Paul Potts [United Kingdom]: One Chance Reviews

• IGNORE THE 'PERFECTIONISTS' AND JUST ENJOY THIS ONE

  
  By A1F9JGQSY6GQQ8 on 2007-07-31
  This album was released in the UK about 2 weeks ago and it is still selling strongly. There are now, about 60 reviews on amazon.co.uk - most are favourable, but there are few which are less so. The main criticisms being made are given below, together with my own observations :
  
  PP STRUGGLES WITH THE HIGH NOTES - I thought PP occasionally sounded a bit flat and his voice wavered a little (this seemed more noticeable during the first 2 tracks). However, these were fleeting instances only and did not detract from my enjoyment (although more demanding listeners may find this less acceptable). One has to bear in mind also that, with this type of music, the occasional 'slip' becomes more magnified than would be the case with some pop or rock music.
  
  PP's SINGING IS TECHNICALLY INFERIOR - I'm sure there are some people who, because of their knowledge/understanding of operatic music and the requisite vocal skills, can genuinely make such claims. Equally, I'm sure that there are a few others whose claims will be based on nothing more than petty snobbery or misguided elitism, and these people wouldn't recognize 'technical SUPERIORITY' even if they tripped over it in broad daylight.
  
  THE ALBUM SUFFERS FROM POOR PRODUCTION - To an extent, I agree - it could have been better. Whilst the orchestral and choral arrangements are sumptuous, at times they are both 'too forward in the mix' and, now and again, they tend to drown out PP's vocals (but this problem is not persistent throughout the album).
  
  PP IS BEING MARKETED IN A CYNICAL WAY - Well perhaps, but this is nothing new in the music business. It is certainly no justification for downgrading any rating for the album.
  
  PEOPLE ARE BUYING HIS ALBUM BECAUSE THEY 'FEEL SORRY FOR HIM' - Possibly, but a very small minority only. It is more likely that many people are either, making a connection between PP's music and PP the man or, they simply identify with him. I see nothing wrong with this and, if it enhances their enjoyment of his music, then well and good.
  
  
  Turning to the album itself, this is the first operatic or 'operatic crossover' album I have ever bought. I sometimes listen to this type of music, but not very frequently. I bought 'One Chance' because I saw PP on 'BGT' and I liked his voice. So please bear with me if some of my review is not very meaningful for you.
  
  THE SONGS : They are all beautiful songs - sung in Italian or English plus two sung in Spanish, and they are well known songs - I'm sure many will be very familiar to you. I don't wish to take anything away from PP, but I think the song selection has more than a little to do with the popularity of this album in the UK.
  
  THE VOICE : PP has a strong tenor voice, but not in any overpowering sense (rather the opposite I'd say). I've heard 'Nessun Dorma' sung by Russell Watson and Luciano Pavarotti and, to my untrained ears, they do SOUND better; but, curiously, neither of these versions do as much for me as PP's version (Pavarotti's comes the closest). However, I'll tell you something - whatever vocal weaknesses PP has (real or imagined), he has an emotional quality to his voice that you won't find with most other similar singers ('technically superior' as they may be). I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is something 'quietly moving' about the way in which he sings - I would suggest that THIS is the main reason why most people are buying his album; and, when it comes to MY listening enjoyment, a voice with an emotional edge comes high up on my list. The audience reaction when PP first auditioned and sung 'Nessun Dorma' on 'BGT' (can be viewed on You Tube) is, I think, testament to this.
  
  Some brief comments about selected tracks :
  
  NESSUN DORMA - a song which needs no introduction - poignant and dramatic, an absolute 'stunner'. The vocals are, perhaps, not perfect, but more than competent.
  
  CON TE PARTIRO (Time To Say Goodbye) - a fine rendition of this bittersweet song which many people will associate with Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. Towards the end, the choir 'kicks in' and I though the sound was too strident; this is a delicate song and the use of a choir, in this manner, is totally inappropriate (fortunately, the effect lasts for only half a minute or so).
  
