Search - Julie Budd :: New Classics

WANNA GO HIGHER THAN 5 STARS - THE ALBUM OF HER CAREER

W. Budris | Rosedale, NY | 11/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've known of Julie Budd growing up, but got into her music after hearing her sing in the Disney film, THE DEVIN & MAX DEVLIN released in the early 80s. I then started the painstaking task of collecting her LPs and singles. Julie has also issued three previous CD albums that are wonderful. At this time, we hit upon an absolute standout for 2005 with THE NEW CLASSICS.



Julie and her long time producer/arranger/conductor, Herb Bernstein, have put together what they've called a "labor of love", and it absolutely defines this package. First note to the last, production is top notch. Julie has never sounded better on an album. She takes on some great songs making them her own, as well as revisiting a classic track she recorded for the Max Devlin film.



My favorite track standouts are the two Dionne Warwick covers, A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME and AFTER YOU. From two different periods of Dionne's career (HOUSE from the 60s Bacharach-David flood of hits and AFTER YOU from the blockbuster Barry Manilow-produced DIONNE from 1979, and that albums third single), Julie takes these great pieces and breathes new life into them. ROSES AND RAINBOWS (the finale song in Devil & Max Devlin, released on an obscure A&M single in 1981) finally has an album home and Julie's fans are cheering that they are able to finally have it in their collection. One of Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager's best collaborations as songwriters.



The big surprise is Julie's take on the infamous Act 1 closer from "Wicked", the gigantic DEFYING GRAVITY. Absolutely takes Idina's gem and creates an alternative take all her own that could be single-worthy if it gets airplay. Orchestration is outstanding.



Julie never fails to surprise me in some way. Musically this week, this new recording of hers has offered me some emotional moments. Very few recordings have done that to me in recent years. I long for reactions like that. You will not be disappointed if you try this one out if you are experiencing Julie for the first time. Diehards, this is an absolute must!"

Julie Budd is Amazing!

M. Williams | San Francisco | 10/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A wonderful selection of contemporary songs that are given new layers and taken to another level with Julie Budd's incredible voice. Although this album has a decidedly more pop feel to it than her previous two albums, "Pure Imagination" and "If You Could See Me Now" (which have more of a symphonic/big band feel and are both MUST HAVES as well), Julie and producer/arranger Herb Bernstein more than succeed in showing us that these songs do have the kind of timelessness of a "classic".



Right from the start of "A House Is Not A Home", you know you're in for a treat with this album. Julie's vocals are gorgeous, emotive and powerful.



"Little Boy Of Mine", is a song written by Herb Bernstein and although I'm not a parent, you can't help but be moved by the touching lyrics and beautiful music. And such a gorgeous arrangement! This is truly a new classic and destined to be a standard at bar mitzvah's everywhere, that's for sure!



"Roses and Rainbows" was written for Julie by Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager for the Disney film, "The Devil and Max Devlin", in which she starred along with Elliot Gould and Bill Cosby. The extremely rare 45 of the song goes for $50 and up on auction sites. Most fans from all over the world have been waiting 25 years to hear this song again. Although the arrangement is close to the original version that we all love, Julie's vocals are even more powerful. You know this girl has been through it and she's really singing from her soul.



Defying Gravity" from the Broadway musical, Wicked, is a tour de force! Julie will wear you out with this one! Brava!



"Broken Vow", written by Lara Fabian, is probably my favorite of the album. Herb's arrangement is absolutely beautiful and Julie is amazing on this song. From the moment she starts singing, you get chills...you know she's going to take you on a journey. When she soars, you can feel her pain and heartache and you're right there with her. Simply magical.



Julie's version of Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word" is heartfelt and stirring. Once again, you not only hear what she's feeling, you feel it yourself.



If you like beautiful voices that can easily go from soft and caressing to soaring with a diva-like belt, you'll love Julie Budd."

WOW!

Pedro Arista | San Francisco | 10/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Julie Budd's new album, THE NEW CLASSICS, is fantastic. Although difficult to distinguish because they're all GREAT...some of my favorties are: Little Boy of Mine, her remake of Roses and Rainbows, After You, Defying Gravity and of course A Broken Vow. This album reminded me what I've been missing for some time...an amazing voice!"