Vittorio

If you're looking for a cross-over "Pop-Opera" album, look no further. Some call him the next Luciano Pavarotti or "Little Pavarotti", but I consider him the next Andrea Bocelli (although, I have yet to hear him sing Mozart). He has a wonderful voice - smooth as butter and clear as glass. At 28 years old, he has accomplished a great deal; this self-titled debut album earned the #6 spot on the UK's Top 10 Albums (along-side Andrea Bocelli, #5, and Russell Watson, #2).

Vittorio earned the title il Pavarottino "Little Pavarotti" when he was asked to sing Tosca with Pavarotti at the Rome opera theater. Afterwards, Pavarotti was so impressed, he raved about Vittorio to the press. At the age of 23, Vittorio became the youngest Italian singer to sing at Milan's La Scala.

Vittorio admits that opera is his first love and insists on performing at least three opera's a year to keep his voice "well-oiled." However, this album allowed him to experiment with musical styles he experiences everyday. Combining his beautiful voice with modern hip-hop rhythms, he was able to create music that many people can appreciate. The album's theme is love (obvious, I know). You'll find songs sung in English, Italian, and Spanish. I am particularly fond of the first and second tracks - they really caught my attention and set the theme for the rest of the album. The first track showcases his dramatic voice and remarkable range, and the second crosses us over to the pop side without sounding kitschy. Also on the album is a duet with Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, a version of "Maria" from the West Side Story, and a unique interpretation of Puccini's opera, Madame Butterfly. I'm not a big fan of this style of music, but I must say, I was quite impressed... I may have to re-evaluate my position.