Cyndi Lauper - At Last

The girl who just wanted to have fun has matured into a sensitive interpreter of eclectic standards. Taking a cue from Rod Stewart Cyndi Lauper applies her formidable pipes to an eclectic collection of covers that range from a few Edith Piaf tunes ("La Vie En Rose" and "Hymn to Love") to classics from the songbooks of Bacharach/David, Etta James, and Smokey Robinson. Although there are some upbeat tracks such as the remarkably authentic Specials-styled ska of a radically reworked "Sunny Side of the Street," a rather forced but fun duet with Tony Bennett on "Makin’ Whoopee," and the cha-cha, Ricky Ricardo-ized version of Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs' "Stay," the album predominantly floats in a sober, pensive mood. Piano and subtle orchestrations add tension to sensitive readings of "Unchained Melody," "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood," and an eerily somber "Walk on By." The effect is haunting and intimate as Lauper unleashes her inner Tori Amos. Shifting "You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me" into an aching ballad, the singer shows her remarkable vocal range and interpretive ability. Lauper's voice sparkles throughout, especially without the overproduction that has marred some of her previous efforts. As its title infers, At Last finally shows her true colors. --Hal Horowitz Amazon.com

At Last - Rock Walk on By

This is a strong cd. The more you listen, the more it grows on you. I have been a HUGE fan of Cyndi since She's so Unusual hit the air. And go see her whenever I can in concert. One of my most favorite was her rock version of Walk on By she did in Biloxi - just before Katrina hit. It is actually one of my favorite covers and favorite Cyndi covers. Better than the original and even better than the cd/album version. I wish this would come out as a single. The mini cd with Walk on By versions don't even do it justice. Cyndi is awesome in concert, I guess you can't bottle that on a studio cd. April 8, 2008

Cyndi! No! Don't Jump!!!!!!!!!!

Yes Yes Folks. There's Cyndi on the cover dressed in her best, svelte evening garb. They've wisely taken the hemlock out of her martini glass, and they've hidden all the razor blades but...oh....I don't know. I don't like it. She has that certain suicidal look like she's contemplating jumping into the river. Scares me. But, I am sure that if she does jump there will be many out there to jump in and save the lamb. However, if you threw this c.d. in, I am not so sure it would be retreived. In some cases wisdom does dictate.

As I'm sure you guessed by now, I am not exactly thrilled with this. Basically, it's another case whereby they have a current singer do the standards and ballads of yesteryear, that were done far better then and really shouldn't be re-attempted. 99.9% of the time, the original is always the best. But, perhaps I can be proven wrong. (Hah! Just try!).

Getting back to Cyndi, she also looks rather pale in the picture. It's like she was bitten by a vampire. It's like she has no zip. As far as energy goes, Rip Van Winkle could probably sing these songs with more zest (and probably stay on key better). It's actually quite sad because I do like her and she's done alot of good things. This is not one of them.

There is alot of drudgery on display with the arrangements. Uninspired, anemic, burnt toast come to mind. Ditto for the band. To be kind, Cyndi's vocals miss the mark alot and, I think, she probably went along with this because they convinced her that "it was the thing to do". She goes through the motions here - but there just doesn't seem to be any investment on her part. It's like sleep-walking but, unfortunately for her, she's awake doing this. I think.

She does "At Last" (so-so. Sparse piano and lacking the power to carry it off), "Walk On By" (weak arrangement and no life), "Stay" (with calypso arrangement. Please Mr. Tallyman), "La Vie En Rose" (bland. definitely not on de-vine), "Unchained Melody" (Insipid. The only way I'd listen is chained to my castle dungeon wall), "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" (lumbering. And, we're sorry Cyndi. Too late. This will forever be misunderstood). I could go on and recite all the songs but why put you through further torture? At least I am merciful here. Like a lighthouse amidst turbulent musical waters, I guide my people to safety!

While listening to this, I had visions of Dumbo the flying elephant picking me up and whisking me away to the magic kingdom. I should be so lucky. But, anyway, it really is not my intent to be unkind. And, if I must be critical (which I must here), I, at least try to do it with a little humor.

I am being kind with the 2 stars. I hate to give it a 1. Maybe this is a 1 1/2. Does it really matter at this point? I am sure there will be those who disagree. But, if one is really honest here, there is no way this even approaches a 4 or 5 star. 3, maybe, if you've had too much brandy. But, don't forget, it's still here the morning after! ;)

Proceed with great caution.

"Either she jumps or I jump!" -------- Metamorpho





February 19, 2008

I Love This Album!

This is some of Cyndi's finest work! It is evident on this CD that she has one of the best and most versatile voices in the industry! I love Cyndi Lauper and any fan should definately have this album in their collection. December 28, 2007

Both delicate and fun!

Just got this CD and I can't say enough good about it! The eclectic mix reminds me of Joe Cocker's cover album called Heart & Soul.

The arrangements are mostly great (it's produced by Russ Titelman--did a lot of great Clapton production in recent years). Nice to hear many of these songs in a fresh way, by an able vocalist. It's good because (as the liner notes state) these are songs she grew up with and obviously likes a lot. December 14, 2007

I had no idea!

Listening to the car radio one day, "At Last" came on unannounced. My first thought was "Why would anybody cover a timeless classic?". A few seconds later I understood why- it was better than the Etta James original! I was astonished when it was back-announced as Cyndi Lauper. I had known her only from her first 2 albums back in the 80s, and thought she had disappeared. Her early pop work, while catchy and fun, didn't show her vocal range, or her ability to re-interpret songs so well. There is a wide variety of material on this album, and all of it is outstanding. If only I'd known about it earlier! November 1, 2007

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