Hi there -
Beyond loving theatre, or perhaps I should state, on top of loving theatre, I have a HUGE love of music...and terrible sentence structure. :-)
One thing I'd like to do at times is review cast recordings, or other recordings put out by those amazing, talented performers who tread the boards - either on Broadway, or even locally (when possible). With the Holiday Season upon us, I recently purchased a few Holiday cds. Here is the first one I listened to. Holiday Wishes, by Idina Menzel.I have to make a confession to start with. Actually, two confessions. First off, I was and am a huge RENT-head. Because of that, I have a softness for Idina and her vocal stylings. The second confession could be a bit more tricky. As a rule, I do not like Christmas, nor do I like Christmas albums. The biggest reason is NOT that I'm a Grinch (though that will be the next album review), but that there are only so many times and so many versions of the same songs that get put out every year. Yes, there are standards - just like "All of Me," or "The Man I Love" are standards. Yet how many times do you want to play album after album where these two songs are sung? Not often, I'm sure. Yet when it comes to the Holidays, we always make an exception.
So, why do I bring this up? Because Idina (yes, I have a tendency to go first name often - my friends tease me about it), brings an original, and two songs that are new to the standards to the table. Her selection of tracks is a good mix from the secular field "The Christmas Song", "All I Want for Christmas is You," and "White Christmas" to "Silent Night", and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" The majority of the arrangements are unique and really catch your ear with what is happening in them. At the same time, they are not so crazy that you don't recognize them. She takes old, familiar material and wraps it up in new packaging and presents it to us. It is like an White Elephant gift that when you open it, and listen to it, you realize how much you still love it...even though it is a bit different.
Now, when I was in College, my Acting Prof would always start a review of a scene or monologue with "What worked"....then move into the "What didn't work." Idina's duet with Michael Buble, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is charming through and through. Yet...lyrically I'm still not sure about that song. It sounds really stuck in the period it was written in where it was easier for a man to pressure a woman into staying. I like the song and melody, and there are some great versions out there...but it still has a hint of "bad touch" around the edges. She sings "When You Wish Upon a Star" which is lovely, but so slow and drawn out...I'm not sure Jiminy Cricket would approve. She sings Joni Mitchell's song "River" which seems to be fashionable to add to current Holiday albums, yet has NOTHING to do with the Holiday itself...except for the first line. I'm not sure where this fashion started, but I hope it ends soon. (Though, being a Joni Mitchell fan - I'm happy she is getting some royalties). Finally, one of the classic songs and possible arguments of the season. The song is "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from the movie "Meet Me in St. Louis." Originally sung by Judy Garland, this song is a great song. It deals with how to manage the Holiday time when you may end up being away from family and friends. There is Judy's version from the film, then there is an changed version that I believe Frank Sinatra asked to be updated. The difference in lyrics can cause much grief. I fall into the camp that both versions should be sung so that everyone is happy. However, Idina chooses to not be in that camp. This was my big disappointment on this album.
On the flip side though - some new songs!! I enjoyed "When You Wish Upon a Star" and think it works well in this genre. The other song that is on here (at least on the Target Exclusive version) is a Laura Nyro song that I had never really heard before. It is called "Mother's Spiritual." Wow - such a great song, and Idina does it proud. It is all about sister and brother-hood, taking care of each other, light and dark, and it is gorgeous. Finally, the original song, called "December Prayer." This song was written by Idina Menzel, Walter Afanasieff, and Charlie Midnight. It is gorgeous. That is all. Lyrically it is about being together, thinking of those who aren't around, listening to the silence of the season, focusing on the love, peace and community. Despite some statements above, this song makes the album worth purchasing. She sounds amazing, and the song is perfect for the season.
If you are looking for something new, yet familiar this could be the new Holiday album for your collection. And if you are a fan of Idina Menzel...I'm sure you already own it.
Happy Seasons -
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