Masters of Chant Chapter VIII by Gregorian
Masters of Chant Chapter VIII is a 2011 album by Gregorian, the German project that sets pop and rock songs to choral, chant style arrangements. It is the eighth volume in their long running series of covers. The idea stays the same, to drape known songs in robes and candlelight and see what changes. I was drawn to the strange calm it brings to tunes I thought I knew.
Why listen?
The sound is solemn and layered, male voices over gentle orchestration and soft beats. The familiar melodies arrive slowed and hushed, draining urgency and adding weight. The production is smooth and warm, made for evening and reflection. There is a meditative thread through the record, a wish to find stillness in noise. It is easy listening with a quiet, almost sacred mood.
Favourite song: Streets of Philadelphia
The Springsteen song reshaped into a slow choral lament, stripped of its drum machine and given space. It is the album's most affecting turn.
I was bruised and battered, I couldn't tell what I felt
I was unrecognizable to myself
Oh, brother, are you gonna leave me wasting away
On the streets of Philadelphia
Ain't no angel gonna greet me
It's just you and I, my friend
The way the chant draws out each line makes the old sorrow feel ceremonial, almost like a prayer. It reminds me of walking an empty road at dusk, when even ordinary streets take on a hush. The cover does not improve on the original, but it finds a new and gentler grief inside it.
Key takeaway
Masters of Chant Chapter VIII is a calm, curious record for those who enjoy familiar songs in a solemn new dress. A gentle recommendation.
Tracklist
- Pride (In the Name of Love)
- Red Rain
- The Rose
- Early Winter
- Human
- Streets of Philadelphia
- Love Beats Anything
- Wake Me Up When September Ends
- Everything Is Beautiful
- Wonderwall
- In the Morning
- Bravado
- Heaven
- River of Life
Details
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Artist | Gregorian |
| Release year | 2011 |
| Length | 72 min |
| Tracks | 14 |
| Label | Starwatch |
| Standout moment | Streets of Philadelphia |
Listen on
Enjoyed this post?
Well, you could share the post with others, follow me via Social Media or RSS Feeds and/or send me a comment via email.
Tags
Category:
Genres:
People:
Tags:
Year: