You may be asking “Who the hell is Noella Choi?” My question is “Why the hell haven’t I heard of Noella Choi before?!” Noella Choi is a multi-talented Chinese-Canadian with a love for music. On her album cover, she states that the album took two years to make, primarily because she feels she is not the most talented lyricist. I beg to differ. I think she’s an incredibly talented lyricist, not to mention an awesome composer and musician. Her lyrics are poignant and heartfelt. They’re intelligently written – no teenybopper music here. It was very amazing to discover that not only did Noella Choi write all the music on this CD, but she performed it all as well. And her voice! What a great set of pipes! She brings to mind such music superstars as Lisa Leob, Jewel, and Michelle Branch. I loved every track and found myself singing to them after a while. Each track speaks to the listener, weaving tales of love lost, measuring up, moving on, and becoming. The last track of the CD, Blossom, is a song written by Noella Choi’s father, Peter Choi, and sung by Noella Choi in her native language. Its beauty mesmerized me even before I read the English translation of the lyrics. An incredibly talented musician, composer, singer, and lyricist, Noella Choi is definitely a rising star in the making! Send your comments and or questions about this article to wildkarrde3@hotmail.com.

Noella Choi's first solo release, but that doesn't mean she's new to the music scene. After graduating from college (with honors) the Toronto native spent some time in Hong Kong working as the musical director for a Hong Kong television station where she worked on a sitcom called "Virtues of Harmony" as well as composing and singing for television commercials. "Restless" is a true DIY project. She wrote, performed, recorded and mixed all the songs here. The result is a lovely adult pop sound. Choi's voice is pretty and pleasing without being sugary sweet. The songs are inoffensive smooth melodic pop. Nothing wild and crazy, but pleasant all the same. She alternates playing guitar and piano and I, of course, prefer the piano pieces, but they're all good songs. She claims she's not a great lyricist and it took her a long time to come up with words to her music, but I think they go together very nicely, You'd never know it was difficult for her. Noella Choi obviously a talented woman, and if you like adult contemporary pop you need to check her out. Stand out songs: "Goodbye", "Crossroads" and "Lost".

Originally saw Noella's CD on iTunes and bought the track "Blossom". Strong and moving melody made me wonder why Noella hasn't been raised to a higher level of visibility in the media's eyes. Noella's CD is definitely worth the money. - Wing Wong wingedpower@gmail.com http://www.polygon-comics.com

I've been a fan of Noella's music for a few years now and I have to say, I'm so happy she finally released this CD and that there is a way for us Europeans to buy it (I am from Holland). The CD is amazing. Not often does one come across a CD where every song is something that you can listen to over and over again. Something you want to play in the car on a sunny day with the windows open all the way or the top down while singing along to the songs loudly. Also, she claims she's not be the best lyricist, but I have to disagree. Every song is pure top notch quality! My favourite tracks are "Restless", "Impossible", "You" and "Home". I highly recommend this CD to anyone!