Cyndi, we hardly recognize you

Cyndi Lauper used to be so unusual. That's why fans are really going to be bored with "Bring Ya to the Brink."

Her first album of original material in 10 years is quite the opposite of unusual. It's dance-floor pablum that sounds like a knock-off of Madonna's "Hard Candy." That's fine if, like her annoying and overrated 80s peer, she wants to cash in without using her songwriting or singing skills. But Cyndi has always been above imitation, preferring to lead music new places instead of recycling the same tired beats and lyrics.

Where does that leave us with "Bring Ya to the Brink"? Confused, and disappointed.

FIRST LOOK: The album cover almost resembles "Hard Candy." But what's with the parental advisory stick for explicit content? That's a first for Cyndi -- not counting "She-Bop." ("Same Ol' Story" is the reason for the sticker, thanks to an f-bomb inserted over and over again for no good reason.)

THE SOUND: This maybe a great dance disc, but that doesn't make a good music disc. Expect the same brain-numbing repeating synthetic beat over and over again in "High and Mighty." In this cut, like most on the CD, Cyndi holds her voice in check, seemingly happy to sing in whispers instead of letting it fly.

RETRO ON REPEAT: "Into the Nightlife" has a catchy chorus with a late 80s or early 90s feel. You may feel the urge to bop your head Haddaway/"What Is Love" style, but please don't. (Now that that tune has been usurped for a Diet Pepsi Max commercial, it's lost all sentimental credibility.)

TOO FAR BACK IN TIME: "Set Your Heart" sounds straight off a late 70s episode of "The Love Boat." There's a reason disco died a quick death, people. Nobody remembers or buys music just to dance to.

THERE SHE IS!: There are two tracks that capture her old magic: "Grab a Hold" and "Lay Me Down." Here, her voice gets a chance to soar to full strength. (And are those actual real instruments I hear instead of the mouse-clicks of some DJ's Macintosh? Finally!)

OTHER REVIEWS: A review of the album on the Blender website calls "Bring Ya to the Brink" her best work in 20 years. "Lauper hasn’t sounded this relevant since her 1983 debut," it gushes. But relevant to whom? Not her original audience. With the vast majority of 80s nation in their late-30s to mid-40s, the last thing place you'd catch us is in a dance club. It's cool to change demographics, but throw us old-timers a bone too.

Lauper's touring this summer as the headliner to the True Colors tour, which makes a stop later this month at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall. Let's hope her set includes plenty of hits from her earlier career. Otherwise, the only thing longtime fans from the 80s will be at the brink of ... is leaving the show early.

Comments

[Marissa]

Noel: We like it in the 80s. That's why it's called, "Stuck in the 80s"
We are grown up. We just have personal tastes that don't involve non-stop dance beats.
No one is saying she's talentless. She's awesome. We love her. Between thumps and bumps I can tell she's singing, but unable to make out the lyrics. Maybe I need to get my hearing aide checked. Best Cyndi CD ever? That's truly up to the individual listener -- an opinion you're entitled to.

[Noel]

This is the best Cyndi's CD ever! Why editors still comparing her with Madonna's dance style. There are many good dance cd's rather than Madonna's flat and uninspired lyrics "Hard Candy" cd. Please, don't compare if you do not have at least something good to say about a great cd which explores different aspects of what a classic and talented singer is. Her lyrics on this album are full of experiences which are unknown in most of dance cd's. This world is not just all about Britney and Madonna. Grow up! You are still living in the freakin' 80's.

[Rick]

"Here and There" kinda sounds like an inebriated Lisa Stansfield, or like a solo track from one of the former members of TLC. But it does have a nice groove, doesn't it?

Still, without the American Idol shrill and vocal gymnastics the "kids" are accustomed to, I think she'd better remember her 80s fan base or resign herself to performing her songs at a coffee shop in The Village.

[Rick]

I think "Echo" sounds like the creative heart she had in the 80s, but the rest sound like some oldster trying to be hip. Not quite Tom Jones sad, but certainly Cher and Madonna sad.