  OGNUNO SOFFRE (Everybody Hurts) - swirling strings and acoustic guitar accompaniment; the subdued, yet crisp, percussion ensures that this R.E.M. classic still retains some of it's original 'pop character'.
  
  POR TI SERE (You Raise Me Up) - despite being sung in Spanish, there's a distinct Gaelic feel to this song (weird - maybe, but it works); PP's vocals are as close to perfection as any sane person could reasonably expect. Again, the choir is introduced towards the end, but this time to good effect - more in keeping with the slightly dramatic mood of this song.
  
  CAVATINA - a beautifully wistful song which is featured on the soundtrack of 'The Deer Hunter'. Sonically, I thought this was one of the best tracks - lovely, fluent acoustic guitar, PP's vocals are flawless and his delivery is nothing short of exquisite; and the vocal/orchestral balance is first class.
  
  The remaining songs are all highly enjoyable; everyone will have their own favourites, mine were : 'Nessun Dorma', 'Por Ti Sere', and 'Cavatina'.
  
  
  If you like 'operatic crossover' music, then I think you will enjoy this album - the only possible downside being that you may already have most of the songs by other artists (but I still think it's worthwhile listening to PP's renditions of these songs). Just ignore what the 'perfectionists' might have to say and ENJOY. I don't care if PP isn't 'technically perfect', and anyone who thinks he can't sing must be crazy. The enjoyment of music is not simply a matter of monitoring it's technical proficiency; it is, more than anything, an emotional experience - it's how it makes you FEEL. OK, I'll concede that this might not be 'serious' operatic music, but how many 'regular' listeners, to popular music, really want this anyway ? I doubt very much whether this, or PP's lack of classical training, will in any way diminish the pleasure to be had from this album. For casual listeners, who might want only 2 or 3 representative albums in their collection, this is a 'must have'.
  
  I'm only giving 'One Chance' 4-stars - I thought there were some very occasional flaws in PP's vocals, and sometimes (and ONLY sometimes), I thought the production left something to be desired. Neither of these 'deficiencies', by themselves, would merit the deduction of one star but, when considering them together, I think it would be misleading to give a higher rating; conversely, giving a rating of 3-stars or less, would be doing PP and his music a disservice.
  
  

• Astounding debut album

  
  By A1VBWYIOZQQIDQ on 2007-08-01
  This album gets 4 stars because the engineers tried too hard to drown out Mr. Potts in the second selection. I also wish there had been at least one more real opera hit. "Nessun Dorma" is sung really well, including a small chorus in the interlude of the aria. The balance of the album is Italian (or Spanish) schlock. Good schlock, please understand, but standard pop stuff. Sort of a solo version of "Il Divo."
  
  The difference here is Potts himself. His voice is ever so slightly reedy. He does have the timbre and size of voice to pull off his signature tune, "Nessun Dorma", but I'd hate to see him try the entire opera. Unlike say Mario Lanza, when he tackles the more intimate songs, he lets the focus shift away from all-out operatic singing. yet he never gets the "microphone" voice that Boccelli uses at times. Potts is just able to tune his sound to the material at hand. He is always connected emotionally, too, which some greater singers than he is can't say. I have many complete operas in my collection, and yet I bought this album because I found his performing to be quite moving. Pity Paul Potts? Never! He is a real singer and not the product of some over processed sound machine.
  
  

• Just got mine today and it was well worth the wait!

  
  By A1ER5AYS3FQ9O3 on 2007-07-31
  Actually, I'm surprised they got this one out so quickly after his incredible win on Britain's Got Talent. If you are waiting to buy this in the United States, I believe it isn't due for release till Sept but I just couldn't wait.
  
  I know there will be critics of Potts (each to his or her own) but I think the great strength of this CD is that it may (finally) bring opera to the masses again and perhaps that is why they stuck with so many classic works. Potts does a fine job, at least as well (or better) than his performances on television. For those who are longtime opera lovers, they may find fault with some of his notes or delivery but please consider that this man does not have a long career backed by professional production and that the CD was put out rather quickly.
  
