Heaven

by

DJ Sammy

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Obviously the most well-known hit single here is "Heaven" (the cover version of Bryan Adams's old song). But rest assured that the other songs in this album are surprisingly well-done. Some other remixes are "California Dreamin'" and "The Boys Of Summer. DJ Sammy himselves collaborated with other song writers to come up with beautiful songs such as:"Beautiful Smile" & "Vive El Presente" (which I find to be very similar to an old hit single by Gazebo).

You will also find a nice slow-tempo version of "Heaven" played with only piano in the background. What a delightful tune !!

So, if you're a fan of dance-oriented music. You should pick up this album. All the songs in this album are well-done. You won't be disappointed. Peace !!

If you hate Europop and think that the frothy sounds of DJ Encore, Lasgo, just to name a couple are the worst thing that has ever happened to music, there is nothing in this CD that will change your mind as I respect that some musical genres are not for everyone.

I for one need a little Europop in my diet, and this release is one of my favorites. Is it a masterpiece? Certainly not, but within its own universe it's one of the best, not counting Chicane, which is in my opinion a cut above the rest. Out of the first 5 songs, 4 are remakes. The biggest hit, and my favorite of the bunch, is a remake of Bryan Adam's "Heaven." DJ Sammy has changed the song into an optimistic dance opus with soothing lead vocals that take the song in a totally new direction. There is also a remake of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer," which took some time to grow on me but I now like as much as "Heaven." "California Dreaming" is yet another remake, and unlike the first two this one sounds a little too light and high school chorus-like to make an impact. "El Condor Pasa" is a change of pace as it's a little more aggressive (one could even say tribal), and although it's impossible to compare it to Simon & Garfunkel's version, I think that it's cheesy and fun. Again, if you hate this sound, you'll find the vocals to be clichéd and without imagination, but the song just makes me smile.

Other highlights include "Sunshine," "Beautiful Smile," which are original compositions and makes me feel like I am chilling by the ocean. One could argue that many of these songs are interchangeable, and although I could not discount said perspective, I simply like this sound and it makes me feel good. I also liked "Paradise Of Love" (which shamelessly rips off Sash!'s biggest hits), but since I am not a copyright lawyer, I'll continue to enjoy it. I love the vocals on "Unbreakable," although the musical accompaniment needs a little oomph as the harder edge does not work as well here as it does in "El Condor Pasa." I also liked the vocals on "Take Me Back To Heaven" as they are quite muscular and make this song a little different than some of the more soothing ones. "Sunchild" is an instrumental which grabs the basic formula and twists it with a mysterious Eastern countercurrent which is pretty good.

There are two extras on this CD, which are slowed down versions of "Sunlight" and "Heaven" and they are both phenomenal and serve as a soothing end to music that is light and fun.

There is nothing intellectual or innovative about DJ Sammy, but just like I like Etta James, Bruce Springsteen, Nina Simone, and Peter Gabriel, there is room for DJ Sammy. Some highbrow reviewers don't give themselves the opportunity to experience music that is beneath the critical radar. Is this release a MUST HAVE? Not really as you would do as well with Lasgo and even better with Chicane, but if you like Europop you can't go wrong with this purchase. I give it 3 very well earned stars.