Music Review

02 December 2008 01:59 BST

All Angels: Into Paradise

UCJ/Universal, out November 25th.

In a nutshell.'..

Slick, heavenly, relaxing, classical-pop crossover.

What's it all about

Into Paradise is the second album from the teen classical sensation All Angels. Following on from their self-titled debut, this latest release keeps the same blend of traditional classical pieces and re-worked popular hits.

Opening with Sancte Deus (Nimrod), the album has a handful of traditional, classical pieces including Zadok the Priest and Sull' Aria but includes some brave renditions of Coldplay's The Scientist, Simon and Garfunkel's Sound of Silence and Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares 2 U.

Who's it by?

Not many teenagers can say that they've sung for the queen, performed the national anthem at Twickenham and appeared at the Royal Albert Hall. Since the group were formed in 2006 they have done all of this as well as picking up a Classical Brit award nomination along the way and completing their A-levels.

The four talented and beautiful girls consist of Melanie, Laura, Charlotte and Daisy – all hand-picked after a nationwide search. As well as their enviable classical singing talents (Laura was the BBC Radio 2 chorister of the year) the girls have also excelled in other areas of their lives; Charlotte has acted in a Harry Potter film, Melanie is multi-lingual and Daisy released a jazz album at the age of 15.

Personable and enthusiastic, the girls' enthusiasm and energy for their musical careers is clear to anyone who meets them. With a five-album deal expect a great deal more from them to come.

As an example...

"I'll be there, Like a bird, singing you through/I'll be there, I'll be there/Holding the light for you/Making it right for you/Singing you through." - Singing You Through

"Lift up your voice/Sing praises and rejoice/Send forth a joyful song to the Lord/Let all the Earth send forth a joyful song/Send forth a joyful song/Let all the Earth unto the Lord/A joyful, joyful song, to the Lord/A joyful, joyful song, unto the Lord." - Lift Up Your Voice

Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys

With one Classical Brit award nomination already it is highly likely the future will hold more accolades for the foursome.

What the others say...

"Into Paradise so desperately wants to be sophisticated and cutting edge, but in reality it is achingly safe. But if there's one thing that really frustrates about listening to this album, it's the feeling that we've been here before. If All Angels have any higher ambitions than this, then their material will have to grow up with them." - BBC

So is it any good?

The quality and beauty of the girls' voices is undeniable. Sancte Deus and Zadok the Priest provide the opportunity for them to flex their vocal chords in harmony and show they can hold their own in powerful classical hits, but individual voices shine throughout the album.

Putting a classical slant on The Scientist and Nothing Compares To You was a bold move, and one that would have seen them fall into slicky-sweet territory had the strength of their voices not rescued them. Occasional lines in the modern covers are so breathtakingly well-sung that you can just about forgive them for pouring a heavy dose of sugar onto the originals.

Singing You Through is wonderful; a gorgeous ballad that is one of the strongest tracks on the album. Classical aficionados will no doubt be satisfied with the traditional tracks and those looking for an easy-listening album this Christmastime may well need look no further.

With Into Paradise branching out very little from their first album, it will be interesting to see what routes the group take in the future and if they manage to impress with new material rather than safe covers.

But all-in-all, a beautiful album that cements their position as the most fresh and talented new act in the classical world.

8/10

Carolyn Robertson