Cyndi Lauper - At Last
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Free Music Notes for At Last
Free Music Review: AT LAST~Lauper is more than a girl wanting to have fun !
Hit: 5 Stars
CYNDI LAUPER is a great vocalist far too often overlooked by radio and the public at large. AT LAST carefully embarks CYNDI on the current trend of established recording artists entering unfamiliar musical territory ( ROD STEWART~ Classic Americana-pop / BOZ SCAGGS~ Jazz & MICHAEL MC DONALD ~Motown collection/ BETTE MIDLER~The Rosemary Clooney Songbook). On this project, CYNDI takes a dramatic stab at recording a catalogue of well known pop classics from various musical moments (from the 1970 SANTA ESMARALDA disco hit "DON'T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD" to the 60's-90s ballad classic "UNCHAINED MELODY").
The difference and brilliant success with this CD is how LAUPER vocally pays tribute to each song. She allows her vocal talent to blend and adept to the lyrical dialogue of each composition without overpowering the context of the songs. Due to the brilliant underproduction, most songs will develop a new meaning for the listeners. The overall quality of CYNDI's vocals has matured beautifully. The Piaf anthem "LA VIE EN ROSE" and "UNCHAINED MELODY" could now be labelled LAUPER songs.
The entire project is produced with the highest respect for the composers and their songs.
If you listen closely, you may find that at various moments CYNDI sounds as the musical godmother to TORI AMOS.
CYNDI crafts vocal images carefully paying tribute to the original texture of these songs. If you've enjoyed the ROD STEWART collections then I strongly suggest you purchase AT LAST.
The title MAKING WHOOPEE performed with the legendary vocalist TONY BENNETT should obtain a nomination for "Best vocal pop performance by a group or duo" at next year's GRAMMY AWARDS!
This CD is a keeper ! I cannot go on enough about this CD, in my opinion, it is "One of the best of 2003".
Free Music Review: Doin' Somethin' Right
Hit: 5 Stars
I seldom post a second review of an album, but in the case of Cyndi Lauper's AT LAST, I'll make an exception. The controversy surrounding the record actually took me aback a bit. I had thought, "OK, an album of standards to showcase Lauper's oft ignored vocal prowess. Who could argue with that?"Well, I was wrong. Apparently a lot of people could argue with that, fans and non-fans alike--although for quite differenct reasons, it seems. For some in the (so-called)fan camp, the record is too conservative, a sop to the MOR audience. For others, it seems, her readings of these "standards" is too extreme--too ragged and emotinal, not cool enough.
Something for everybody to p--- and moan about, then. Obviously the mark of an ambitious, and potentially revelatory record. And hardly a sop to anyone. Almost every negative review of this record lists one or two songs as being good or great, but everything else is wrongheaded and ill-conceived. But in all these cases, it's almost NEVER the same two or three songs. Even the nay-sayers can't agree on what's the dross and what are the gems. I'd say that's a sure sign that her interpretations are indeed daring and "so unusual" AND that they are all worthy of a few more hearings than most of these nattering nabobs are willing to give them.
I doubt that Cyndi Lauper is about to "sell out," (the concerns of some fans notwithstanding). She wouldn't know how. This record, like so many of her others, is an honest exploration of new territory (new "old" territory) for her. If she sells a few records more this time out, more power to her. She may garner some new fans who'll stick around for the next phase as well. One thing's for certain: there will be a next phase!
