Search - Cyndi Lauper :: Shine

An Unreleased Gem That Only Partially Connects

Jef Fazekas | Newport Beach, California United States | 04/22/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a fan of Cyndi Lauper's from day one (my purchase of the "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" 45 was quickly followed by my picking up SHE'S SO UNUSUAL), I considered SHINE both a must have and a bit of a mystery. On the shelf since the Fall of 2001, I'd been curious as to why no label had picked both Lauper and the disc up for distribution. My curiosity was only increased when a US-only EP featuring four excellent songs from the aborted effort (along with a weak dance remix of the title track) was released in 2002. All four tracks were extremely strong, with Lauper in fine voice. Imagine my surprise...and mild disappointment... to find out that those four (obviously remixed) cuts were pretty much the majority of SHINE's best material, with the rest all over the musical map. Lauper seems to be at a crossroads on much of the album, like she didn't quite know where to go with her career....so she went down ALL the paths, with only partially positive results. I'm not going to discuss the title track, "It's Hard To Be Me", "Madonna Whore" or "Waters Edge" - you can check out my review of the EP if you're so inclined! - but suffice it to say, all four songs are worth your attention! The first non-EP track is the pulsating "Wide Open." A throbbing dance number, Lauper's vocal is sexy and playful, yet strong and assured, while the instrumental track is meaty, as well as innovative (not many people would think about putting flute on a pumping dance cut, let alone make it work so well!). Next up is the beautiful, delicate, delicious "Rather Be With You", the first of three songs on SHINE that Lauper would be wise to reintroduce to her American fans on future releases. Even with definite dance grooves that are laced throughout the arrangement, "Rather..." basically has a love song/ballad at it's core. Lauper's voice alternates between a kittenish innocence and a throaty, soaring wail, resulting in an absolutely brilliant cut. One of SHINE'S true high points! Then we have "Who Let In The Rain?", which still has me scratching my head....why recut something when you totally nailed it the first time?!? First appearing on 1993's HAT FULL OF STARS, this version does nothing to better the original and, in fact, may even be a tad bit inferior. Still, it remains a gorgeous song, always well worth hearing. "Comfort You" is pretty much a run of the mill dance track, but it features one of Lauper's cleanest, most crisp vocals to date, as well as some tasty sax work, while "Eventually" is another one of the three songs Lauper shouldn't let fade away without proper notice. A haunting ballad with a searing vocal, the song also features some of SHINE's best lyrics: "I had some tea with a gal from Paris/We talked about life, sex, love & poetry/And you can't help it/Your name came up again/And she said man those kind of guys/Really know how to steal the oxygen." In 5:28 Lauper captures all the frustration, resignation, desire and pain of lost love, yet does it in a way that is at the same time both hypnotic and instantly identifiable to the listener (we've all been there - that one love that just never completely leaves the back of your memory...or heart). The highs of "Eventually" are followed by the rock bottom lows of "Valentino." This story of true, albeit lost, love and arranged marriages could have been an interesting enough song, but the loopy vocal and Mid-Eastern - meets - Mediterranean instrumentation quickly prevents that from happening...the song is plodding and misconceived, almost too arty for art's sake, and does nothing whatsoever to enhance SHINE. "This Kind Of Love", the third and final song that needs to resurface some time/some where has a cool retro vibe to it: picture some 70's R&B mixed with Tina Turneresque 80's pop/soul. The instrumentation is fresh and uncluttered, while Lauper's lead vocal is clean and crystal clear, yet powerful and totally in command of the song. "Higher Plane" is a frantic dance number that just seems a bit dated (What is it with these aging chanteuses - Cyndi, Cher and even Melanie(!) instantly come to mind - trying to recast themselves as dance divas?!?). Lauper can - and has! - done better. The disc closes with the sexy lullaby "Miss My Baby." Equal parts sweet and sensual, you gotta wonder...is the "baby" a real baby? A lover? The song's edgy coyness is endearing, while the arrangement and vocals are both top notch. Which begs to ask the question....what will Cyndi Lauper do next? Stacked up against AT LAST, her 2003 "comeback" album of standards and oldies, SHINE seems sort of "kitchen-sinkish"....it's a bit scattered and unfocused, with a little bit of everything thrown in the mix, like she just wasn't sure where to go with her career as the new century was starting. It seems as if she has recaptured said focus on AT LAST, concentrating on songs that just let that incredible voice....well, shine! Here's hoping that she can combine that focus with some of the stronger songwriting chops exhibited sporadically throughout SHINE on her next CD. Until then, at least two third's of SHINE is well worth your time, and in today's music market that's saying a lot!"

Viva Cyndi!

Daniel Burger | Cathedral City, CA United States | 08/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This girl can belt them out with the best of them! "Shine" is one of the best songs I have heard of hers in years! The song, "Water's edge" will make you cry. This is one of her best works people! 10+ May she shine on!



Danny Burger

Palm Springs, CA"

Shine is a GEM

Mates | California, USA | 02/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, to the idiot below me, it is a matter of taste of which songs / albums are the best. not one person can say what is the best, and worst, you can only give opinions! So don't talk like you know facts, because you know NOTHING.



Okay, nextly, I've had access to this album since it first got illegally released on Audio Galaxy in early 2001. It is a great album, and tells a LOT of stories.



And one more thing to the idiot below me, not everyone buys music for the pleasure of pretty noises. SOME fans that are dedicated as me, like hearing stories from a great person, and Cyndi tells not only serious stories, but comical, silly, and cute. Keep your self in check buddy!"