About this album
Sound:
"Hayley Westenra's ethereal voice intertwines classical elegance with heartfelt emotion across lush, orchestral arrangements."
Where they were
Released in 2003, 'Pure' was Hayley Westenra's debut album and marked her emergence as a significant voice in the operatic pop genre. At just 16 years old, she captured international attention, establishing her career after being discovered by a prominent British music label.
Why it matters
'Pure' achieved remarkable commercial success, reaching platinum status in multiple countries, including the UK and New Zealand. The album’s blend of classical and contemporary styles helped to popularize the genre of operatic pop, influencing subsequent artists and showcasing the viability of crossover classical music.
Essential tracks
- "Pokarekare Ana" — This traditional Māori love song showcases Westenra's cultural heritage and highlights her vocal prowess, making it a standout on the album.
- "Amazing Grace" — Westenra's rendition of this classic hymn is both haunting and uplifting, resonating deeply with listeners and exemplifying her emotive singing style.
- "Dark Waltz" — The track combines lyrical beauty with orchestral complexity, perfectly capturing the album's thematic depth while emphasizing Westenra's vocal range.
Release Date
July 10, 2003
Artist Origin
New Zealand
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Across the Universe of Time 3:41
- 2 Never Say Goodbye 3:13
- 3 Beat of Your Heart 3:12
- 4 Pokarekare Ana 3:18
- 5 Who Painted the Moon Black? 3:37
- 6 River of Dreams 4:20
- 7 Benedictus 3:48
- 8 Hine e Hine 5:06
- 9 Dark Waltz 4:18
- 10 Amazing Grace 3:40
- 11 My Heart and I 4:17
- 12 In trutina (from "Carmina Burana") 2:20
- 13 Heaven 4:09
- 14 Wuthering Heights 4:12
- 15 Pokarekare Ana 3:49
Disc 2
- 1 Silent Night 3:16
- 2 Away In A Manger 2:55
- 3 Mary Did You Know? 3:27
- 4 The Mummers' Dance 4:34
