Customer Reviews

Shine

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cyndi's 2003 release "At Last" gave us interpretations of the songs Cyndi Lauper grew up with. "Shine" is a much-needed return to the Cyndi Lauper WE grew up with.

Originally slated for release on September 11, 2001, this album was shelved when Cyndi's record company, Edel Records, went belly-up. She had to fight to get the music back, but thankfully she persevered. Due to the limitations of not being backed by a major record company, Cyndi decided to release several edited tracks from this album on her independent "Shine EP" but there were many amazing tracks that were not released on the EP that will finally be available to the masses.

"Rather Be With You" is the most stand-out hit on this album, making use of funky guitar and bass coupled with jazz organ and the kind of vocal harmonies we've come to expect from Cyndi.

"Wide Open" features the kind of guitar that made Cyndi's 1997 release "Sisters of Avalon" such an amazing, yet underrated album. The song is full of the same kind of soul that made the title track from "Sisters" so powerful.

"Who Let In the Rain" gets a much-deserved facelift, with rich synth undertones and more coherent backing vocals. The performance is as powerful, if not more, as the original, and this version has quickly become my favorite.

"Eventually" is a slower song with a synth track reminiscent of Madonna's "Live to Tell" and has a very cosmopolitan feel to it, with its churning industrial backbeat and conversational vocal style. It sounds like the kind of song that might be playing in the background at a sleek Manhattan coffee shop or nightclub.

"Higher Plane" is another high energy track that was also released as a bonus track to the "Shine" maxi-single that was released by Oglio last year. Unofficial dance remixes of this track have been circulating for some time now.

The songs from the EP that are also featured on this album include "Shine" (in its full-length album form), "Water's Edge", "It's Hard to Be Me", and "Madonna Whore". These four tracks were most likely chosen for the EP because they represent the style of the album best. In this release, they blend in seamlessly with the other tracks, giving us the full picture that was missing from the EP.

Also included is the essential Japanse bonus track - "Miss My Baby" which until now has been unreleased and unavailable (even on the Internet).

If "At Last" (a great album, in my opinion) left you disappointed and longing for the singing and songwriting that made Cyndi a superstar, "Shine" certainly won't disappoint you.

This is the lost Cyndi album from 2001. Features 12 original songs plus a bonus track. I have not heard the bonus track yet,but the other 12 tracks are some of her finest work. The Cd is a mix of different sounds. You'll find the dance grooves all over Higher plane and Comfort you (great vocals on both songs) and a r&b flavor on tracks like Rather be with you,Madonna... and This kind of love (Rather be with you has top 10 hit written all over it) there is a strong pop feel to Shine (sounds like it could be a classic 80's song) and Wide open (sounds like it could have been on Cyndi's masterpiece Sisters of avalon Cd) and some very touching ballads like Waters edge and Eventually. The song Waiting for Valentino was written by Cyndi for her grandmother,and a re-make of Cyndi's 1993 song Who let in the rain also appears on this Cd as well.

I urgh everyone to pick this Cd up and enjoy Cyndi doing what she does best (her own self-penned material) it's nice to see this album finally getting released as it was originally suppose to have been released 3 years ago.

Sisters of Avalon, by my account, is Cyndi's best album ever, but this is a VERY close second. Shine is full of great music that creates an emotional rollercoaster; from the teary Water's Edge to the woman-empowering Madonna(...), from the fag-hag True Colors-esque title track Shine, to the should-be-a-dance-club-favorite Higher Plane, this album takes you across the board and around the world with it's many styles. There is no doubt that this album will sell like crazy in Japan, and I don't understand why it doesn't sell in the U.S. Cyndi's voice has only gotten better with time, and the vocal highlights on this album are amazing. The things she does with her voice would make the likes of Madonna and Britney cringe in fear. If you like She's So Unusual and True Colors, you'll love this. It's even got some eighties sounds (It's Hard to Be Me) on it to take you back to those albums. Buy or be square.

This girl can belt them out with the best of them! "Shine" is one of the best songs I have heard of hers in years! The song, "Water's edge" will make you cry. This is one of her best works people! 10+ May she shine on!

