She is a vocal chameleon, as anyone who's heard It's A Question of Honour will agree.

This isn't so much a middle eastern album. It's got more to do with Sarah's love of stories and literature (1001 Arabian Nights, for example) she grew up with, so what you get is Eastern inspired fantasy. (Some have criticized the album for being an unfaithful representation of Middle Eastern culture and music, but that was never the claim or intent of this album.) A self-proclaimed lover of fantasy, Sarah brews a mesmerizing concoction of musical landscapes that stars her as almost an Arabian princess in a mystical, far-away land.

The title track, Harem, takes its music from Cancao do Mar, a traditional Portuguese piece. Latin music lovers will know this as "Oye, Mar," a Spanish song that's also an adaptation of Cancao do Mar that was sung by the likes of Chayanne (of 'Dance With Me' fame, costarring Vanessa Williams) and Chenoa. This is a beautiful song, passionate song. This single alone could sell the record.

The second track, What A Wonderful World, is a wonderful rendition of the Louis Armstrong classic. I absolutely love Sarah's version, as it's one of my favorite songs from this album. Her rendition soars; it somewhat reminds me of "Winter Light" from her Classics CD, but with more passion and 'oomph.'

It's A Beautiful Day is taken from Puccini's Un Bel Di (from Madame Butterfly). It's infused with an Arabic inspired treatment plus dance beats, so it isn't a laid back number by any means. Those who have heard 'Anytime, Anywhere' off her Eden CD will be familiar with the formula Sarah uses with this song. Like with 'Anytime, Anywhere,' 'It's A Beautiful Day' is comprised of classical verses sung in Italian and in an operatic style, coupled with an English pop-chorus. It's beautiful piece.

'Free' was originally a German song, but was given new lyrics by Sarah and Sophie B. Hawkins. She strays into Kate Bush territory with this one at times, but it's nevertheless a pretty song.

'Mysterious Days' features the late Ofra Haza who adds a terrific energy--plus lovely vocals--to an already energetic song.

'The War is Over' is a beautiful ballad, though I didn't think so the first time I heard it. It wasn't until I actually listened long enough to hear Kadim Al-Sahir's contribution that I was blown away. He only sings a few lines (in Arabic) and can be heard backing the chorus, but he shines in his heartfelt delivery--what an amazing singer!

'Beautiful' is a Sarah's version of the Mandalay song by the same name. I can't say I like her version more, as Nicola Hitchcock sings the original in a very fragile, delicate, yet intense voice, and that description contradicts itself. It's not easy to duplicate, by any means, but Sarah definitely does the song justice. Sarah's voice gives the song a bit more power than Nicola does, and it makes for an equally intense delivery.

'Stranger in Paradise' is from the American musical, Kismet. Once considered the least favorite song on Harem by me and my friends, we've since come around and warmed to it. It took us a while, but it's quickly becoming one of our favorites.

'Arabian Nights' is probably the most entertaining song on this record. It's broken down into sections: Scimitar Moon, Voyage, Promise, Hamesha, and Alone. Each section is a short blip of a different song that transitions from one into the next in a surprisingly seamless way. Indipop singer Shwetta Shetty contributes on Hamesha (she also sings on Journey Home) with hauntingly beautiful vocals. I absolutely adore this track.

People who hear this album either love it or don't. I didn't when I first sampled it (probably because I was expecting something along the line of her previous albums), but I was mesmerized by Sarah's Harem Tour concert when I saw her perform in Seattle, so I went home and gave it another chance. Once I got over Harem not following the same formulas as 'Eden' and 'La Luna' and having more pop pieces, I fell in love.

Sarah hasn't ventured this far into experimentation since 'Fly,' and how glad her fans are that she's done it again! This time, however, it's done with more finesse and mastery. The Brightman/Peterson camp has produced another masterpiece, indeed, with Harem, that's more varied, versatile, and brilliantly put together than her other works, in my opinion. Plus, despite me using the word 'pop' to describe this album, it does feature Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences (mostly in the percussions and strings).

The DVD that comes with this is actually a decent addition to any fan's library. It's approximately 30 minutes long and shows behind the scenes footage of the writing and recording process of the album, and also of photoshoots. It was rather enjoyable to watch, and made the decision to purchase the limited edition CD/DVD one that I'm happy with.

I'm talking about the cover of Mandalay's Beautiful. Truly, I almost confused Sarah with Madonna (almost..there was a second there..). Sarah did a wonderful job of the song. I think first thing tomorrow morning, I will buy the CD.

My friend introduced me to Sarah Brightman a couple of years ago. She gave me a copy of La Luna, which I couldn't stop playing. After that, I had to go out and buy all of her CDs. So, I was really excited when I found out that she was putting out a new CD. I bought it the day it was released. I can't stop playing it, either. All of the slots in my CD changer are devoted to Sarah. She's absolutely AWESOME!!! With all of the "stupid non-music" out there today, she is very refreshing, too. I can't wait for another album.