Originally published in Inside Weddings

If your iPod is peppered with songs by Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, and Jackie Evancho, you’ll find lots to love about Canadian tenor Cody Karey’s self-titled debut. The 23-year-old’s collection of soaring ballads doesn’t exactly break new ground, but Karey’s powerful voice and heart-melting lyrics will more than satisfy fans of the aforementioned masters of operatic pop (in fact, all have worked with famed producer David Foster).

Those searching for a wedding first-dance song will find plenty to choose from here, as virtually every track sounds tailor-made to accompany a waltz between newlyweds. Passion radiates from the achingly beautiful “You Are the Song,” while the guitar in “If Ever I Fall” is an unexpectedly pleasant accompaniment to Karey’s classically-trained voice. Even non Italian-speaking couples will appreciate “Tu Sei,” which nicely highlights Karey’s operatic range. This newcomer proves himself to be a welcome addition to the Grobans, Bocellis, and Evanchos of the world.