MARISHA'S SHOP - ALBUMS OF SONGS

Despite his inroads into the world of opera, Andrea Bocelli's fans still can't get enough of his uniquely romantic pop albums. Like Romanza and Sogno, but perhaps even more intimate and seductive, Andrea showcases the crossover superstar in a varied set of songs, all rich in sentiment and each one soaring higher than the last. The arrangements that accompany Bocelli's one-in-a-million voice range from the lush orchestral strains of "In-canto" to the flamenco guitar of guest artist Mario Reyes on "Sin tu amor," with some subtle electronic touches shrewdly adding an appealing modern sound to many tracks. Unexpectedly, Bocelli even rocks out a bit on some of the songs, such as "Un Nuovo Giorno," where he puts an almost raspy edge on his usually pure voice. On more familiar ground, some of the memorable tunes here were contributed by songwriters Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto, who penned the tenor's biggest hit, "Con te partiro" ("Time to Say Goodbye"). Many listeners are sure to be moved by the uplifting "When a Child is Born (Soleado)," complete with children's chorus (although others may find it somewhat trite), and the other track in English, the album closer "Go Where Love Goes," is truly touching. Bocelli duets here with pre-teen soprano Holly Stell, a genuine discovery whose angelic singing will surely charm the fans of Hayley Westenra and Charlotte Church. And naturally, whatever new elements Andrea brings to the Bocelli legacy, it always returns to the essence of his appeal, the powerful yearning expressed by his voice.