Customer Reviews

Shine

5 star:		(78)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Cyndi Lauper has unnoticeably "shone" much in the last decade...evolving into a critically acclaimed "artist"...from '93's "Hat Full of Stars" to '97's "Sisters of Avalon" and '98's "Merry Christmas...", she's an under-appreciated, highly-talented gem of contemporary music! "Shine" gives us a preview of her long-awaited LP, expected to be released within the next 6 months. The 4 tracks on this EP are currently well-received as she performs them live for Cher's Farewell Tour. The title track is an uplifting song for those self-deprecating heads buried in the sand; "It's Hard to Be Me" is reminiscent of her '85 rocker "Money Changes Everything"--a song about narcissism and celebrity with a strong punk-beat--her voice being the top instrument; "Madonna Whore" has an R&B flavor, showcasing her lower octaves, and deals with a serious issue of human nature (not Madonna, the singer); and "Water's Edge" (written w/Rob Hyman, her "Time After Time" co-writer) is just simply a beautiful ballad about self-examination and the support of love. Buy it!! You DO NOT have to be a die-hard Cyndi fan to appreciate this little masterpiece! And at this price, what have you got to lose? You might just rediscover the talent of an 80's icon "they" forgot to promote in the 90's.

Well, she's back, what more can I say. Cynid Lauper one of the most well known ladies from the 80's returns with this new EP, a preview of her upcoming album to be released later this year. It is an amazing mix of different styles and sounds. The title song "Shine" is a beautiful uptempo pop song about self-worth, The next one "It's Hard To Be Me" is a sort of a hard-edged rocker similar to her hit "Money Changes Everything". Next, is the R+B flavored "Madonna Whore" about the Madonna/Whore complex(not the singer), followed by "Water's Edge" a beautiful ballad of sorts with a fresh sound. The EP is closed out with a dance remix of "Shine". So there you have it, almost every genre, pop,rock,r+b,and even dance. This EP does not disappoint, it reminds us all of why Cyndi dominated the charts throughout the 80's, lets make it that way again, buy this EP, it is for everyone! Go CYNDI!!!!!

Cyndi released a 5 track EP of the Shine sessions in the summer of 2002, which was originally scheduled to be a full-length studio album to be released on what's now known as 9-11.

BEFORE:
Cyndi had recently parted ways with Sony after nearly 20 years with them. She was no longer commercially successful, although her diehard fans have been there every step of the way.

AFTER:
Cyndi took this EP on the road with her in 2002 supporting Cher on a small indie label called Oglio. The sales weren't that great, but the reaction she got from critics and Cher fans on the tour was enough to land her back on Epic records after parting ways with them in late 1998.

The 4 new songs on this cd are great. Shine ranks among one of the best songs Cyndi has ever recorded, if she had been on a major when she put this tune out, she would've had a huge comeback hit. It's a very positive song with a great catch to it. Almost a shame that this song wasn't what brought her back to the top 40. She also pays homage to the early 80's with It's Hard To Be Me. Madonna Whore (no, not about Miss Ciccone no matter how many people giggled when she said the title in concert) and Waters Edge were both good too. We also get a dance mix of Shine. Illicit are not among my favorite remixers, would've rather had the Calderone or Tracy Young mixes be on there instead.

I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because Cyndi recorded around 15 songs for this album, and yet only 4? Come on Cyndi, we want them! I have all the tracks on mp3, but I would gladly purchase it.

I saw Cyndi's Cleveland, Ohio appearance with Cher on June 18. Cyndi stole the show.

Without props, special effects, or a huge set Cyndi impressed with her strong vocals, multiple instrument playing ability, and, of course, her entertaining personality (even climbing into the audience and running around the arena to shake hands).

The audience gave her a lukewarm response upon her entrance to the stage but roared with cheers and was on its feet by the end of the set. In my many concert experiences, seeing everyone from The B-52's and Duran Duran to Depeche Mode and Garbage, I have never seen a performer whip a crowd into such a frenzy. The audience buzz after her set was amazing. Come back to Cleveland soon, Cyndi!

I purchased the "Shine" EP at the concert in advance of the street date and think it's easily some of her best material since her first two albums, "She's So Unusual" and "True Colors."

My personal favorite is the power pop gem "It's Hard To Be Me." An instant smash that's a stunner live. It's probably her most fun track since "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough."

Both the original version of "Shine" and the "Illicit Mix" (tracks 1 and 5, respectively) are excellent. The original is in the line of "You Don't Know," my favorite from the "Sisters of Avalon" CD (her last studio album). The remix is one of her better mixes and completely transforms the original edit to it's own beast.

"Madonna Whore" is controversial, but it should be noted that it's not about pop star M. Ciccone for those unfamiliar with psychology. It's a mid-tempo track that refers to the "Madonna Whore" complex, woman who act at both ends of the sexual spectrum. Cyndi sings in sexual code once again - remember when "She Bop" glossed over the mainstream as merely a fun and innocent pop tune? ;)

Finally, "Water's Edge" is a strong ballad with great vocals.

