Audio CD review:
Cyndi Lauper - At Last

Cyndi Lauper - At Last

Band: Cyndi Lauper Title: At Last Rating: Release Date: 18 November, 2003 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: At Last 2: Walk On By 3: Stay 4: La Vie En Rose 5: Unchained Melody 6: If You Go Away 7: Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do) 8: My Baby Just Cares For Me 9: Makin' Whoopee - Duet with Tony Bennett 10: Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood 11: You've Really Got A Hold On Me 12: Hymn To Love 13: On The Sunny Side Of The Street

Editoral Review 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. The girl who just wanted to have fun has matured into a sensitive interpreter of eclectic standards. 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 .. You can see a complete list of all Cyndi Lauper discography, or go back to the Cyndi Lauper tabs