Cyndi Lauper - At Last
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Free Music Notes for At Last
Free Music Review: Intimate and Moving--A Wonderfully Romantic Escape
Hit: 5 Stars
Like many other reviewers, I have been a fan of Ms. Lauper's work for years and have been disappointed in the lack of attention her albums "Hat Full of Stars" and "Sisters of Avalon" and her EP "Shine" have garnered. Those three are remarkable and eclectic offerings in their own rights. Her latest release, "At Last," is no different. While this collection of songs is, indeed, comprised of "standards," the delicate and near minimalist arrangement of the accompanying music works well to showcase the beauty, soul, and sensuality of Lauper's versatile and infinitely moving voice. A prime example is her cover of Al Hibler's "Unchained Melody;" most people probably remember The Righteous Brothers' cover which was used in the movie "Ghost." Ever since that blasted movie came out and radio stations ran it into the ground, I've disliked that song, but Lauper's gentle, intimate, and uncharacteristically restrained version has made me love it again. She took a completely tired song and turned it into something fresh. While her version isn't as overtly powerful in its musical arrangement or in its vocal desperation as that of The Righteous Brothers, Lauper's interpretation is equally powerful in the quiet strength of her voice, which is, at times, heartbreakingly fragile.
Although most of the album is soft and sensual, Lauper does put her fun and distinct stamp on a couple of songs, including "Stay" by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs and "On the Sunny Side of the Street." There is one caveat, however: although her cover of "Stay" is a delightful and frolicking romp, Lauper's version of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" may be a little too much for swing purists to handle, especially given that the beat is a bit difficult to find and follow in the first thirty seconds of the song.
Even with the iffy "Sunny Side," though, all of the other songs vascillate between fun and flip to sensual and emotionally intense. For example, like her version of "Unchained Melody," Lauper's cover of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" is intense and intimate (so much so that I almost felt like an intruder in the recording booth).
If you haven't listened to Cyndi Lauper since the 1980s, you may be surprised at this mature offering; however, don't let your surprise scare you away from this album. Her voice is just as wonderful as it was twenty years ago, and her life experience has lent her interpretations of these songs great depth and sensitivity. Don't worry, though, she's still got that bold streak of fun that makes her the ever-distinctive Cyndi Lauper.
Free Music Review: Cyndi sings the classics
Hit: 5 Stars
Almost exactly 20 years after Cyndi Lauper released her She's So Unusual debut album, she's back on the music scene with At Last. One could say that she was really back on the scene with her Shine EP, but that's more of an appetizer rather than the "main course." I admit that I was a little disappointed at first upon hearing that Cyndi's new album would only consist of cover songs rather than original material; I was hoping for a new album that would continue the flow of her Shine EP. But being the long-time devoted Cyndi fan that I am, I made my way to the record store today and bought At Last. I've heard it twice so far and I've already gotten to love Cyndi's interpretations of these songs. I'm not familiar with most of the original versions so I can't make comparisons, but I have no doubt that Cyndi has done these songs a lot of justice. By far my favorite is her rendition of "Unchained Melody," not only because she sings it so well but because it's one of my all-time favorite songs.In the inside booklet Cyndi says that these songs are a tribute to Manhattan, where she grew up and obviously has strong memories of. The whole atmosphere of At Last definitely has a "New Yorkish" feel to it, full of grace, sophistication and beauty. The album photos reflect this too, especially the cover photo that has Cyndi emerging from a manhole in the night wearing an elegant black dress with the Manhattan skyline in the background and a full moon. Very classy indeed. The back photo has her raising her arms in praise while looking at the Statue Of Liberty in the background. These photos are simply stunning and complement the music perfectly.
But getting back to the music, I hope the fact that this album is only cover songs will not deter Cyndi fans from buying it. Yes, this album is very different from any of her previous albums and will most likely attract a slightly different demographic population in addition to her long-time fans. But we need to remember that Cyndi is only maturing with her music, and releasing a mellow album doesn't mean that she's "losing her touch." If anything, she's showing her great versatility as a singer and exploring new territory. You won't find songs about "just wanting to have fun" and "she bopping" on this album, but you WILL find songs that speak to you in a much more intimate, personal way. There's certainly nothing wrong with that. So pick up At Last, sit down at night with a glass of wine and candlelight, and let Cyndi take you on this magical and satisfying journey.
Free Music Review: At Last is not your typical standard Cd.
Hit: 5 Stars
I love this Cd. Before I heard the Cd I saw Cyndi perform the entire album live 7 times. I already knew which songs I loved and liked (and at least one I disliked) before I even heard the disc.On to the great songs. Well there are a bunch of great tracks here. My # 1 favorite song is is the beautiful heartbreaking "If you go away" followed by the very well done cover of "Don't let me be misunderstood" these are the two best tracks.IMO
"Walk on by","You really got a hold on me" and "Unchained melody" round out my favorite top 5 tracks. I think all these songs are a perfect 10.
Now for the rest of the album. Well "At last" is very good and I love it too. Cyndi's voice is perfect on here. Another touching ballad is the beautiful "Hymn to love" which is done to near perfection. There are 3 faster tracks on this Cd that I also love. "Til you come back to me","Stay" and "Sunny side on the street" are all fun songs and I highly enjoy them.