  PLEASE BE AWARE THE SONGS ARE SUNG IN ITALIAN. For me, that makes the CD even more special because I can focus on the emotion and not the lyrics.
  
  Here are my favorites and my thoughts:
  Nessun Dorma - the song that stunned the world. It says something that this rather humble man's performance was forwarded to people via email, on video sites and had a record number of viewings - and for opera, not even rock or country music! Definitely a surprise that the average person took to this so well, except that his voice was (and IS) truly stunning. This piece is hauntingly lovely.
  
  Con de Partiro (Time To Say Goodbye) - I wish he'd sung without so much accompaniment but other than that, I have no complaints. A love song that I could listen to again and again.
  
  
  
  
  

• I don't like opera, but...

  
  By AZZH5IDFA80H5 on 2007-07-31
  I first saw Paul Potts on YouTube and was blown away. I don't like opera, but the soul, feeling whatever that this man puts into his music is magic. This is a fantastic album and I don't care that most of it is in Italian, it's moving, it's powerful, it's magic. Go Paul Potts, you are a gift that should be treasured for a long time.
  
  

• This CD Will Not Disappoint

  
  By A2B9VACNXDTYOH on 2007-07-31
  Yesterday I received my CD after following the story of Paul Potts for over 6 weeks. Although I had heard all the songs prior to getting my copy it still is much better than I anticipated. This CD was put together in less than a month after Paul Potts won the Britain's Got Talent competition, yet it is very polished. I seldom find an album worth listening to every song. This CD is different.
  
  My favorite tracks are Nessun Dorma, Time To Say Goodbye, Caruso, Nella Fantasia, and Cavatina to name a few. I could have easily named them all. With the accompaniment of the London Symphony Orchestra (most songs), Paul's voice will penetrate your heart and rest in your soul.
  
  This is not an album to use as background music, but rather to sit in an easy chair or recliner with your favorite beverage and prepare to travel to a place where the mundane activities of daily life will not matter, where you will be lifted up and set free.
  
  The CD may have minor flaws but they are easy to overlook with the overall quality of this work. If you like classical, opera crossover music you will appreciate this album. If you have never listened to this type of music before then it is time to give it "One Chance" and join Paul Potts on his "bus journey to Never-Never-Land".
  
  
• Paul Potts is amazong!
  By A3S3R88HA0HZG3 on 2007-07-31
  I'm one of the 8 million plus viewers of Paul Potts on youtube and I pre-ordered his CD from amazon right after I heard him. I just received it today and am totally blown away by his magnificent voice. The included songs will be familiar to most people, some opera, some popular and all just a total joy to listen to.
  
  I will be anxiously awaiting his future CD's.
  
  
• Paul...You lift me upl! Thank you for your leap of faith.
  By A24GQLMMW09C9J on 2007-08-10
  Ok...right off the top...I'd give Paul's "One Chance" CD TWENTY STARS if I could.
  
  Someone in a review below stated that Paul connects emotionally with his music. What a perfect observation to explain why Paul has effected so many people. That emotional quality...you hear it in Paul's voice...a slight breaking that makes you feel like your heart is being ripped out...a change in vibrato that lets you know the song he is singing is touching him emotionally too and he's sharing with you that very personal experience. There's a feeling you get when you're emotional or about to cry...your throat tightens up and it's difficult to breathe...well, when Paul sings he conveys all that emotional quality in his voice...the effect is just...enchanting.
  
  I've always admired Pavarotti, Domingo, Carreras, and Bocelli; but they don't bring me to tears. And that, my friend, is the differece between them and Paul Potts.
  
  My husband and I listened to Paul's CD the other day while on a short road-trip. Thank goodness he was driving!...as we traveled along BOTH of us were crying. Paul has the incredible talent of making his music so poignant and captivating. I do so hope his goal is not to become so technically perfect as to lose that quality.
  
