Customer Reviews

Born to Entertain

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm at a bit of a disadvantage here...I discovered the throaty and powerful vocals of the beautiful Lisa Richard recently and purchased both "Born to Entertain" and "Virgin Tracks" at the same time. I've listened to both albums numerous times and while "Born to Entertain" is definitely the `first album'...it is still a great ride. It starts with "Big Time", kicking in an intro that reminds the listener of the classic big band tune "Sing sing sing." She reins in the dancing with the slower but more powerful "Since You Stayed Here." This is the first of many songs that highlight Ms. Richard's passion for love songs. But guys, be careful...many of these tunes tell it how it is in a very tongue-in-cheek way! Next the title track kicks in, and the listener gets a nostalgic feeling of being in a nightclub during the war. One can almost picture the entertainer sitting on the piano, singing to her boys a song that tells them all who she really is. But just as you get lulled into a sense of period and style, Ms. Richard changes again and "Nobody's Side" blasts through the speakers (think classic Queen) followed immediately by the old RCA phonograph sound of "Nevertheless." Her range as a performer allows her to pull this off incredibly well, and leads to more surprises later in the album, which I won't spoil. But I'll end by just saying my favorite track is "I Will Be Loved Tonight," and no, I won't tell you why!

"Born to Entertain" is like "Martha Stewart Living"...it's full of good things. Lisa is one of those rare performers who strikes that delicate balance between capability and ingenuity. That is to say, in her eminently professional hands we feel safe and relaxed, able to float on the music because she's taken care of everything. On the other hand, none of these songs ever decline into merely listenable. Sometimes, especially with standards, it's easy to tune out. But Lisa's original interpretations keep you guessing...and smiling at each of her discoveries. It's as if she just lifted each song, shiny and brand-new, out of its plastic wrapper. "Since You Stayed Here" is heartbreaking and achingly true. "Downtown" is a HOOT that keeps you asking "Is she serious?" even as you can't help groovin'! And if you're not singing along to "Back on Base" and "You Can Always Count on Me," check your pulse 'cause you might be dead. The entire album, intelligently selected and tenderly put together, is full of little jewels just lying there for the taking. If you don't pick them up, your loss.

After thoroughly enjoying Lisa's new CD, "Virgin Tracks," I went back and picked up this CD. What a pleasant surprise! I was not expecting that her first CD would live up to the quality of her newest release. Boy, was I wrong. Now I admit that the originality of the song choices for the new CD were positively disarming in a very good way, but it was gratifying to hear familiar material sung so well on this CD. The arrangements were stellar and groundbreaking, even though almost every song exists already somewhere in my CD rack. I fell in love again with "The Kid Inside," as a diehard Carnelia fan, and to hear a woman sing the song was a revelation. Not familiar with the musical Inside Out, "Never Enough" is a song with depth of feeling and Lisa's interpretation truly moved me. And the updated version of "Downtown" was fun and unusual while keeping true to the original. This is an amazing CD for every fan of show music, PLUS.

You don't have to be a Broadway or Showtune music fan to appreciate this CD....You simply have to be a music fan. Lisa's voice is stunning, as she glides effortlessly through a wide vocal range in these songs. This is a great addition to any CD collection.

This album is fantastic. A mix of several styles of music... all fun. But more importantly, executed in a way that makes the listener want to sing themselves. Lisa Richard is an amazing songstress with an ease of presentation that makes her vocal power seem effortless. Each song is filled with just the right mix of emotion and musicality. I love when I can hear a singer "smiling" in a song... well, when Lisa Richard sings, I feel like the images she brings to mind are so vivid and so honest, I can actually see her singing them in my mind's eye. An amazing compilation, sung by an amazing talent.

I love this album! After seing Lisa Richard in concert, I was really excited to hear that she has a new CD. I love the way she blends guts and vulnerablity into a wonderful variety of tunes - It's like she's singing pure emotion . Gorgeous voice! I'm getting 3 more copies for my showtoonlovin' friends!

This is one of those albums I discovered on Amazon when looking for a particular artist and I went down to the "those who bought So-and-So's album also purchased Lisa Richard". And boy am I glad that I did! I listened to the clips and ordered it sight (or maybe "sound") unseen. This album is a gem and Lisa Richard is easily one of the best kept secrets on the American musical scene. Each cut is a special treasure unto itself with a wide variety of musical appeal. Lisa's voice and delivery crosses generational boundaries because on one hand she is reminiscent of Linda Eder or Christiane Noll and, yet also, posseses a little of Judy Garland and Lena Horne. A truely wonderful album for everyone and, quite frankly, I wouldn't expect anything less from Susan Egan's best friend.

Wow. I never heard of Lisa Richard until browsing the site. I listened to a few of the samples on-line and ordered right away. When I got the CD I was not disappointed. She is fabulous. I really relate to her songs. The mix of music takes me through so many emotions. I will be on the look out for more from her in the future.

To say I love this disc is putting it mildly. Lisa Richard sings directly from her soul on her ballads, and I can't help but play them over and over. She's got a gift for Broadway music and brings her own interpretation to songs that make them very special. Her voice is effortless.

This is one heckuva CD and this gal sure can sing. I was totally impressed with the song choices and the quality of the musicians on this album. Where else can you find jazz bass and rock guitar on one CD? Check this one out - highly recommended.