here in cleveland!

I think this can be seen/heard if you compare the different shows and songs over the years. CW has changed a lot since the beginning. IOH/SFTH years were the moment when CW has begun to include a lot of contemporary pop songs if compared to the previous shows. Lisa K went from Caledonia/The Voice to Fields Of Gold and The Moon's A Harsh Mistress. From Orla's Newgrange and Carrickfergus we had Alex's True Colors, My Heart Was Home Again and You'll Be In My Heart. Even for the group numbers something similar occurred. Gaelic has been almost wiped away from the show. Guitars and contemporary drums have become more prominent. I personally have noticed these kind of things. Can't say why, I don't know if there's a reason, and this doesn't make me love CW less, but it's a fact that things have slightly changed.

The good thing about Believe is, in my opinion, that it has more traditional and celtic/irish songs than IOH/SFTH, but the arrangements and the sound is becoming more and more contemporary. I remember the first Helix renditions, so different, it was all very new and unique. Honestly, if it weren't for Mairead's fiddle, I think that some of the new songs wouldn't sound CWish at all. Also, having 3 singers has brought too many duets for me. Believe has 3 Chloe/LisaK duets, a Chloe/LisaL duet and a LisaK/LisaL duet. We were used to a couple of duets in the whole show, to different combinations and I think this meant a lot in the CW formula.

BTW, I liked the tribute to Broadway and LL did a great job on Circle Of Life. I just wish I could hear the two songs in their completeness.

A couple more points, as I see it:

(1) Someone above alluded to the idea that CW has to remain competitive in the show market by providing more in their shows, such as "visuals".  That's very true, but there is also something that most of us forum people don't want to think about: much as we'd like to think otherwise, the vast majority of concert tickets sold are to non-forum, casual fans who see the broadcasts on TV and do not have the deep passion for the shows that we do.  Now, some of those casual fans have been coming to their local shows for 5 years and more, but they probably wouldn't if it were just the same format over and over again.  One of the truly amazing things about Celtic Woman is that they reinvent themselves in spite of personnel changes, in spite of market demands, and in spite of a tumbling US economy... and with each reinvention they are successful.  These reinventions are growth, which leads to my other point...

(2) Not only have the ladies of Celtic Woman grown, but so has David Downes.  This is not to say that their music now is necessarily better just because it was done more recently, but what I'm getting at is that they have all evolved as people and as musicians from what they were when they started.  I wouldn't be surprised if that's why some (though of course not all) of the departed choir, musicians, and soloists have left... it's likely they wanted to grow in a different way musically, to try something else.  After all, in "Circle of Life" it's on the path unwinding, not the spot that I will never move from.  And that, by the way, is the biggest reason why I love that song so much.  :)

For me, it comes down to hearing and feeling. Do I like what I'm hearing? Does the song/music touch my heart/soul? "Believe" does that. Some songs are fun and some are great to sing along with. And some bring tears to my eyes. Only Celtic Woman can do that. Whether CW realizes it or not, that's quite a gift to give, in my opinion. :)

THIS >>Whether CW realizes it or not, that's quite a gift to give, in my opinion. :<<

It just needed to be said again!

Peter

The sucess of Celtic Woman started when the most traditional album was recorded in The Helix. Is this not the most selling album? Please, correct me if I am wrong.
I really wish Celtic Woman could go back to the way it was. I love the group the same way, but their best albums, to me, are the most traditionals. The way it is now, becomes less "unique". But yet the best to me.

Well it is probably like that, that you have to "get used" to some of the songs they sing in Believe (or with any new production). Sure some might not be the usual stuff CW sings, but that has been explained and discussed in previous posts.

I thought they did a great job with Believe and when I heard that they sung "Circle of Life", I knew it wouldn't be the same as the original one from "The Lion King". At first when I heard it, I have to confess that I didn't like it, as I somehow still had the original one in mind and I also thought that it was "too soft".

So I listened to it again and again and I like it a bit better now. Maybe it's one of those songs you have to hear live for that "CW effect".

quite possible. hear stuff from them live can make ALL the difference. like amazing grace or the world falls away. I can say from experience i like chloe's shubert ave maria on Believe but it doesn't come close to second night Pechanga. I think that is how it should be.

