Search - Debbie Gibson, Jule Styne, Charles Strouse :: Colored Lights: The Broadway Album

Gibson's Colored Lights Shine: Raisin' The Roof & The Bar

J. Liew | somewhere | 11/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Deborah Gibson takes an unexpected turn after releasing "M.Y.O.B" in 2001. Indeed, her life-long work and dedication to her craft shows here. Finally, it all pays off here "to call the shots...to roll the dice...and to raise the roof". Where "M.Y.O.B." was aimed at returning Gibson to mainstream and commerical pop/dance success, Gibson's "Colored Lights" is a landmark album that firmly roots Gibson's career as a vocalist. There was no fancy production and studio tricks. Just Deborah simply singing. In all the songs, Gibson expresses herself with much more conviction and abandon than in the past. The best tunes on this CD might be "Raise the Roof!", "I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love", "Anytime", "On My Own", and "Blame It On the Summer Night". On "Raise the Roof", Gibson truly lets loose and her personality and true grit or soul shines; this song is just begging for some pop and dance remixes to have it ready for airplay. "Let Me Entertain You" and "Blame It On the Summer Night" showcase a sensual assurance rarely heard in her past works. "I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love" is a georgeous melody, and a radio-friendly ballad. "On My Own" is an old friend to Gibson, and the arrangement and interpretation is taken to a new level with darker and more dramatic (almost forboding) effects. "Colored Lights" is a fun and whimsical tune but with blends of longing and sadness that allows Gibson to show her dramatic range. "I'm The Greatest Start" is another song that showcases Gibson's dramatic abilities. "They All Laughed" is a fitting song for Gibson and she sang it flawlessly, and the theme is reminiscent of her previous "Dontcha Want Me Now". "Sex" (a Gibson original) is a sneak peak at the musical she's been writing for many years; the bridge is awesome and electric. "Maybe This Time" and "Anytime" are both powerhouse songs for Gibson. The only 2 songs I wasn't as enthusiastic on were "Who Are You Now?" and "I Enjoy Being a Girl". I think it was the delivery on those songs that made me feel that way. However, they were still good songs. Much like her 1997 release of "Deborah", "Colored Lights" is a very consistent CD where Gibson forges ahead and pushes forward musically. It is exciting to see Deborah continually growing. From her history, all indications tell us that her best is yet to come."

DEB SPARKLES & MORE THAN PROVES HERSELF WITH COLORED LIGHTS!

Rusty Watkins | Carthage, NY | 11/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All I can say is "WOW". When I popped in this cd and heard Debs voice very faintly counting softly on "Let Me Entertain You" a smile immediately pounced across my face. I knew this was going to be one kick ass album from Deborah. I believe it may be her best to date! For any of you hesitant on buying this, please don't listen to the negative reviews! Deborah is in top form here. She more than dazzles us with her beautiful ever-growing range vocals. I am so proud of her, and proud and honored to be a fan of hers. Deb! You never cease to amaze me! You always come through with something bigger n' better! Go out and by this album today and see how the little "Out Of The Blue" pop princess has turned into the diva she is today! *****COLORED LIGHTS IS THE WAY 2 GO!!!*****"

The Bottom Line

11/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The intent of this broadway album was not to sing and arrange these broadway tunes as they were on the original broadway cast recording. If that's what your looking for, then this is not the broadway album for you. Just as Deborah's broadway voice comes out on some of her pop albums, her pop voice makes some appearances on this album. Listen to samples that may eventually be on this site or that are on other sites, such as www.fynsworthalley.com or deborah-gibson.com and listen for yourself to decide if this is an album you would enjoy. The samples are fair representations of the whole album, as for the most part the style remains consistant.My take on the album:
"Colored "Ligthts", is an excellent album. Some people think that she strayed too much from the original sounds of these songs. I disagree. I feel there is just the right combination of the traditional sound and freshness. After all, what's the point in buying an album of remakes that sound so much like the original. Gibson's vocals really shine on this album, and if ever there was a doubt she could sing, this is the proof of her vocal talent. The orchestration is also very well done.My favorites: "Let Me Entertain You", "On My Own" (my favorite B-way song from my fav. show, Les Miz), "Who Are You Now", "They All Laughed", and "Maybe This Time".I did find one flaw in this album though. The song "Sex" (written by Deborah for her muscial in the works, "Skirts") has so much pop influence that it clashes with the rest of the album and Deborah's voice seems to have outgrown this style of song.The bottom line: it is well worth at least listening to the samples of "Colored Lights" on the internet. Some of you may love it, others will not. Whether you appreciate Deborah's take on these tunes or not, it is quality work."