Harem

The concept behind Harem is blending Middle Eastern melodies and rhythms with Western dance-tinged pop—something Ofra Haza, and even Sting, already achieved with more ingenuity and dancefloor credibility. But Brightman's soprano voice is what's unique here. While she lacks the power to sell several tracks, her breathy delivery is certainly easy on the ears. She's at her best putting subtle spins on such old chestnuts as "What a Wonderful World" and "Stranger in Paradise." She occasionally hits her stride in her Middle Eastern milieu: "Mysterious Days" is potent and original, and "The Journey Home" (by Indian film composer A.R. Rahman) displays intriguing melody lines. Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir joins Brightman on "The War Is Over Now"—a smart move with solid results, but one that leaves listeners wondering why similar creative decisions aren't apparent elsewhere on the set.—WH