Needless to say, if you have ever been a Cyndi fan (even if you got off the train after her debut), make no hesitation in picking this one up.

If this is an indication of what in store for Cyndi's next full-length album, I can't wait. For those lucky enough to catch her in concert recently, let's hope it includes "Still With Me," a new song that's her best ballad since "Time After Time."

"Shine" is a 5-song album released by Cyndi Lauper in 2002. Unfortunately, this is one of the most underrated albums of that year. Its strong musical quality proves her greatness as an artist. She writes and performs every track directly from the heart. Whether she's singing dance, pop, or rock, she never misses a beat. With this album, she continues to amaze audiences like she did in the 1980's.

"Shine" and "Madonna Whore" explore her pop side. Both have their own unique twists that catches an audience easily. "It's Hard To Be Me" explores her rock side. She proves here that she can be raunchy and sensative at the same time. Few rockers have accomplished this. "Water's Edge" is a beautiful ballad. "Shine", the Illicit remix, is a highly catchy dance version of the original. This track is a great way to end the album. Such musical variey explores more than just different sides of Cyndi Lauper musically but also as a person.

"Shine" is an essential album for the faithful Cyndi Lauper fan. Even non-fans will enjoy this album. This is sure to please many listeners. Those who love this album should also buy her latest album "At Last", which declared her long overdue comeback. Such duo of albums should give listeners the ultimate musical experience.

Shine was a great EP Cyndi cut in 2001, originally intended as a full length album to come out on the dreaded 9-11-01, however Edel America went under.

We get a nice sampler of what was to be Cyndi's comeback album. She toured extensively with Cher in summer/fall 2002 and won a lot of people over with these songs. However, outside of her diehard fanbase and people who saw her open for Cher, nobody knows this EP exists.

Please get this if you can. Cyndi has made a return to major labels with At Last, which is a decent album, but however I dread that if that cd does even 200,000 units for her, THIS 1989-2002 incarnation of Cyndi will be extinct and we'll be stuck with another torch singer (no offense to fans of the genre, but I prefer Cyndi doing original material, and the torch genre is a reason why I never really cared much for Barbra Streisand's material outside of the 70's and early 80's)

Shine was originally supposed to be released as a full album, but for some reason Cyndi decided it should be an EP. However much after the initial release, we finally have access to the full album that was previously unreleased as an import. It includes all of the songs on the EP and more:

1. Shine
2. It's Hard To Be Me
3. Madonna Whore
4. Wide Open
5. Rather Be With You
6. Who Let In The Rain (New Version)
7. Comfort You
8. Eventually
9. Waiting For Valentino
10. This Kind Of Love
11. Higher Plane
12. Water's Edge
13. Miss My Baby

I purchased this at the concert. While openning for Cher, Cindi Lauper still knows how to rock the house. I had forgotten. While only 10 bucks, it's 4 songs plus remix left me unsatisfied. All the songs are fresh, just not enough of them.

If you need to keep your collection complete...go ahead. If you're just rediscovering Cindi, this won't do. I recommend "Sisters of Avalon" if you're looking for something gentle, or "Time After Time" if you're having trouble remembering why she's in your mind as fun.

Cyndi Lauper has one of those voices that you either love or hate, the way people do with Stevie Nicks, for example. But while Cyndi has always been a little "out there," and some of her singing can be too, there's never been any denying her raw talent.

As so often is the case with pop stars, once Cyndi's initial radio appeal started to fade, all but her die-hard fans forgot about her. In reality, she made a number of great albums after her first blockbuster or two, but they languished in obscurity without airplay. In recent years, after living without a recording contract, we've not heard much other than underground recordings that managed to get leaked to the net.

Finally, what was underground now comes above-ground, in this self-produced EP disc that features its title track, Shine. While these tracks were supposed to be the centerpiece of a new full-length album, the rumor mill suggests that the deals just weren't forthcoming. Or perhaps in her wisdom and experience, Cyndi's ready to call the shots. Whatever the case, we have no album.

But for the core fan base, we now do have a few new tracks to enjoy while we wait. "Shine," in both regular and remix versions, stands out as a strong, well arranged, well engineered track that shows-off Cyndi's strengths, and would deserve some serious radio play. "It's Hard To Be Me" is another excellent track, fully radio quality. The other two tracks -- "Madonna Whore" and "Water's Edge" -- just leave you hungering for more.

Hopefully between this self-produced effort, and Cyndi's strong reception as the opening act for Cher's 2002 tour, Cyndi can finally get the sort of record deal she deserves, and soon enough, a full album that will push her back in the limelight where she belongs.

I love this CD! Cyndi Lauper did it again with a great CD you can sing , Dance and cry to all emotions run wild with this one! Cyndi has a very nice voice much better than some of her Pop rivals . IE Madonna. Cyndi has a Beautiful voice even without the glitz and the electronics that alot of music has these days.

I Recommend this CD its a Great addition to your Cyndi Lauper Collection. John Chicago