Cyndi Lauper "Bring Ya to the Brink" CD Review

It was quite the pleasant surprise the other morning to hear the familiar voice of Cyndi Lauper on Howard Stern's Sirius radio program. I have to admit I never expected her to appear on his show. I am a huge fan of Howard but I never really gave the two of them together a second thought. That was my first mistake. Of course there was the usual sexual banter in interview form from Stern which to her credit Lauper took in great stride and with much humor. The best part and highlight of course was hearing Cyndi perform live. Forget American Idol. This is what music is really all about. First was the older hit, "All Through The Night." She's got a different spin on her older hit tunes. Modernizing them with imaginative arrangements and instruments. Regardless, Lauper's vocals have always been flawless. After all, she's got an incredible multi octave range which in my opinion has always been much underrated. This occasion was no exception. Her main reason for appearing was of course to promote her new CD "Bring Ya To The Brink." (Sony BMG) This time around is a complete dance CD. Now, when I first heard the concept I was skeptical. I mean, let's face it: Cyndi is best known for her power ballads, the rock anthem, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," and the sexually naughty but really fun "She Bop." But a dance CD? I began to get that nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it wasn't from the turkey sandwich I had eaten the day before. Stern played only one track - and that was all I needed. I was caught, hook line and sinker. The tune that changed my whole perspective, "Same Ol' Story." An infectious groove, strong vocal, and one hell of a catchy chorus hook (curse word included though not written in the title on the CD). If this song doesn't set the clubs on fire I don't know what will. It's got every element needed for a dance hit. Your toe won't stop tapping until the final note fades out. The CD does however come with a parental advisory explicit content label. Imagine that, Cyndi Lauper has been labeled explicit. I never thought I'd see the day. I guess we've all grown up.
Another change with this release is Lauper has co-produced and written every track. The woman's got chops and she knows how to use them. This is her most well rounded CD in years. Though I am still partial to her brilliant and very looked over "Sisters Of Avalon," release. I had to listen to the entire CD a couple of times to really get into the whole thing. All the tunes from "Story," on are really good and solid in their delivery of high energy grooviness. If that's not a real word it should be. "Raging Storm," "Grab A Hold," and "Rain On Me," caught my attention from the onset. The first half of the CD grew on me after my initial spin. Some CD's are like that. I 'm having the same experience with the new Madonna CD. I'm still working on that one. What Cyndi has managed to do with "Brink," is give the dance charts exactly what it needs at this point, an infectious shot in the arm. Lauper fans shouldn't be disappointed unless of course they're looking for another "True Colors," or "Time After Time," on this release. Sorry kids, this release is for the feet and various other body parts that like to gyrate to a beat from time to time. So put the CD on for a spin, turn it up loud, hit the dance strobe lights, and enjoy the moment. Invite the neighbors over first so they don't call the cops about the raucous party going on next door. "Bring Ya To The Brink," is sure to blow the doors off and shatter a couple of windows in the process. In short, it's one heck of a good time brought to you by one of the most original artists of the 1980's who's still alive and kicking. Bless you Cyndi Lauper for not throwing in the towel and giving us something to dance to.