  Of all the song choices on his "One Chance" CD, my least favorite is "My Way". It's not Paul's voice that's the problem...it's the song itself. I don't like this song for some reason, no matter who's singing it. In ranking order, here are my favorites:
  1. Time To Say Goodbye, Nessun Dorma, and Everybody Hurts
  2. You Raise Me Up, Nella Fantasia, Music of the Night, and Caruso
  3. Cavatina and Amapola
  4. My Way
  
  I ordered two of his CD's and it's a good thing I did (although the second one has yet to be delivered)...so for the first one we received...my husband and I are always fighting over who gets to it keep for the day.
  
  So...if you loved Paul's voice when you discovered him on YouTube performing in the Britian's Got Talent contest...you'll love his CD even more; cause you now have over 40 minutes (10 songs) of music to enjoy!!!
  
  I guess you can tell by now I'm a die-hard Paul Potts fan. I can hardly wait for his next CD release.
  
  So, buy his CD for yourself!!!!! And keep in mind that Christmas isn't THAT far away...what a wonderful way to introduce someone you love to opera and to Paul!
  
  Paul Potts Rocks! live long and prosper...v.
  
  
• Beautiful... Emotional...
  By A35LI1447KEZB7 on 2007-08-03
  No, Mr. Paul Potts it's not an impressive or technically skillful opera singer. Yes, there's dozens of better singers out there. What most of them lack.. is the emotion, the simplicity, and the beauty of the voice of a human being pouring his heart out on every note, you can almost touch the very same dream he dreams while singing each song. The selection of songs are too cliché or predictable? Maybe.. but Paul is living his dream, and I sure as heck love to ride along with him for 41 minutes. 4 Stars for the music and production values, but 5 stars for being simply exquisitely charming.
  
  
• Bravo Paul
  By A2V2XLRSIOD46L on 2007-07-31
  I received my CD today and Paul is fabulous. I don't care if there are those out there who say he is untrained, has a language problem, or whatever. I lived in Italy five years and his Italian sounds just fine to me. We have you now Paul and you aren't getting away. I don't see you selling phones again anytime soon.
  
  
• A wonderful first album for a shining star who will only grow from here
  By A2XUKA2CYVIP53 on 2007-08-03
  I must admit I became mystified by Paul Potts via You Tube with his performances on BGT and I preordered his first album in high anticipation.....I was not let down when I opened it and played it for the first time. I, not having any experience with opera prior to this, must tell you that since listening to this wonderful cd I have become more interested in opera classics which I have found myself listening to lately and must give full credit to Paul Potts for making opera so accessible to the masses. Even my 20 year old sister loves Paul's music, who up until recently would only listen to what her friends liked. There really is something emotionally connecting about Paul's voice and you can't help but to be drawn in no matter your age, genre, or life experience.
  I think that Paul will only continue to grow and fascinate us with his emotional depth and beautiful voice for years to come.
  Do yourself a favor and buy this cd.
  
  
  
• Absolutely wonderful CD
  By A14JANATCMRLDX on 2007-08-07
  I bought this CD because I was so moved by his performance and victory on Britain's Got Talent. I loved watching him perform, but in the back of my mind, I was worried that I would not love the CD quite as much as the Britain's Got Talent shows; I was worried that the lack of visual and lack of audience would diminish the music.
  
  Boy was I wrong!
  
  This CD stands out on its own. The quality of sound is fantastic, and his voice is as rich as ever.
  
  The great thing about Paul Potts, in addition to be a fabulous opera singer, is that he has popularized opera, in my opinion, like no other person ever has.
  
  Get this CD. You will love it! It has surpassed my highest expectation.
  
  
• One Chance
  By A22QNEKVL69I3S on 2007-09-04
  Firstly, some are comparing Paul Potts with Pavarotti and this is apples and oranges. Pavarotti is an operatic tenor or in former times would be called a tenore robusto. Potts is what some would call a lyric tenor or a tenore di forza. There is a lot of debate on how to categorize, but he is a lighter tenor who can still hit the big notes.
  
