Continuing to validate the theory that there must be something in the Welsh water, fiery-haired
Sara Kempe is the latest classically trained vocalist to emerge from the country following the likes of
Charlotte Church,
Katherine Jenkins, and
Natasha Marsh. Eschewing the ballgown style and operatic output of the latter two, the jeans-wearing
Kempe's debut album,
Let Me Fly, has more in common with the theatrical, easy listening pop of
Laura Michelle Kelly and
Kerry Ellis than her fellow native sopranos, thanks to the presence of producers
Goldust, formerly of '90s boy band Ultra and
Ben Robbins (
Heather Small). Indeed, besides the closing number, a straightforward rendition of popular aria "Pie Jesu," its 12 tracks focus on string-soaked classical pop arrangements of modern chart hits which showcase
Kempe's crystal-clear and sweetly soothing vocal tones. While there are a few ubiquitous song choices that will make you groan with complete apathy like
Sting's "Fields of Gold" and
Sarah McLachlan's "Angel," both seemingly a requisite of any classical crossover album of late, the rest of
Let Me Fly is thankfully far less obvious. The swirling electronica of
Madonna's "Frozen" and the anthemic, driving rock of
Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" are given a gentle orchestral makeovers, thanks to some neo-classical piano chords, luscious snatches of harps, and subtle flashes of new age production, while her soaring and haunting interpretations of
Keane's "Bedshaped" and
David Gray's "This Year's Love" make the melancholic ballads sound like they were penned especially for her. Unusually for an album of this ilk, there is also a trio of original compositions. The title track, also the official single for the 2010 Ryder Cup, is an inspiring and emotionally stirring anthem which recalls
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's rugby union World Cup theme "World in Union," "The Wish," penned by former Fame Academy finalist
Marli Harwood, is a wintry contemporary alternative to Les Miserables' number "Bring Him Home," while "Breathe Me in Slowly" is a piano-based love song inspired by Prince William and Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding, all of which suggest
Kempe is capable of releasing an accomplished, entirely original effort in the future. But for now,
Let Me Fly is a competent first effort, which with the exception of a few lazy and uninspired selections, is far less derivative and formulaic than her Welsh counterparts' debut offerings. ~ Jon O'Brien