Search - Marlena Shaw :: Acting Up

My Favorite Marlena Shaw Album--I love her!

Christopher Morley | Los Angeles, CA | 07/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was hooked on Marlena Shaw the first time I heard her rendition of 'Go Away Little Boy' from her 'Sweet Beginnings' album. Her poem on the album cover of 'Acting Up' says it all: "Acting Up. When you express yourself with vivid words and colors, they say you're Acting Up. When you dare to be different from the way someone imagines you to be, they say you're Acting Up. Then Getting down Getting up Showing off Showing up Is when you fill your space with good thoughts of the you you want to be. Yes, I'm acting up." I have lived by this mantra. Marlena is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Discover her."

~SUBLIME VOCAL MAGIC~ BRAVO MARLENE!!!

Bradly Briggs | TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA | 01/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the great loose and funky opener "More", it is clear this tremendous collection features a magnificent singer in top form! Exotic tranquility hypnotizes one in the gorgeous "Moonrise" which features a glorious vocal and by now anyone who appreciates great singers will wonder why this classic set did not make Marlena a Superstar...radio blew it again!

Hot rhythm cookers such as the sensuous "Rhythm Of Love" would have been a #1 Hit with any radio exposure at all but in the late 70's this masterpiece filled with great songs was not programmed yet is full of potential chart-toppers. Dreamy and romantic bliss is expressed beautifully in the melodic "Places" while the funky and deeply soulful "I Wonder" is an incredibly great and moving vocal defining what great singing is all about...should have been given a Grammy Award but guess the Music Industry was too busy at their local Discos like Studio 54 and missed out on this masterwork all-together! "I Wonder" is framed by a fascinating sophisicated yet funky arrangement with interesting tempo changes surrounding a stellar vocal which smolders with soulful intensity demanding repeated listens. "You Bring Out The Best In Me" celebrates a satisfying new found love in sophisicated high style and the hypnotic and beautifully romantic "Dreamin" is simply gorgeous. A stunning and soulful classic "I'm Back For More" has a number of versions but none come close to this amazing killer version with a wondrous arrangement and unbelievably great vocal that burns with intensity...BRAVO to this awesome singer who is clearly original and one of the all time greatest! A gospel styled tour-de-force "Mamma Tried" blows the mind with it's raw soulfulness with only Marlene's magnificent voice and piano...has to be heard to be believed!!!

Closing is a haunting and stirring classic from "Looking For Mr. Goodbar" and "Don't Ask To Stay Until Tomorrow" is a performance so fine and smooth that by now it is clear Marlene Shaw is a good as great singing gets..Bravo Marlene!!!

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