  Pavorotti is an amazing singer and delivers beautifully; however, he has never made me cry. For me, music is truly food for the soul. Potts makes me cry. He speaks to me on a level that is profound. Personally, I love him for that and love this cd.
  
  
• Enjoyable first effort for Mr. Potts
  By A1FTI4E3ZJVBY4 on 2007-08-02
  This is a nice first effort for Paul Potts, the unassuming fellow who won the "Britain's Got Talent" competition earlier in 2007. Here in the U.S. we became acquainted with Mr. Potts via YouTube, and his CD is indeed available now in the States.
  
  Having listened to it several times, I'm struck by the voice. It's interesting and emotional; he connects and makes you want to listen. While he struggles just a touch with the higher range, he has a warmth and color to make him consistently pleasing.
  
  The disc itself has a few problems. While he wowed the crowd in the competition with 'Nessun Dorma', it's actually the least-strong track on this disc: I imagine it's the first one he recorded in the studio session, and because of that he sounds just a little unsure of the process, and as a result he's just a little rushed. I expect that he'll want to re-record this in a year or two when he's mastered the studio. 'Music of the Night' is pleasing, but he's no Michael Crawford, and his relative lack of power in the upper range is noticable. He's stronger with 'Con Te Partiro', and 'Everyone Hurts' is simply superb; tuneful, emotional and spot-on. I was impressed with 'My Way' -- you sing that in English and everyone compares you to Sinatra; you sing it in Italian and your audience just listens and enjoys.
  
  The arrangements, as noted by other reviewers, sometimes overpower Mr. Potts' voice. That's a real shame because it's the voice we want to hear. As Mr. Potts grows I expect he'll fix this as well.
  
  Overall, the disc is an excellent start for an artist who deserves every bit of the notice he's had so far. I look forward to the next disc, and I'd like to see him in a full opera.
  
  
• An unique talent
  By A1YHOVSQ9J5RTO on 2007-09-05
  In a world where illiteracy and racket(hip-hop), seems to be in vogue, Paul Potts brings the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel" to the forefront. Rarely am I brought to such an emotional high listening to music and Paul Potts delivers the goods. With little knowledge of opera, I am a solid fan of Paul Potts...You will be too.
  
  
• It was worth it...
  By A8CDGN2EB8A4O on 2007-07-31
  No, Potts is not Pavarotti...he is Potts, and that has turned out to be enough. I heard his TV audition and there was something unique in his voice, I was right. I will purchase his next CD as well...can there be a better review than that?
  
  Now as to the quality of the CD itself? That is barely acceptable. Simon Cowells studio rushed it, that is obvious - many technical glitches...BUT it does not detract unacceptably from the singer.
  
  
  
  
• I hear Music in the Night!!!
  By A11CHO9M9LPAFR on 2007-08-08
  Like most people in the USA I first saw Paul on the YouTube video of the BGT specials. I couldn't believe how well he could sing. Watching his performance of Time to Say Goodbye leaves me in tears every time I watch it. I was amazed how fast this album was put together and I'm really surprised that they were able to get the London Symphony Orchestra to provide the music. What a stroke of luck that they were available. I didn't think that anything Paul did would move me the way Time does, until I heard his rendition of Music in the Night. OMG this man DOES sing like an angel. This album is more than worth the cost and I hope it climbs the charts here in the USA the way it has in GB. Don't miss this one folks.
  
  
• PAUL POTTS OPENED UP A WHOLE NEW WORLD FOR ME
  By AKJ8GSE671OGD on 2007-08-14
  Like everyone else, I saw his video on youtube and, upon his winning Britian's got talent, I immediately ordered his CD. I received it last night and have been listening to it ALL DAY. As fantastic as his performances on the show were, the CD is mind blowing. I have always respected the talent of opera singers, but it was never my "thing" until Paul Potts. His singing reaches way down into my heart. The CD is astounding. Even if you are not an opera fan, buy it. You may never become an opera fan, but you WILL be a Paul Potts fan. I will buy anything he releases!!! I just ordered a second CD for my father, who is the one who forwarded the original video to me. Love your voice Paul. God bless you for sharing it with us.
  