Free Music Review: Unbelievable comeback of a legend
Hit: 5 Stars
Who didn't think Cyndi Lauper's career was over? Everyone considered her a has-been 1980s superstar... who once rivalled Madonna, but now was largely forgotten. It is shocking to think that a name which has been absent from the charts for almost 15 years still has enough drawing power to sell albums (#7 on Amazon; only three behind Britney!). At Last is almost guaranteed enormous chart success, but one gets the feeling upon listening to it that Cyndi could care less how popular her music is. She is obviously concerned with quality and heartfelt song interpretation. Such humility for a comeback album! The humility is exactly what earlier supposed "comebacks" from Mariah Carey and Barbra Streisand lacked (imposed humility doesn't count). At Last is a very haunting, romantic, and ultimately sad album. It is one of the most artistic albums of 2003 and deserves any grammy it will surely win. Where Bette Midler's recent album of Rosemary Clooney songs seemed rushed and superficial, Cyndi's album of standards is more of an introspective and thoughtful experience. Not only content with reinventing herself, Cyndi has also reinvented the songs; Unchained Melody, La Vie en Rose, and At Last sound better - and deeper, than ever. Here the emphasis is more on the beauty of melody and voice than the complication of cheesy Barry Manilow arrangements found on Midler's album, or the sugary-sweet orchestration overkill of Barbra's latest album. Sometimes less is more.
The best song, and the most surprising, is If You Go Away - which recalls the glorious orchestrations on some of the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. Every word Cyndi sings in this song is cathartic. At Last is a beautiful listening experience that I recommend to all fans of great music.
Free Music Review: Definitely worth checking out...
Hit: 5 Stars
I would think that any one of those morons who have posted such empty headed reviews like the few I've read here, are not nearly intelligent enough to understand the depth of Cyndi's talent. So I just feel sorry for their ignorance. Moving on...Cyndi's voice retains the uniquity on "At Last," that was present throughout her 80's debut "She's So Unusual." But it's clearly evident that Cyndi has matured into a credible interpreter of classics. Her quirks and all are still ever present throughout "At Last," but the music has drastically changed from bubble gum pop to well known standards and pop tunes taken out of the songbook of Burt Bacharach, Edith Piaf, Smokey Robinson, among others. But now she seems much wiser and more confident in her approach. She sings in registers that would be unimaginable and unreachable in the hands of some of the latest pop tarts on the music scene. Her range on tracks like the title cut, is so mature, strong and remarkable, that It is hard to believe that this is same woman who entertained us with "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," back in 1983. She does a wrenching "Unchained Melody," that is not to be missed. Dare I say it even surpasses the Righteous Brother's original,--but it does, IMHO. I never cared for the jazzy "My Baby Just Cares For Me," although John Pizzarelli does a very nice cover of this. Now I add Cyndi to the list. She does it in a breezy, laid back way, turning it into a great little light-hearted ditty. There are a number of dark themed songs on "At Last," but it's Cyndi's uniquely, wonderful voice that makes it all the more worth listening to. If you like jazz, pop, or even soul, definitely check this one out.Free Music Review: A GREAT, new direction for Cyndi Lauper
Hit: 5 Stars
I commend Cyndi on her new direction in music, if only temporary. I heard she's putting out a live CD/DVD next. Can't wait for that. This standards CD, At Last, is a risk to take imo, but one that has definitely paid off. Cyndi uses her four octave vocals like never before. Old fans and news fans will hopefully embrace this album of eclectic standards, spanning two decades, from the 50's-60's. These are the songs Cyndi listened to while growing up in Queens New York, in her Italian American family. Everything works here, from the tender and soft ballads to the the more spicy and fun upbeat songs. Some of the songs that clearly stand out for me are Unchained Melody, handled with more restraint than I've ever heard on any of Cyndi's previous records. It's very meloncholy, and sung so beautifully. It is heart wrenching. The others are Hymn to Love and La Vie en Rose- very heartfelt pieces as well, that only Cyndi Lauper could interpret as well as she has. I also love her take on Aretha Franklin's Until You Come Back To Me, with Stevie Wonder, playing his trademark harmonica. It's a great tune, especially if you're in your car driving. Cyndi clearly makes this her own song. I also adore Stay, with that "Desi Arnaz" latin beat, and Louis Armstrong's classic, Sunny Side of The Street, with an added reggae beat. You can tell the fun Cyndi is having singing both of these songs. Makin' Whoopee w/Tony Bennett is fun, but not something you would prbably hear on the radio, as well as My Baby Just Cares For Me. But all the other songs should get attention from radio. They are all worthy AC chart toppers, imo. This album is a winner and a joy to listen to from beginning to end, and earns no less than 5 stars.