Well, I was set on buying Michael Buble's latest album It's Time when I came across Il Divo - four polished men in suits, and a sticker on the cover that says: The World's First Operatic Supergroup.
Being an "amateur" fan of opera, I had to listen to this. Well, phew. Guys, imagine a Backstreet Boys with the voices of Andrea Bocelli. Michael Buble was sadly soon forgotten and I got this CD. I love "Every Time I look at You" and "Ti Amero". Well, actually I like most of the songs. :)
Apparently, this group was put together by none other than American Idol judge Simon Cowell! (I'm not sure if that's good or bad news.) Most of these blokes were classically trained: the group is made up of David Miller (US), Carlos Marin (Spain), Urs Buhler (Switzerland) and Sebastien Izambard (France) after a worldwide talent hunt. (Is there a reality show connected to this? If so, BARF.)
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Article comments
1 - Steve
There is no comparison to Michael Bublè... he is brilliant! You must get not only 'It's Time' but his first self titled CD. You will not be disappointed. I have played Il Divo's album a few times and found it at best average and I like the new opera music too!
2 - Liz
Will definitely get it next month! :) Just ltd budget and all that this month.
3 - MusicFan
is it just me who thinks that they sound like four josh groban's put together????? not saying there is something wrong with the boy group or anything..just a comparison.
4 - Sherri
Michael Buble' sadly soon forgotten...I don't think so! And If you don't already have it, you honestly need to buy "Come Fly with Me" it's a CD & DVD in one you wont be sorry! And It'll change your mind about IL whoever.... Sherri
5 - caroline
No one is saying that Josh Groban or Michel Buble aren't good but Il Divo are fantastic ... I am also a fan of Josh and Michel, I even saw Josh live last time he was in my home town (amazing) but for a group that was formed less than 2 years ago they have an amazing following ... Their voices are superior to any other "boy band" out there.
6 - candy
I can safely say that Il Divo is the greatest singing group. Let listen their CD, you will see it.
7 - Kathleen
Hi i enjoy all sorts of music i never thought i would sit down and actually listen to opera of any kind but as soon as i heard these men it sent an incredible feeling of warmth through my hole body they have fantastic voices i went out and brought there album anyone out there who reckons they dont doesnt know talent ifit hit them in the face.i hope they make many more albums if they come to nz i will be there to see them live.
8 - Rhondie
I discovered Il Divo quite by accident and was immediately swept away by the beautiful blend of voices. My husband and I never agree on music but, on a recent trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, we listened to Il Divo throughout the drive and he really enjoyed them. I hope they make another album soon!
9 - Rhondie
I have not seen a video of Il Divo and have been unsuccessfull finding one to download on my pc via the net. I have also missed their performances on T.V. I would love to see who is singing what to identify the voices with the songs. Carlos is easy to pick out but not the others. Does anyone have a positive ID on who is featured in what song? Please post it if you do! By the way, I just ordered the Christmas album. I love this group. Even my husband, who does not like the same music I do, loves these guys!
10 - millie
I am moved to tears everytime I hear il divo sing unchained melody. their music is truly a touch of heaven.
11 - angie
I was switching tv stations one day and came across Il Divo's Unchained Melody video. I felt a soothing aura and life came to a halt for about 5 minutes. I bought the cd and now listen to it at least once a day. I am going to see them in concert next month and the anticipation is phenomenal. What a welcomed soothing balm in this day and age of rush and stress.
12 - teh_contralto
Great review... I enjoy Michael Buble on the side, but have to say my favorites are Josh Groban & Il Divo. In that order. They run, however, a REALLY close second.
To the person who was asking voice identification:
yes, Carlos is unmistakable.
The very young pop-sounding voice is Seb. He's first on "Regressa a Mi". He's actually got a really free & easy higher register that I love.
The really clear high tones are David, who comes first on "Mama". I would say more of a theatrical than an operatic voice, but beautiful. His part on "Rejoice" (Christmas album) is just breathtaking.
Carlos, can't miss him. Huge voice, deep & colorful: first on "Nella Fantasia". Usually get the lead in the end choruses, no surprise. Amazing voice.
And my personal favorite... Urs. First on "Dentro un altro si". His voice is unmistakable in an entirely different way. Basically, it's the same tenor range as David & Seb, but it's got a really lovely wide, "covered" tone to it, giving a really warm & sweet sound. Sorry if this is sounding technical, but his voice never ceases to amaze me.
On Ancora:
Seb first on "Pour que m'aimes encore".
Urs first on "Esisti Dentro Me"
Carlos first on "Si Tu Me Amas".
David first on... oh wait, now I can't remember. Well, he comes second on "Esisti".
Christmas album:
Urs first on "O Holy Night"
Seb first on "Adeste Fideles"
Can't remember any more, but hope this helps. If you check out lyrics websites, frequently they'll have the parts written out, just don't expect them to be 100% accurate. :-)
I may be a wee bit biased. I always thought they were amazing, and then I had the immense privilege to see them live (on the first night of the world tour!). They blew every expectation I had, and just were so amazing.
If only I had the money & time to follow them around the world like the little groupie I now am!
13 - Petal
I will never forget the first time i heard this amazing group Il Divo! I was in the kitchen and on the TV I heard the most beautiful voices I have heard in years...Their good looks don't hurt either...LOL...There is only one thing they sould do is to have a printed booklet in with their CDs of all their songs in English.
Even though they sing like Angels I can't understand a word they sing unless it's in English :)
14 - sarai duenas
I THINK THEY ARE THE BEST AND IM A GREAT FAN OF THEM..!!!!!!!!!!11
15 - KAREN
I LOVE JOSH GROBAN BUT I HAVE TO SAY IL DIVO IS FANTASTIC. I AM REALLY BLOWN AWAY BY CARLOS MARIN. HE IS THE BEST AND HE IS WHAT MAKES THE GROUP SO GOOD. HIS VOICE IS INCREDIBLE. WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE ALBUM, I SAID " WHO IS THAT VOICE, THERE IS ONE STAND OUT VOICE OF THE FOUR." BRAVO FOR LIGHT CLASSICAL AND OPERA. I THINK IT IS MAKING A COME BACK AND I PREDICT IT TO BE BIG!!