Search - Wendy Waldman :: Wendy Waldman

Singer/Songwriter: Best Kept Secret of the Seventies

Mark D. Prouse | Riverdale (Bronx), NY | 10/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With a voice and songwriting talent reminiscent of both Carole King and Laura Nyro, Wendy Waldman is one of those forgotten artists of the seventies whose catalog has been criminally neglected, and who is finally getting a long overdue reissue series on CD. When Warner Brothers Archives series released LOVE IS THE ONLY GOAL: THE BEST OF WENDY WALDMAN several years back, I was mildly disappointed, as I often am by so-called "hits" collections, by the song selections, not because they weren't worthy choices (it was a decent compilation with virtually no duds, and a couple of previously unreleased tracks), but because so many of my own favorites, like "Constant Companion" and "Secrets" were left off. Those tunes are among a solid set that makes up Waldman's self-titled third album, which is my pick for Best Wendy Waldman Album. This is a great place to start, if you want to explore her music beyond the W. B. Archives collection. Then, if you like what you hear here, go back and get GYPSY SYMPHONY (W. W.'s 2nd), and THE MAIN REFRAIN (her 4th, most ambitious, and possibly most accessible). All five of the Collector's Choice reissues are worth owning, and will reward repeated listenings. Comparisons to King and Nyro notwithstanding, Waldman has a style all her own, and her highly personal lyrics are made stronger by memorable melodies and atmospheric, energetic instrumental backing. She chooses her musicians wisely, and they always rise to the occasion. Although Waldman sits front and center, and there is never any doubt who is dealing the cards, she gives her supporting players plenty of room to breathe and to shine, and they often deliver the aces, pushing Waldman's songs over that often elusive line that divides good from great ... and as much as I admire King and Nyro, Waldman beats both of them, in my book!"

Nice album terrible sound

Ian S. Horst | Brooklyn, NY United States | 10/24/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"So I was thrilled to see all Wendy Waldman's albums get reissued on CD. But the sound on all of em is TERRIBLE. The levels are so low...gotta crank up the stereo to hear anything. what's up with that? So so disappointing.



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