Listening to someone sing in a language you don't understand is always a challenging experience, and the Italian-born Bocelli sings 11 of this album's 13 songs in his native tongue. While this pop-classical effort from the blind singer will take more work than most American ears are accustomed to, patient listeners will be rewarded with hours of enjoyment from the warmth and purity of Bocelli's rich tenor. Most accessible are his collaborations with flamenco guitarist Mario Reyes on the ultraromantic "Sin Tu Amor" and 12-year-old American singing prodigy Holly Stell on the English number "Go Where Love Goes." Working with other artists allows Bocelli to relate better to his audience too, although the beautifully melodic "Le Parole Che Non Ti Ho Detto," written by Italian rock star Giuliano Sangiorgi, still seems a bit distant by pop standards.
POP-CLASSICAL
DOWNLOAD THIS: "When a Child Is Born"
