Pop songs with an opera flavour

International quartet IL Divo is another crossover marketing gimmick, but this time it works. The four young men, clad in stylish black suits, are all formally trained singers. They apply operatic technique to interpret romantic pop songs with a full orchestral accompaniment.

IL Divo means 'divine performer' or a 'male diva' in English. The group consists of David Miller (USA), Sebastien Izambard (France), Urs Buhler (Switzerland) and Carlos Marin (Spain) who were shortlisted after a long audition process in 2003.

The standout track is the opener Regresa A Mi, a cover version of Unbreak My Heart. They turn this timeless love song, originally sung by diva Toni Braxton, into an enchanting piece. Another track Mama, which is about the unconditional love of mothers, will make this CD a popular present for Mother's Day next Sunday. The songs are sung in English, Spanish and Italian to show the group's multi-nationality.

You don't have to like opera to enjoy this album.