Maybe that's why I didn't like it as much...It didn't touch me the way the others did. I mean, I loved Máiréad's solos and Nocturne, but the rest of it was...ok OR  :P. The others I loved from the first go through, even though I probably don't like the majority of CW songs. *ducks quickly to avoid all things thrown by shocked fans*
I'M RIDICULOUSLY PICKY, OK??? Anyways, even with songs I didn't like, I could say I loved the shows, but this one was different somehow...Maybe I just need to get used to it some more, but at this point I'm still going back and forth over whether or not I should go when they come to my area.....which is really strange because I've been looking forward to them coming back!

I think it's fine if CW mixes in pop/contemporary music.  I mean, there are only so many Irish songs out there, and I would hate for them to be boxed into only Irish tunes.  There is always a song or two that we don't like on CDs.  That's what the skip button is for.  To be honest, some of their more traditional Irish songs just don't appeal to me.  As my grandmother used to say, "there's a lid for every pot".   ;D

Sorry guys, but I have to disagree with a lot of you.  I loved the original 5 and the original way they did things, but life is all about change.  Having Asperger's Syndrome, I don't always like when things change, and it's really hard for me to adjust, but for some reason, every time Celtic Woman makes a change, or does something different or now, it intrigues me.  I love when something new happens with them.

And I also have to disagree with some of the comments about SFTH and Believe.  I was really pleased with both of them.  Songs from the Heart was AMAZING!  I loved how they covered so many songs that I knew, such as "Fields of Gold," "When You Believe," "You'll Be in My Heart," "True Colors," and "Amazing Grace," while introducing me to already existing songs I hadn't heard before, such as "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress."  Believe did the same for me!  I recognized a LOT of the songs they sang, and I love that.  Some of the original versions were... okay, until Celtic Woman covered them.  And they introduced me to some already existing songs I had never heard before, like "Follow On."

And SFTH was my favorite, until they did BELIEVE, and I was lucky enough to see the taping, so all the songs just took me on some kind of amazing journey.  And seeing this show on TV and DVD brings back so many beautiful memories of that night (I went 2nd night)

And as much as I liked the original version of "Circle of Life," I loved Celtic Woman's version the best.  I was really excited when Lil' Lambe started singing it!


I agree with that.  I LOVE it when Celtic Woman does Irish songs, but as they said in the interviews on the first DVD, the show isn't just about traditional Irish songs.  It's about variety.  They've never been just "traditional Irish."  They've always mixed things up, thrown in beautiful covers of pop songs, some classical, and more.  I think it would be awesome if in the future, they did a CD/DVD with all Irish/Celtic songs, but I also really love when they mix things up, have lots of variety, and sing all sorts of songs.  And like I said, I LOVE it when they cover a popular song I know!  Then I can sing along or mouth the words.

I agree with Tiffany. Change happens. CW does change very well. They've come a long way since that first show at the Helix and it's all been for the good. I prefer CW's version of songs that other artists have done - Orinoco Flow, May It Be, A Woman's Heart, Goodnight My Angel, Circle Of Life. Whatever secret magic they have, they work it well!

Nobody said that contemporary and pop are BAD. I just said that CW  is taking this direction in the choice of the songs and the arrangements. Not a judgement, just a fact.

Agreed!

Truthfully I've no ear for pop music. When Isle of Hope was first revealed I audibly groaned and rekoned Celtic Woman was beginning to leave me. I even felt a tinge of anger at Mr. Downes for making the poor girls sing those pop songs.  >:(

But, I guess, I kept my mind and heart open 'cause along the way Mr. Downes and the ladies taught me to appreciate those songs. More specifically to appreciate the way Celtic Woman does those songs.  :D

So when SftH came out they had made me ready for it with two live performances of IOH. Hearing and seeing the pops performed live along with the beautiful Irish/Celtic songs was a huge part of my "education". It was during IOH I decided I was sticking with CW... willing to follow them wherever they wanted to take me.

And now I love everything about BELIEVE including the Tribute to Broadway!  :D

I don't get into ranking Celtic Woman's projects, however. For me, each of their five major projects and the IOH tour show are unique works of art and each stands on it's own merits.