  
• More! More!
  By A3GAOCOPWXWJV8 on 2007-09-06
  I couldn't wait for the American release and purchased the UK version of this album on CD. iTunes doesn't offer the full album but the songs that are offered are excellent. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the freshman effort of Mr.Potts with my favorite songs being Nessum Dorma, Time To Say Goodbye, Music Of The Night, and Ognuno Soffre (the Italian version of Everybody Hurts). Mr. Potts has a unique talent that is rare among singers to match the pitch of accompaniment perfectly while singing with great expression. His voice is youthful and flowing. Magnificent. I'm saddened by the news that Pavarotti passed away today. Although for different reasons, in my mind Mr. Potts provides every bit as much enjoyment as listening to Pavarotti. And so as one tenor fades into the twilight another rises like a renewed dawn. I look forward to more.
  
  
• Paul Potts: Easy on the ears, tugs at your heart
  By A23T4ZDUTGJRHN on 2007-08-04
  The one thing that stands out with me in listening to Paul Potts' "One Chance" is that he is so wonderfully easy to listen to. While his voice is powerful, it's not overpowering nor "over-trained". His voice has an 'ease' to it; the notes are not forced. The emotions that come through in this debut album are strong, yet gentle and tender. He wraps his voice around you and envelops you like your favorite childhood blanket. I've had the honor of hearing Luciano Pavarotti in person, which in itself was more than grand. But Paul Potts? The naturalness, the sweetness of his notes are uncomparable. If I had to pick one word to describe his voice in these songs it would be "genuine". When you listen to Paul Potts, you know you are in the presence of something utterly and extroidinarily wonderful that comes along, if you're lucky, once in a lifetime.
  
  
• I've Died and gone to heaven!
  By A38JWUPQAH4VUU on 2007-08-04
  This mans voice is angelic! I'm a 46 year old male who has been reduced to tears when listening to this. Mr. Potts has been able to combine music styles from different genre's into a wonderful first release. After listening to tenors/artists of recent years and the present, this man sings with a warmth and conviction which is seemingly lacking in many artists. From his beautiful rendition of CAVATINA (amazing) AMAPOLA (soothing) to the more common NESSUN DORMA, there's something for everybody here. The only Track which didn't appeal to me was MY WAY. I've never had a CD/release where I could find the vast majority of the songs on it entered in my REPEAT button on my player. Simply wonderful! I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I have.
  
  
• Love it!
  By A2D2IVX93J2M4B on 2007-08-01
  I just received my Paul Potts CD and absolutely love each arrangement - listening to him brings tears to my eyes. After watching him on YouTube, I can visualize his wonderful eyes with such intense focus, and he always steps back and bows to his audience with great sincerity and humility. I will be buying more Paul Potts' CDs for gifts. Thank you, Amazon, for allowing us to preorder this fabulous CD!
  
  
• No words @}->---
  By A24ZFFRQ4MG3XL on 2007-09-05
  When I saw Meredith Vieira interview Paul on Today back in April or May, I knew he was going to be a big big star. If Simon says he will be, then he really will be. His voice is as magnificent as the best opera singers out there and he is truly superb.
  This album is amazing too. From R.E.Ms Everybody Hurts (in Italian) to the stunning Nella Fantasia (from The Mission) to his famous performance of Nessun Dorma, it will have your arm hairs on end throughout. I'm not a fan usually of this type of music, but it's hard to deny how talented he is and how beautiful this cd is. I really like it and think this is only the beginning for this teddy bear like guy from Britain. I enjoy it and I hope you do too.
  
  
• Great Newcomer
  By A101VR21DXSWB6 on 2007-08-01
  I know the purist opera people are somewhat critical in their reviews of this Paul Potts One Chance CD, but I think he has a beautiful voice, and in time I think he will be fully appreciated.
  
