The debut album by
Forte, the cross-cultural trio of tenors who rose to prominence on America's Got Talent, is a stirring collection of popular ballads and classical crossover hits that are well-suited to the group's warm vocals and mellow style.
Forte consists of tenors Josh Page,
Fernando Varela, and
Sean Panikkar, who were strangers before they tried out for the competition, but found their combined voices created a good blend for the lyrical melodies and rich harmonies they offer here. Included on this 2013 Columbia recording are the songs they performed on television, “My Heart Will Go On,” “Unchained Melody,” and Pie Jesu, as well as other inspiring songs, such as “Caruso,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Somewhere,” “Nessun dorma,” “Something,” “Silent Night,” and “The Prayer,” which they sing with America's Got Talent finalist, Cami Bradley. Lush orchestral arrangements lend the group a smooth background for their passionate singing, and the program is consistent in its sweet tones and sentimental moods. Columbia's recording is close-up, clear, and full of presence, so the artists' individual qualities are easily distinguished. ~ Blair Sanderson