Respectfully, I must challenge this statement. A cursory look at my approximately 1200 track Celtic song list in my media player reveals the overwelming majority are Irish songs and tunes. Granted, there is some considerable duplication of titles due to various Celtic/Irish artists interpratations of the same songs. Never-the-less, Celtic Woman could spend a lifetime producing a new project every two years and never approach running out of Irish music.

I'm glad you brought that up.  Ireland has a very long history of music and storytelling which means that there are a lot of Irish songs that the ladies could sing.  There are also a number of Irish poems that have been adapted to musical form; Down by the Salley Gardens for instance was written by one of my favorite poets of all time, William Butler Yeats.  Loreena McKennitt's The Two Trees is also a Yeats poem.  I think David could arrange some very lovely pieces if he looked into some of the poetry they have. :)

Secondly, Ireland is not the only Celtic nation.  Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and even the Breton region of France are all Celtic and all of them have produced absolutely beautiful music--music that I know our girls could do great performances of. :) 

So, there really is a lot of material the girls could work with; as greenfire6 said, they could spend a lifetime singing nothing but Celtic songs and still have a lot left to cover. :D

Yes, and Galicia, Spain too!  :)

Didn't Chloë say something about the Irish having a song for everything? ;)

Indeed!  :D I believe she said something like [last part missquoted] 'we have songs from milking the cows till mourning the death', curious how a song about milking the cows would work out though  :D

Pleasant to see the polite and objective posts, much better than the screaming on youtube  :)

On the 'Irish vs. pop/contemporary', I've come to accept that change after hearing them live. Do I like it completely? No, for songs as Bridge over Troubled Water or The Circle of Life in the show for example I would rather have a lovely traditional Irish song , but there are probably enough people who love and appreciate the songs so why should I mind it's there? There's plenty left to love. Like every CW-show has Believe the same thing, a few songs really touched me from the beginning, for a few another songs I had to listen a few times before I really liked them, some songs do I like but a bit less than others, and a few do I do not care but I might change my mind after hearing it live. As Lisa said, there is something for everyone. No need to stress if you don't love every some the same or don't care for a song. We all experience music differently, but indeed, CW knows how to connect to all our own views in the show. A very amazing gift.

What's in some of the reviews on Amazon is worse. Disrespectful, rude, and nasty are some of the comments.

Órla sang a song about cows!!! Of course, that's assuming I got the right translation to Aililu Na Gahmna...

You got the right translation RoAR1497!

Not just cows, but cows a skipping!  :D

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has some "reservations" about Believe.   I was in Atlanta for both tapings; however, I will be very interested to see the touring version of the show.  The touring version is obviously not going to be as "big" as the DVD.  You are not going to have 30 bagpipers, childrens choir, etc.  It will be different.  I can't say better or worse, just different.

I agree with earlier posters that some songs need to grow on you.  A couple years ago, I went to the second night of the first SFTH tour in Roanoke.  I came away not sure how many other shows I wanted to go to.  A couple weeks later, I saw the show at Radio City and feel in love again.  Yes, I'm sure part of it is having good seats.  Part of it is meeting the girls and having them recognize you.  Part of it is, of course, the music.  Knowing the words to the songs, to me, helps me appreciate them more.

So far, I have tickets for 4 shows this Spring.  I'm sure after my first one (Valentines Day), I'll probably up that since I will fall in love again.

I have a "feeling" they may try to get a local childrens choir at each venue,It shouldn't be hard for them to learn the few songs they sing on  ;D

I'm anyway very pleased David has been able to find a great equal to Caledonia for LisaK. I LOVE Follow On, almost obsessed with it. My fave solo from the show closely followed by Black is the Colour and The Foxhunter.

I loved the Foxhunter! It reminded me so much of Granuaile's Dance...

Wow, go away for a bit and everything goes nutters... anyways, I don't have time/energy/enough manners to politely respond to everyone, but I'll say a couple things while I'm still conscious (tired as all heck right now). These will all be random because I'm just going be train of thought right now.

1. I don't plan on this being an argument with anyone, and I wouldn't go on a site where there are plenty of people with more time and supporting the opposite of my argument to win it anyways. I like this site and I needed a place to vent my opinion after rewriting it twice to cut out all the continuous rage. I've learned that you have to express good and bad equally, and sometimes there has to be a critic to give the review no one else will and no one else understands.