  
• Great Voice
  By A26AVSV1INC2IP on 2007-08-02
  I'm not an opera fan but was compelled to purchase this CD after watching Mr Pott's performance on Britain's Got Talent. Although I don't understand a word of Italian, Paul's songs (especially Nessun Dorma) has a very calming effect on me. Try listening to the CD in rush hour traffic and you'll see what I mean. Great CD featuring a great voice, so five stars all the way.
  
  
• Worth the wait!
  By A30PFO5CAYEASD on 2007-08-02
  My copy finally arrived today and I've only had a chance to listen to it through once so far, but my initial reaction is that it was worth the wait!
  
  PP sings with such feeling. To me, that is the reason I enjoy listening to him so much. It is his passion and that comes through in his songs. I am not an opera buff and don't know much about it, and don't care about his technical ability, it was just great blasting it in the car.
  
  His ability is way up there as compared to all singers, and I hope he has lots of success in the future! I'm looking forward to future CD's.
  
  
• Paul Potts ONE CHANCE
  By AW2TUXD0QUUAV on 2007-08-03
  Bravo Bravo This is a great album of melody...heartfelt and utterly beautiful, This man's story makes it even more heartening. His honesty and demeanor bring such a truth to his talent and his voice is clear, strong and vibrant.
  
  I believe that even non-opera lovers will enjoy this CD. I am buying a second one for my daughter and probably more for Gifts at the holidays.
  
  
• Paul Potts One Chance
  By A2EKLWZ2DWVGPP on 2007-08-03
  This man is awesome! His voice is a gift from God! I have never heard any singer who puts more feeling into his music than Paul Potts! He is number (1) all the way! This is the very first opera I have ever bought or was remotely interested in buying and that is because he sings totally from his heart. He has such strength and emotion in his voice, enough to bring tears to ones eyes and to captivate anyone who listens to him! I was completely mesmerized by his voice! He truly touched my heart! His humbleness only adds to his perfect performance! His voice truly is phenomenal! I can't wait for his next cd, for sure I will own it! And thank you Simon for giving him his dream of singing opera! You are one classy guy who definitely knows talent!
  
  
• Tears and goosebumps
  By ATS037FHSGIUJ on 2007-08-03
  O.K. I will admit I was a bit carried away after watching and re-watching
  Paul Potts' Youtube video. I ordered the CD more as an affirmation-atta boy type of thing. I was so blown away. I don't know what it is about his voice...the emotion...the range...a sad,soulful,humble reverence? "Everybody Hurts" sung in Italian-beautiful. Throughout the entire CD, I receive an almost hallowed peace along with tears and goosebumps. Well done.
  
  
• Exceeds expectations!
  By AO01UN0C5JDF9 on 2007-08-03
  Yes, I watched the youtube videos of the amazing "Britain's got talent" series of appearances. And I ordered the CD with minimal expectations -- whice were quite exceeded! While not expecting (or receiving) technical perfection, I feel thsi album ranges from the technically adequate to the emotionally sublime. "Nessun Dorma" still raises the goosebumps - perhaps becase it always brings those TV appearances to mind. Then there are the wonderful surprises, like "Music of the Night" which is astonishing in its nuance. No flash in the pan, this one! I hope we will be privileged to enjy years and years --- and albums and albums - of this amazng artist's development!
  
  
  
• Every Man's Hero
  By A3VLC7X2KCB2NF on 2007-08-14
  I saw Paul Potts on YouTube shortly after he won "Britain's Got Talent" and was absolutely "blown away" by his performance. Not only is his talent amazing, his life story is heartwarming and inspiring. He is the "every man hero" -- a humble, shy, unassuming man with a talent larger than life, hidden from the world because of his insecurities. I couldn't wait to receive his album "One Chance"!!! I can listen to it all day and never tire of it. His voice is beautiful! I look for this young man to have a long and prosperous career.
  
  

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