Originally released in September 2005, Hayley Westenra's second international album was re-released in April 2006 with only 14 instead of the original 16 tracks. Westenra sings a wide selection of pop-oriented compositions, including Joni Mitchell's "Both Side Now," Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair," and "May It Be" (as featured in The Lord of the Rings), all with the minimum of backing music, mainly just a pure soprano voice beautifully soaring like a bird and leaving its cage behind. One can't help but think of the scene in The Shawshank Redemption when Andy locks himself in the library and plays some opera over a loudspeaker. "Quanta Qualia" has something of the quality of the Clannad hit "Theme from Harry's Game," while "Dell'amore Non Si Sa" is a duet with Andrea Bocelli. There are also a few new folk ballads: "What You Never Know (Won't Hurt You)," "The Mists of Islay," and "She Moves Through the Fair." Odyssey is the ideal album to chill out and relax to after a hard day's work. [This 12-track version of Odyssey does not include "Scarborough Fair" or "The Mists of Islay."] ~ Sharon Mawer, All Music Guide
In response to all those wondering about Hayley and Celtic Woman:
Hayley was not in the original Celtic Woman, but she did join the group for their second DVD release, "The New Journey: Live From Slane Castle". She's no longer touring with Celtic Woman, however. Their most current line-up for the 2009 "Isle of Hope" USA tour is Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Máiréad Nesbitt, Alex Sharpe, and Lynn Hilary.
she's not in celtic woman, but she is good enough to be. celtic woman is chloë agnew, orla fallon, lisa kelly, méav ní mhaolchatha, and máiréad nesbitt.