Now the tracks I can give or take. "La vie en rose" is a song I just never liked. I do admit I can enjoy Cyndi's version when I listen to it,but it isn't a song I play over and over again. half the time I skip this song and half the time I don't. I like it,but I don't love it. "Makin' whoppee" is a fun duet. It took a bit of time to grow on me,but it has. Like "La vie en rose" I sometimes skip this song too,but I don't hate it. I like it. It's just not as good as the tracks above.
The weakest song on the Cd (probably the only one I really do not listen to much at all) is "My baby just cares for me". I don't hate it,but I do dislike it. It's the only track I skip almost every time I play the Cd.
Overall,a great Cd of classic songs that Cyndi makes her own. I recommend it to anyone who wants to hear these classic songs done a way they never have heard before and probably never would again. Sure nothing beats a Cyndi Cd of self-penned songs (she is one of the most gifted song-writers ever) but,she puts so much heart into everything she does that even cover songs somehow take on new life and become her own songs. As far as I'm concerned tracks like "Don't let me be misunderstood" and "Walk on by" are officially Cyndi songs now. I don't think anyone alive could ever do them better then she has. I also could not even imagine a better more beautiful version of "If you go away". That song alone is worth the price of this Cd.
Free Music Review: I have read 66 customer reviews! My time now!
Hit: 5 Stars
First of all - why box Cyndi into any type of music? Secondly - I dislike SONY as much as most of Cyn fans do!
Now the record! The best songs come from the reviews that were really thought out, and here they are:
1) Walk on by - it is flat out eerie
2) Don't Le me be Misunderstood
3) Unchained Melody - a song most people cannot stand has finally been done correctly!
4) At Last - I mean At Last - the sales will be good - my email is andyinsuffolk631@aol.com - if she does not debut Thursday (On Billboard) in the Top 25 - feel free to email me either way.
5) You've Really Got A Hold On Me
6) Hymn to Love
Listen - the 3 fun songs done on this album are needed! They are very good. Lauper's finesse and co-arrangements - and her downright incredible interpretations are remarkable. I have all the 90s CDs and Shine. But who says she is limited to SOA or HFOS? I am lucky - I live in NY - I am 35 and have seen Cyn 8 times live - she is popular in this state - I live on Long Island.
Out of 66 reviews - one mentioned the Grammy Nomination. I had the same thought when I heard the record. I have turned non-Lauper fans into fans.
This record is dark like most of Lauper's work. The 80s are over - the 90s sucked - cos she released 2 excellent albums. Time to go with the flow people.
At Last - the album - is underproduced (great move) - perfect vocals - simplistic arrangements - and a new spin on songs that quite frankly were mediocre. Cyndi brings them to justice - jeez - all songwriters (dead or alive) are loving this album. This CD really works! Buy it peeps! If you want shallow - buy Madonna or Britney Spears - if you want class - buy Cyndi.
Finally - "At Last." Cyndi will return to the charts - this is no Babs BS - ask her to play an instrument or write a song? I just laugh! Barbara has an incredible instrument in her voice - Cyn can just write music and play many instruments - which to me gives her the advantage!!! GO CYNDI!!!!!
2005 Cyndi qualifies for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Will it be Madonna or Cyndi who gets in first - Thank god there are standards to enter the R&R Hall of Fame!
Buy this CD - it is absolutely beautiful - there will be a Grammy nomination for album of the year - Rod Stewart just does not have the voice or insight Cyndi has - Bette is not in the running!
Peace to all - even if we disagree.
Free Music Review: Cyndi's Back - Sounding Incredible
Hit: 5 Stars
In the 90's we saw Cyndi fall somewhat into obscurity, though her tremendous talent was still intact, all the while. It was no fault of Ms. Lauper's, but of her record Co. that objected to her new direction in music, and refused to give her the promotion she really deserved. At the time she was releasing such wonderfully underrated albums as HFOS and SOA. Both of which demonstrated Lauper's real gift for prolific songwriting skills and a maturity way beyond her She's So Unusual days. Moving forward to 2003, we still see that uniquely gifted artist emerging as a singer of newly worked torch songs. But what we get here is a bonus... this is not your usual repertoire of pop covers, this is Cyndi's own interpretation of songs which are the back drop of her childhood, brought to life by her amazing interpretive ability and a voice so individualistic and powerful, few could duplicate. At Last is a moving, uplifting body of work that showcases Cyndi's almost freakish 4 octave vocal range. It's arguably some of her best work ever. What I admire so much about her is that she's not afraid to show the flaws in her voice, which only adds to the realism and beauty of the music. This works exceptionally well on songs like French singer Edith Piaf's La Vie En Rose, where her voice actually breaks in the last verse. It's both heartstopping and very affecting. On Hymn To Love, another Piaf song, Cyndi is able to use her vocals in that angelic quality that she's known for. Her vocals are so beautiful and appealing on this track, I find myself listening to it repeatedly. The extremely dark and haunting If You Go Away is destined to become another Lauper Classic. It's a very moody piece that screams of quiet desperation and suffering. We get to see that dark side of Cyndi which was so evident on HFOS and SOA, of which both of those albums were very personal to her as well. One of the most striking things about this record are the purposely sparse, yet very appropriately handled music arrangements. This way the listener can get the full effect of Cyndi's voice -completely exposed and out in front, the way it is meant to sound. I couldn't be happier that Cyndi is now getting kind of promotion she's always deserved from Sony. You will have to judge for yourselves, but I couldn't be more satisfied w/At Last. It's definitely worth a listen, and then some.