Question: Who from the 80s has successfully continued their career without resorting to the latest "thing," and seeming like a desperate cartoon?

Sting maybe?

[Marissa]

The good news is that a clean version of "Same Ol' Story" is available. She simply repeats, "it's the same ol' (same ol') story" rather than dropping that not so kid or work friendly 'f bomb'.

[Terri]

Hey Gang,
Founding Father/Rock & Roll Pioneer Bo Diddley passed away earlier today from heart failure at his home in Archer, FL. He had a heart attack last August months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. Bo was 79. May he rest in peace!

[Spencer Filichia]

I should add that I was disappointed with the never ending repeat of the F-Bomb. "Same Old Story" is one of the best songs on the disc, but I can't exactly jam it in the car with the family and I certainly would get the evil eye from my wife if I shared it with my 8 year old daughter who loves "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".

[Spencer Filichia]

I'm not a huge fan of just plan old dance music either. like Steve I'm a little too old to be hitting the clubs and the dance floor like I once did. With that said, I think the record is pretty good. I listened to it on the way to work the other morning. It does get you going. There are times when she doesn't even sound like Cyndi and does sound like Madonna, except that she can sing far better than Madonna. The Madonna sounding tracks are the weakest in my opinion, but are still better than most anything on Hard Candy. The tracks where she sounds like Cyndi are great. She really belts it out, and lyrically there is at least a little more substance to these songs than your average dance track. I'd also like to point out that she sounds like Olivia Newton John on "Raging Storm". I also like hearing a soulful funky side of her on "Lyfe".

Sure this may not be something for those looking to hear 80's Cyndi Lauper, but if you're a fan I think you'll like the record. I simply think she's amazing and is great at whatever she does. She has an amazing voice. She's great live. See her is you have a chance. And she can actuelly write decent songs.

Spencer

[80sfan]

Fans following the album's progress have known for over a year that it was going to be a dance record. Knowing that going in, I was quite pleased with the results even though I don't particular care for dance music. It doesn't hold enough substance for my particular tastes. But it's proven to be a nice, early-morning-drive-into-work-and-gets-your-blood-pumping disc and there is nothing wrong with that. Most reviews I have seen from fellow 80s fan say hands down it is better than Hard Candy. I think the only difference it is doesn't have a commercial single like 4 minutes.
I would much rather have seen Cyndi move in this direction, up-beat and fun, rather than have a disc full of melancholy ballads like we are seeing with so many other artists.

[Douglas Arthur]

it was out around the same time that Girls Just Wanna Have Fun came out, to capitalize on the popularity I guess. maybe it was just a local Albany thing? I don't know...maybe I need to do a bit of research.

[Big Tex]

Yawn - when are we going to get the Spears review of Songs from the Spakle Lounge?

[Bassnote]

Too bad. I was hoping CL would come out with something that didn't pander to the young crowd. I'll be skipping this one.

[Marissa]

Never heard of it, Douglas.

[David-b]

In thinking about CL, I remember how in an earlier podcast Gina mentioned a phone interview she had done with her and how personable, down to earth and friendly she was on the phone. Very cool.

[Douglas Arthur]

Anyone but me remember the parody song that came out called "Boys Just Wanna Have Sex"??

[Marissa]

Everybody! Let's do the dance!

[jane]

Well said, Marissa. Exactly what I thought when I heard it.

Wanna dance?

[Marissa]

I'm a dork. Sink their *TEETH* into these dance traks is what I meant.

[Mike in Austin]

Good ole CL....For the gal that brought us Time After Time.....I'll take a listen

[Marissa]

"Rain on Me" was the song I was talking about last night that's reminiscent of the Cyndi I love. "Here and There," and "Can't Breathe"doesn't torture us with that same old dance thump thump.
As for the rest, I was fully expecting Timbaland to toss out his trademark "aye aye" and Timberlake to come out with his nasally chorus. ARGH!

So, this isn't what I'd been personally hoping for, but she has a demographic who will absolutely sink their teen into these dance traks.