Danny Burger
Palm Springs, CA

This is the best cd so far in Cyndi's career.
In re: to Sony, the Ep version of this cd, was released on her Indie label, before Cyndi was re-signed by Sony/Epic in 2003. The import was only released in Sony/Japan because the Ep had already been out for a while in the U.S. It sold very well for an Indie record And since the Ep had already charted earlier, there was really no sense to re-release it I guess. Cyndi basically ditched the whole project, and wanted to put out a completely new cd, by the time her and Sony got back together. The import cd (the full version)was released during the time Cyndi was on tour in Japan in 2004. However it would have gone to the top if promoted heavily. The songs on Shine are completely incredible Higher Plane, Waters Edge, title track(Shine), Waiting For Valentino, Eventually, Wide Open, Rather Be with You...are all fantastic. Amazing, amazing cd.

This is the album that SHOULD of been the follow-up to Cyndi's She's So Unusual LP. I say that because every song on here is memorable from start to finish--from the amazing masterpiece and title track, "Shine," to Waiting For Valentino." All the songs are very rich in texture, and Cyndi's incredible(And I MEAN Incredible vocals), are on full display. "Higher Plane" is a fantastic and very danceable tune, and the song "Eventually," which Cyndi co-wrote with Japan's songwriting aficonado, Ryuichi Sakamoto, is one of her most beautiful songs of all-time, both lyrically and vocally. "Madonna Whore" is another Cyndi favorite of mine now, as well as the gorgeous "Water's Edge," very reminiscent of Cyndi's classic "Time After "Time." Shine is an amazing record, and the imported price may seem steep, but I would pay even double that for this classic!

It's a cruel world when an amazing album like this has such a struggle to see the light of day. Cyndi's "Shine" is truly a benchmark record for the artist; and deserves widespread acclaim. The lead song (and single if you will) is the truly stunning "Shine", and anyone anywhere with a pulse can feel the vibe in this track. Love yourself...and let yourself be loved baby. The ablum is rich in its sound and production; from the hard rock mantra "It's Hard To Be Me" to the dour and heartbroken "Eventually" (an amazing song!) Cyndi Lauper proves just what makes her so fabulous. She's mainstream but underground; classic and totally contemporary. Another highlight from the "Shine" is her new version of "Who Let In The Rain?". A funkier, fuller version than it's older sister, "Who Let In The Rain?" sounds new again. "Shine" is ear candy, no matter how you get it...get it.

"Shine" has finally been given the opportunity to do so!! Even if it has only been released in full in Japan.

Originally planned for release on the now defunct Edel Records in 2001, this album is a fantastic return to popular music. Cyndi has created another page in her already stunning career. She has embraced her storytelling abilities with various electronic beats, and creates little worlds within her songs. This album carries beautiful love-lorn songs ("Water's Edge") and upbeat fun songs ("Higher Plane") The title track is such an inspiring song, much like "True Colours" before this, the song serves purpose by saying that no matter what you do, never be afraid to be yourself and "shine". In my opinion, the most striking song is "Eventually", where ambient beats accompany her hypnotic vocals. Cyndi has proven to be an innovative artist, and no matter what she does, she always delivers something new.

buy this album now! no matter how expensive it is! it will not leave your head and your CD player for days.

I have been a Cyndi Lauper fan for sometime now and I recently spotted this at a store and bought it. Imports are expensive but usually worth it. If you heard the demo songs online, most of the music has completely changed and sounds great. None of the Demo versions are on the disc. I would recommend any fan to purchase this album. The inside booklet contains both English and Japanese lyrics to all songs. Higher Plane is listed as Higher Place, which is an error. Shine, It's Hard To Be Me, Madonna Whore, and Waters Edge are the same versions as released on the US EP Album.

I love the songs Comfort You, Rather Be With You, Wide Open, This Kinda Love, and Eventually. I could not stand to listen to songs Waiting for Valentino, and Miss My Baby.

The re-done version of Who Let In the Rain is much better than the original 1993 version.

Most of the songs have great accompaniment music, like the 70's sounding guitar on Comfort You. Eventually is a great ballad and show's Cyndi Laupers voice very nicely.

I would recommend anyone getting this it's great, better than her new At Last Album.

As everyone here said already, this CD is a must-have for every Cyndi fan. Just try to get it cheaper from Amazon.co.jp. You'll save at least 10 US$ (including shipping), that is, if you understand Japanese or, like me, risk a bit and buy the coverless and commentaryless CD on the japanese site. I was just glad when it arrived and it was the right one! Well, if you were a bit disappointed of "At Last" (too many standards CDs there days), buy this. You'll like it.