2. This is all my opinion. I'm not really using facts more than what needs to be used. These are my feelings and predictions after seeing the program 6 times and downloading the songs and listening to them multiple times. That is pretty much my level of expertise with this.

3. Comments completely unrelated to the topic? Please keep them out of here. The title and first post blatantly state what its about.

4. Change is always progressive. Maybe not always good, but progressive. I'm not condemning them for changing anything, or evolving, or whatever it is. Adaptation and evolution, however, isn't always more beautiful or productive. It's doing what it needs to survive. Not every musician, today or decades ago, has to change to stay adored.

5. Growing on you and mentally giving in to something to make life easier is two different things.

6. I'm 21, I live with my dad, go to an average college, trying to find a second job and I am fairly poor. I find it lucky when I can go to one show a year and appreciate every moment of it. I will admit that I am fairly spiteful emotionally toward being unable to go multiple times a year like a lot of the fans that are able to spare it, but it doesn't lower my affection for them at all.

7. If you take 1200 tracks, then get rid of duplicates (down to 400), then get rid of songs that the general public may not enjoy or doesn't fit into their programing (down to 100), and the girls don't enjoy singing it themselves (50), its becomes fairly limited.

8. There isn't a best show unless you rate it by hard facts like sales or viewers or something like that. Everyone has a favorite for their own reasons.

9. Glitter is distracting and useless, fireworks can take away from the music, additional performances are only done right if they are showcased along with the main performance, such as the tap-dancer and the choir. the bagpipes have been done both right and wrong by them.

10. I have had to let some music grow on me as well so I won't put anyone down for that.

11. I have no professional opinion to speak of when it comes to music, but in my eldunari I know Circle of Life was not done to its true worth.

12. They are going partial pop now, that is undeniable.

13. People who type in giant walls of texts, do some separation please... that's just insane reading.

14. Taking every special they've released this would be at the bottom of the list for me. It would also be at the bottom of my tours, but I haven't seen it yet, so no call on that. A New Journey showed the success they could have with their available potential. Songs from the Heart was acceptable, but this is barely that.

15. I don't like Danny Boy. No idea why. Listened to it multiple times by different artists, but the song just doesn't stick. I skip it every time when I watch the Dvds.

16. If you look at the presentation from ANJ to SftH to Believe, you can see the change in background and everything they do... yowza.  :'(

17. If I wanted to hear the same Circle of Life as the one from the Lion King, I would have listened to it. What I expected was something superior. Considering the songs they like to sing and the meanings in this one songs, I was surprised that more wasn't put into it.

18. I'm user I have more to say but I'm going to pass out. Good evening all.

I've been following this thread rather closely and I have to say I've been really impressed with how it has all gone down. People have expressed their opinions about the show, either good or bad, and others have responded and given their own opinion. Since that was the basis of the thread, I don't see that it's wandered off at any point. I don't think everyone here was responding to you personally Vincanity, your thread just became more of a general opinion thread. Which is kinda the point of the forum, for people to come and discuss things they are interested in.

aislin

Ok, having listened to the songs a few more times I do like some of them better, but I still don't like the Tribute, Bridge over Troubled Water, Black is the Color, and You'll Never Walk Alone. (There are a few that I need to listen to again before I can say for sure whether or not I actually like them)

. Is there no pop music written or performed by the Irish? 
Just wondering?

To me it all comes down to how well the song is done.  Genre does not matter.  If they did a Show based on Rock (Rocker at heart Chloe might enjoy) and they gave it the David Downes/Celtic Woman treatment I'm sure I would find something to enjoy in it.  Talent is talent and this collection of artists have talent.

The Shows have something everyone.  Do I love every song they have put out over the years, no.  I do love most of what they have done and that makes buying CD/DVD's and tickets to Shows worth my time and money.  I love it, my kids love it,  my wife likes it.  To each their own.  ;)

I did not love every song on Journey "Escape", but I bought the album and saw the concert.

Enjoy what you enjoy, let go of what you don't and be HAPPY!

One last thing.  Each Show is different.  The next Show may be everything you think is lacking in "Believe".  Hang in there.

