 |
Free Music Notes for At LastFree Music Review: Lauper back - better than ever... 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 M. 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. And both of which demonstrated Lauper's 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 we get a bonus here, this is not your usual repertoire of pop covers, this is Cyndi's own interpretation of songs which are the back drop of her child hood, 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 vocal range - 4 octaves to be exact. 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 heart stopping and very affecting. On Hymn To Love, another Piaf song, Cyndi is able to use her vocals in that angelic quality that Cyndi is 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. 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.
Free Music Review: Lauper back - better than ever... 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 M. 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 we get a bonus here... this is not your usual repertoire of pop covers, this is Cyndi's own interpretation of songs which are the back drop of her child hood, 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 vocal . 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 atually 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. 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.
Free Music Review: "At Last" Truly Beautiful topped off with Sparkling Elegance Hit: 5 Stars
Hi I am a young Cyndi Lauper fan. I have been reading a lot of these reviews. Lots of greats ones! But truly some shocking ones. I am a rare one in my generation. Being born in the 80's - my musical taste are that of the 60's. The greatest muiscal influence in my life is that of Mr. Bob Dylan. So there is the man in my life. The most powerful influential woman in my life would be Cyndi Lauper. Cyndi has always stood her ground and been her own color. And like Mr. Bob Dylan is not easily accepted by all. People don't understand her or see the magic. The cd "At Last" - is indeed magic. Cyndi Lauper has held the crazy fun girl image her whole life. Did you ever think she would shake that? Of course not!!! She will always be the wild girl - but now that wild girl has stepped up and put those 80's in her heart and brought to life the 50's with elegance. The power of her vocals will make you melt. Her emotional impact on the standards are truly devine and full of inspiration and wonder. You hear theses songs and it brings you back to a time. I feel like this cd takes me as far back as the Roaring 20's. Times when I can only use my imagination to see - these songs paint the picture. "Stay" is Ms Cyndi with a Latin twist - a spunky touch to a classic. Don't you see The 80's Wild Child is all there. The 40's and 50's have been brought to life in a unique, powerful and very touching way. "At Last" - The song itself bring you to the heart of NY - to the hussle and bussle of that time. Cyndi is one of the most inspirational woman of this time. Never afraid to be herself and to give it her all. She has reinvented herself - no longer the funky little pop 80's girl - that spark will always be in her only now her beauty and Elegance shows the spark of the Woman in her. "At Last" is by far one of the best vocal albums I have ever heard in my entire life - To passionalty touch some one singing to them face to face is one thing, but to pull passion through an album and put it in to the soul of another almost seems impossible - but hey to Cyndi Lauper - NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE! Buy this cd - she is classy and devine with the 80's spark. As for you still lost in the 80's and not accepting change - well you don't know WHAT YOU ARE MISSING!!!!!
Free Music Review: Cyndi and Sony make amends... Hit: 5 Stars
After years of battling between Cyndi and her record company, Epic, they finally appear to see eye to eye. Cyndi saw herself as an artist who wanted to experiment and grow. Epic saw her as the pop cupie-doll that once sold millions of records. True, some of Cyndi's output from 1991-2000 was a bit garish and hard to digest, but in-between those moments existed amazing vocal performances that were both heartfelt and intelligent. Unfortunately, it's difficult to market "heartfelt" and "intelligent" to the masses these days.So, with that, Cyndi took matters into her own hands and crafted the album "Shine" Edel Records. The company was absorbed by another larger label and Cyndi was left without a home. Portions of that album came out in the independently released "Shine [EP]." Something happened to Cyndi while she had been touring with Cher. The critics discovered that the girl could sing! Well, those of us who have stuck with her for so many years were quite aware of that. Thank you for FINALLY noticing. With new ammunition in her guns, Cyndi listened to the critics who begged the question, "What would happen if you took that voice and covered some of the great pop classics?" "At Last" is the result of her efforts. Granted, those who were expecting a little less from Cyndi are and will be disappointed. I, for one, am really happy to hear a capable voice paired up with great music. There are so many average voices and songs and, sadly, below average voices and songs cluttering the airwaves and CD bins these days. I'm not saying this is the be-all-end-all disc for Cyndi Lauper, but it is a wonderful thing to hear such power and fragility expressed within the confines of each song. This is pop music in a traditional sense and that's all there is to it. There are traditional acoustic instruments with no gimmicks, no drum loops or rhythm programmes. It is pure musicianship. I am hoping this disc will allow Cyndi and Epic to continue a good and productive relationship. It would be nice to hear Cyndi release some great, mature, melodic pop on her next disc. Maybe by then, people will realise that she is not some novelty but a real old school musician. Well done Cyndi!
Free Music Review: "At Last" Marks a Triumphant Return For Cyndi Lauper Hit: 5 Stars
Cyndi Lauper has always been an artist of rare talent, and on "At Last" she truly shines. I'll admit, on first listening, I wasn't convinced. The songs seemed to be too different from the originals, and the very minimal orchestration jarred. The second time, I decided that there is no point in re-interpreting a standard if you don't make it your own in some way, and the paired down orchestration gives Lauper's voice a rare opportunity to showcase itself. Her apparent three-octave range is on full display here, yet thankfully without the vocal grandstanding of the likes of Mariah Carey. The album has a sombre, haunting tone overall. Songs like "Walk On By" and "Unchained Melody" positively ache with a torrent of loss and longing - as they should. Yet the mood is lifted now and then with the joyousness of her Tony Bennett duet "Makin' Whoopee," "On The Sunny Side Of The Street," and "Stay." One of the best tracks is "If You Go Away," you can positively feel the heartbreak in her voice. But the best track (as others are already agreeing on) is The Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." Cyndi truly makes this song her own. I imagined her singing this in my head before I heard the album, and thought that this song would be perfect for her. Her recorded version matched my imaginings almost perfectly. Lauper embues this song with an emotional resonance that no-one else has ever achieved, and it surpasses even the orginal version. The only "letdown" is "My Baby Just Cares For Me." It's fine, but doesn't measure up to George Michael's version on "Songs from the Last Century." The album's beautiful cover artwork featuring N.Y.C, perhaps gives a clue as to the work's pensive mood. Is Cyndi, a true New Yorker, reflecting the mood of her city over its very troubled recent history? Cyndi (on the cover) emerges from a sewer as Liberty (?-see back cover) in a strapless evening gown ready to go to the ball, and reclaim her life and love. Maybe this is also a comment on her career - I'M BACK! (even though she never really went away). "At Last" deserves to be a major success for Cyndi Lauper. I'm almost sure that this time, she's cracked it (again). How's about a Grammy or two?? Please, DO NOT miss this album.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
|
 |