The Before And After review
Da Man | Pekin, IL | 12/21/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Cyndi released a 5 track EP of the Shine sessions in the summer of 2002, which was originally scheduled to be a full-length studio album to be released on what's now known as 9-11.BEFORE:
Cyndi had recently parted ways with Sony after nearly 20 years with them. She was no longer commercially successful, although her diehard fans have been there every step of the way.AFTER:
Cyndi took this EP on the road with her in 2002 supporting Cher on a small indie label called Oglio. The sales weren't that great, but the reaction she got from critics and Cher fans on the tour was enough to land her back on Epic records after parting ways with them in late 1998.The 4 new songs on this cd are great. Shine ranks among one of the best songs Cyndi has ever recorded, if she had been on a major when she put this tune out, she would've had a huge comeback hit. It's a very positive song with a great catch to it. Almost a shame that this song wasn't what brought her back to the top 40. She also pays homage to the early 80's with It's Hard To Be Me. Madonna Whore (no, not about Miss Ciccone no matter how many people giggled when she said the title in concert) and Waters Edge were both good too. We also get a dance mix of Shine. Illicit are not among my favorite remixers, would've rather had the Calderone or Tracy Young mixes be on there instead.I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because Cyndi recorded around 15 songs for this album, and yet only 4? Come on Cyndi, we want them! I have all the tracks on mp3, but I would gladly purchase it."
Cyndi Shines
David Anderson | St. Cloud, MN | 01/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Shine" is a 5-song album released by Cyndi Lauper in 2002. Unfortunately, this is one of the most underrated albums of that year. Its strong musical quality proves her greatness as an artist. She writes and performs every track directly from the heart. Whether she's singing dance, pop, or rock, she never misses a beat. With this album, she continues to amaze audiences like she did in the 1980's."Shine" and "Madonna Whore" explore her pop side. Both have their own unique twists that catches an audience easily. "It's Hard To Be Me" explores her rock side. She proves here that she can be raunchy and sensative at the same time. Few rockers have accomplished this. "Water's Edge" is a beautiful ballad. "Shine", the Illicit remix, is a highly catchy dance version of the original. This track is a great way to end the album. Such musical variey explores more than just different sides of Cyndi Lauper musically but also as a person."Shine" is an essential album for the faithful Cyndi Lauper fan. Even non-fans will enjoy this album. This is sure to please many listeners. Those who love this album should also buy her latest album "At Last", which declared her long overdue comeback. Such duo of albums should give listeners the ultimate musical experience."
Buy The IMPORT Instead...It's The 13 Track Full Album!
KiWiSouP | Minneapolis, MN USA | 07/02/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Shine was originally supposed to be released as a full album, but for some reason Cyndi decided it should be an EP. However much after the initial release, we finally have access to the full album that was previously unreleased as an import. It includes all of the songs on the EP and more:1. Shine
2. It's Hard To Be Me
3. Madonna Whore
4. Wide Open
5. Rather Be With You
6. Who Let In The Rain (New Version)
7. Comfort You
8. Eventually
9. Waiting For Valentino
10. This Kind Of Love
11. Higher Plane
12. Water's Edge
13. Miss My Baby"