[NEW RELEASES]Various Artists

If you’re in a mellow, existential headspace and in the mood for some slow, soul-wrenching tunes, then this CD is for you.

“Best of Voices 2” comprises two CDs and a DVD showcasing classically beautiful songs by Nana Mouskouri, the Vienna Boys Choir and Amici Forever. True to the title, these voices are exquisitely classically trained.

It seems almost sacrilegious to say anything negative, but let me warn you: listening to this album is more like a lesson in what music is supposed to sound like than a celebration of beauty.

There seems to be an underlying pressure to be in awe of these classical singers, as if this album has been put together purely to boast. Over 30 epic tracks and five videos blend into one very long, very intense medley of recognizable songs dulled by minimalist musical arrangements and an almost monotonous choral sound throughout. In short, this is a case of your favorite songs getting stripped of their original charm and redone chorally. I suggest you dig out and treasure the originals instead. By Kate Leaver

Various Artists

“Best of Voices 2”

Label: Universal Music

Genre: Choral