Peace,
Phil

Some of the pop songs they've sung were indeed performed not only by the Irish, but also performed first!  Have I Told You Lately from their Isle of Hope tour for instance was not originally sung by Rod Stewart as some people think, but by Van Morrison who was Irish.  Lisa Kelly's solo Follow On was also performed by an Irish singer named Paul Brady, and Lisa Lambe's A Spaceman Came Travelling was done by Irish singer, Chris de Burgh.  Even though their arrangment for this song is a bit pop-like, A Woman's Heart is also of Irish origin.

! That they still hold to their Irish roots......and then came all the pop songs. Really? Yes, they do still have an Irish feel, but the pop is very evident now....
[/quote]. Is there no pop music written or performed by the Irish?  
Just wondering?
[/quote]
Some of the pop songs they've sung were indeed performed not only by the Irish, but also performed first!  Have I Told You Lately from their Isle of Hope tour for instance was not originally sung by Rod Stewart as some people think, but by Van Morrison who was Irish.  Lisa Kelly's solo Follow On was also performed by an Irish singer named Paul Brady, and Lisa Lambe's A Spaceman Came Travelling was done by Irish singer, Chris de Burgh.  Even though their arrangment for this song is a bit pop-like, A Woman's Heart is also of Irish origin.

[/quote]
Thank you!  This makes my point clear.  I was to lazy to check all that out.   ;)

Phil

As was mentioned before that the show might change on tour or going to be different:

That's going to happen for sure. Even though you might not always hear them the bagpipers do make a bit of a difference during "Sailing" for example. With them gone maybe Tommy Martin is going to pick up the pipes as he did for Amazing Grace during SFTH (at least he did in Europe).
As I'm a piper myself I have to say that the tunes actually wouldn't be too hard to perform but not every town they're performing in has a pipeband. Besides I highly doubt that they're going to pipe for free anyway. And I'm sure CW doesn't want to pay for a pipeband every time.
And it's also going to make a difference in "The Parting Glass".

Ok enough with the pipes now, sorry I had myself going. :D ::)

If I remember back correctly, they also didn't have those few members from the orchestra on tour, it was only the band. Obviously the more people you have to take with you on tour, the more expensive it all gets.
As for the bit with the Children's choir: That could be possible. Because first they really don't have to sing much and secondly children are also happy if they're provided with some goodies or snacks after the show. Ok that doesn't depend on them but on the people that run the whole choir stuff and their demands and conditions for the kids to perform but I'm just saying. Know what I mean? :)

And the biggest difference is going to be Susan replacing Lisa of course. Sad of course that Lisa's not there but also can't wait to hear Susan sing with the girls.

Back to Circle of Life: I've listened to it more often now, I'm still not quite convinced but as I posted before, maybe it is one of those songs that one has to hear live. I'll notice that after my concert.

I can't imagine that they would get a children's choir for each performance.  It would all have to be preplanned before they arrived at each city.  Add to that, learning the music, rehearsals, even parental consent would make it difficult to have a different choir for each city.

A thing I was thinking... Will they have a solo cellist for A Woman's Heart? Or will they replace the cello with Mairead's fiddle?  ;D

Ok yes, now that I think about it...

But I think there's a big chance of the choir in Atlanta joining in again for the concert. :)

Maybe the Gwinnet Young Singers in Atlanta and PS22 at Radio City?

We've somehow wandered off the topic of discussing out opinions of the Believe DVD/PBS special to speculating about the live tour. Please returned to the regularly scheduled topic. ;)

Thanks,
aislin

Ok, I hope this isn't off topic (if it is let me know and I'll start a different topic).
What exactly do they want you to believe? I've only listened through it 3 times, but I'm not seeing the point of the title. The titles to the other shows were self-explanatory, but this one (in a way) implies a command to believe without telling you what to believe. Anyone know what they meant?

The way I see it it tells you to believe in life. Most of the songs have clear themes which can strongly belong to life, I think. Some songs speak specifically about friendship, love, memories and regret, joy, sadness, or the hope it will turn out better when times are dark, or that there will be somebody to comfort you. Of course it's all left on the own interpretation. 'Believe' can be unfortanately a very sensitive word nowadays. I've read once someone online saying that she associates Follow On with Jesus his love which I think is wonderfull, might look it that way myself, but of course people had to pull down her comment down. Everyone experiences music in his own way.