Customer Reviews

Coffee House

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Susan Egan is an extremely talented vocal performer, at present known more in theater circles than anywhere else. Her first solo effort, "So Far..." was well put together, but consisted purely of Broadway standards. Her second CD, "Coffee House", is the better and more personal of the two. It is an eclectic collection of songs that you can easily imagine her singing in...well, in a crowded coffee house.

By far, the opening number on the CD, "Both Sides Now" is the best one. Egan bumps up the tempo from the Joni Mitchell original to make it a brighter tune that you will catch yourself humming more than once. Cat Stevens' "Oh Very Young" is another memorable number, beautifully sung. The same goes for "French Waltz" and "Oh, How I Loved You". A pleasant surprise is a cover of "Wuthering Heights", a song Kate Bush made famous in the 80s and Egan gives it a new and interesting interpretation.

Overall, the CD is simply wonderful to listen to, and the graphic design and photography is perfect. Broadway singers are really underappreciated in the mass musical scene. If only more of them would make CDs like this.

After reading a few reviews on this site, I have come to the conclusion that this is one of the albums where it's you love it or you hate it with no intermediate. It's a fairly simple concept. If you like different renditions of show tunes and pop songs, then go for this, it's beautifully done, Susan's voice is warm and dynamic, and she puts herself into these songs. If you don't like people doing covers, well then, I'd still say listen to some samples because she's that good.

There are many strong pieces in this album, her renditions of "Oh Very Young", "Wurthering Heights" (this song was much more full bodied and appealing than Kate Bush), "Roses", and "Oh How I Loved You" are particularly heart rending.

Susan Egan is an amazing performer, very true to her singing. Wether it's Broadway or her own cd's, she always sings with her heart and soul, perfectly capturing all the emotions in her own distinctive style.

All the songs on "Coffee House" were chosen by Susan herself - the ones she loved, could relate to and honestly wanted to sing. And it really shows, as we can hear a great joy and emotional engagement in Susan's singing - nothing is forced or over the top. She hits every note perfectly and knows how to make the most of her impressively wide vocal range. Song choices really reflect Susan's endearing personality - romantic, passionate, yet hilarious with a great sense of humor. There's no chance to get bored with her music and this album is a perfect choice for any occasion.

Susan is a well-loved and known musical stage performer these days, and her numerous Broadway/Tv/Movie credits just prove her wonderful talent and versatility. If you're tired of plastic pop and pop-idols being produced in masses, just try "Coffee House" and enjoy the natural charm of Susan's beautiful voice singing to the top-notch arrangements. Definitely a must-have!

This CD is addictive: I cannot take it out of my CD player. I purchased the album because I love Susan's voice, and I knew none of the songs beyond "Both Sides Now." The performances are wonderful, and I think Christopher McGovern's arrangements compliment her quite well and add a lot of beauty on their own. As for the songs I didn't know, I cannot get 'Oh, How I Loved You" out of my head.

This is a great CD because Susan Egan has an exceptional voice. Her rendition of "Both Sides Now" is beautiful, and the rest of the songs, while more esoteric, are delivered with the same commitment and talent.

The songs in this cd are not that good and i think Egan had a hard time singing "Both Sides". Her performance for that song was disappointing as she went off-key for a few notes. Overall, I think the songs weren't very good and seemed pretty boring.
My favourite song though, is Taylor the Latte Boy.

Of The 2 albums I have just purchased by Susan Egan, this is the best. One can sit down and relax with this beautiful music. I hope she does more of this type of album.

Attention all Broadway fans! Here's a CD you'll love:
Coffee House, the 3rd solo album of Broadway star Susan Egan, is a "delicious" blend of tunes,
that range from the styles of 1960s pop to contemporary Broadway. Susan has been in numerous Broadway musicals,
including the original cast of "Beauty and the Beast" as Belle, "Putting it Together" alongside Carol Burnett, and "Thoroughly Modern Millie".
She has guest-starred on TV shows like "The Drew Carey Show" and "Party of Five." and has been in many movies,
including Disney's Hercules as Meg, "Spirited Away", "The Third Wish" and "13 Going on 30."

On this album, Susan's crystal-clear voice shows her wide range- from the classic Joni Mitchell cover "Both Sides Now" to the comical "Taylor the Latte Boy", to the Broadway tune "Where in the World is My Prince?"- Susan shows she can make any style of song her own.

(I was lucky enough to see Miss Egan perform, meet her and get her autograph. She is a sweet person in real life and a very talented performer!)

I had the privilege of attending the CD release concet for this CD back in August 2004. Susan Egan has an amazing voice and stage presence, and it comes across beautifully on this album of atypical cabaret-style songs. "Coffee House" opens with a cover of Joni Mithcell's "Both Sides Now" which displays Egan's clear and strong voice perfectly. The entire album is filled with wonderful covers, such as Cat Stevens' "Oh Very Young" and the funny "Where in the World Is My Prince" from Jerry Herman; some unrecorded jems, including "I Can't Believe My Heart" which was cut from Disney's "Hercules;" and lesser-known songs such as the quietly beautiful "There Are No Words" and the comical "Taylor, the Latte Boy." Egan uses her magnificent voice to inject each song with just the right amount of emotion, be it humor or tenderness. This is a wonderful album from an incredible voice.

Something about her voice, it's like the perfect combonation of broadway/cabaret style, with a modern, sassy sound! I think part if it is her cool american accent!

Love Susan Egan, love coffee house!