Stars Of The Met The Early Years: A Classical Opera Beast That Still Roars
Alright, let’s cut the fluff—this album isn’t for everyone. If you’re into opera, though, Stars Of The Met The Early Years by Various is like stumbling onto a hidden treasure chest in your grandma’s attic. Released back in ’81 under Time Life Records (because who else would’ve done it justice?), this sucker packs some heavy hitters from the classical world. It’s got everything from Verdi to Wagner, Puccini to Donizetti—all names that sound fancy but hit harder than most rock bands ever could.
Now, I gotta say, two tracks stuck with me like gum on a shoe. First up, there’s “Ernani - Sorta E La Notte… Ernani, involami” from Act 1 of Ernani. This piece grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. The vocals? Absolute fire. Whoever sings this part sounds like they’re ready to tear down walls just with their voice. And when those harmonies kick in, holy crap—it’s like being punched right in the soul. You don’t listen to this; you feel it. Like, how do people even make sounds like that? Feels unfair.
Then there’s “Tannhäuser - Dich, Teure Halle” from Act II. Oh man, this one hits different. It starts off all soft and dreamy, lulling you into thinking it’s gonna be chill. But nope—it builds and builds until BAM, you’re drowning in emotion. The singer here sounds so raw, so desperate—you can practically hear the tears dripping off every note. By the end, I was sitting there like, “What just happened?” It’s not just music; it’s an experience. A weird, beautiful, slightly painful experience.
Look, this album ain’t perfect. Some parts drag a little, and yeah, maybe a few tracks blend together if you’re not paying attention. But damn, when it works, it REALLY WORKS. These aren’t just songs—they’re stories told through sheer vocal power. No auto-tune, no studio tricks, just pure talent blowing your mind.
Here’s the kicker: listening to this made me realize something. Opera gets a bad rap these days, like it’s only for rich folks sipping wine at galas. But nah, this stuff is as real as it gets. It’s messy, intense, and unapologetically human. So next time someone tries to tell you opera is boring, slap them with this album. Or better yet, crank it loud enough that they have no choice but to listen. They’ll either love it or hate it—but trust me, they won’t forget it.
Final thought: Why don’t we hear more opera blasting out of car stereos? Seriously, think about it.
