Review from CDBaby -
I bought this cd because I heard "Begin to Dream" on "Whisperings" piano solo radio. I absolutely loved the melody. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that is not the only track that I love. The entire cd is delightful. I play it first thing in the morning. It is so peaceful and calming and just sets the pace for the rest of the day. What's nice is that there isn't a change of pace in the cd - the whole composition is calm and relaxing. The next best thing to my II Divo cd's. This is one cd you will play over and over and never tire of.
AMY LAUREN: Reviews
Review from CDBaby -
Originally listened to cd for my baby and play it on the computer while he drifts to sleep. Works so well with him, falls asleep so much quicker with this beautiful music and while listening I feel myself reflecting and appreciating the simple things in life. So relaxing and unwinding, a must have for anyone who loves piano. Well done on this stunning collection. I will recommend it to friends. My favorites being Bed of Stars and Heaven's Candlelight.
Review from CD Baby –
I don’t usually write reviews, but for this cd I must. I have MANY relaxation cds of various types for myself and many lullaby cds for my baby, but 90% of the music is too stimulating in various ways. I usually have to take one or two from each cd and compile my own playlists or cds. This one is very PEACEFUL all the way through. The melodies are beautiful and soothing – you could actually play it while you sleep. Best of all, there is a beautiful energy to this music and it feels very healing, loving, and—I have to say it again—peaceful. I hope a new one comes out soon.
Review from iTunes –
Close Your Eyes – Quiet, Contemplative, Peaceful. Close Your Eyes is one of the most beautiful albums of piano music I have ever heard. If you want to be put in a quiet, contemplative, peaceful mood, then look no further. This is the album for you. When you listen to Amy Lauren, the world is right. The mood in the album is even throughout. These lullabies intended to ease children gently to sleep can awaken the soul of a slumbering adult. “Drifting Starlight” is an especially beautiful song that is as memorable and moving to me as classic piano pieces by Debussy and Satie-with the romantic sweep of “Claire de Lune” and contemplative quiet of “Gymnopedies.” Highly recommended. Anonymous.
Review from The Dabbling Mum -
Have you ever longed to escape the stress of the day? Have you looked for that one CD that wouldn’t awaken your child just as he drifted off to sleep because it picked up its pace? Or have you had difficulty finding that one CD that provides just the right background noise – just enough noise to allow you to work, but not so much that it prevents you from working? That’s what you’ll find when you listen to Close Your Eyes by Amy Lauren. Close Your Eyes is a great relaxation tool for all ages: babies, children and adults. To be quite honest, I was so captivated by the composition of each piece (instrumental) that I literally sat in awe as I tried to type just the right words to demonstrate what I felt as I listened to Close Your Eyes. But nothing came out as I’d hoped – everything sounded forced and trite. Then a friend said to me, “Alyice, just write what you told me?” “Yeah right”, I said. “I’m going to tell my readers, ‘I like Close Your Eyes because it’s calming, soothing, and completely relaxing. In fact, it’s so relaxing that in the middle of the day I wanted to take a nap! And it’s great background noise because it doesn’t distract my thoughts when I write.” Her reply was simple: “Why not? Does every review have to be wordy?” So there you have it. If you’re looking for an instrumental CD to calm your nerves or put you to sleep, Close Your Eyes is the perfect choice. Alyice Edrich is a freelance writer and Editor-in-Chief for thedabblingmum.com, a national parenting publication for BUSY parents.
Review from Fresno Family -
This is a piano lullaby cd that is just sooooooooo lovely! ...within the first 5 seconds I fell in love with its beauty. Its just very simply a cd full of lovely, soft piano music. No vocals, just piano. With over an hour of wonderfully quiet, soothing music, this is the perfect cd for putting your little ones to sleep! HIGHLY recommended for rest time music! :) fresnofamily.com
"...I adored your wonderful piano solos, it has inspired my soul and it so touched. Thank you for such wonderful music..."
"...I discovered your music on SoloPianoRadio and have been an avid listener ever since. Your music is so very relaxing... You have a wonderful gift and I know your music touches many, many others who may never tell you..."
"...I just love your music! It is so peaceful and soothing, I could listen to it all day and night and never get tired of the melodies..."
Review from Kathy Parsons at Mainlypiano.com -
...The pieces were composed as solo piano lullabies and relaxation music, and they succeed well. Gentle and soothing with no harsh edges, the music becomes slower as the album progresses. With a few exceptions, I had a hard time staying too focused on the music when listening to it actively, but it makes a lovely backdrop for quiet activities or for letting go of the cares of the day (or night!). Many of the 20 tracks are made up of sequences of flowing notes, creating a similar experience to listening to water in a fountain or a stream - hypnotic. Despite the subtleness of the music, a few of the pieces really stand out to me. One is “Calm Is the Night,” which is a bit more melodic than some of the others, and a perhaps a touch bittersweet - a very lovely piece! I also especially like “Midnight Song,” which also has more of a melody and a feeling of peaceful introspection. “Begin to Dream,” reminds me of Wayne Gratz’s gentle touch. Actually, this CD is similar to Gratz’s “Sleepy Baby Suite” without the nature sounds. “Close Your Eyes” is a peaceful collection of lullabies for babies of all ages. Let the soothing sounds carry you off to Dreamland where everything is beautiful and unhurried.