Soundtrack

Linda Eder | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 13, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Verve
• ASIN: B002NOYX0E
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,708 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Linda returns to her Broadway roots on this release. The 12 tracks span roughly the last 50 years in cinema, from Mancini's "Charade," the title tune of the 1963 movie starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, to "Falling Slowly," the Academy Award winner from Once, the 2007 Irish musical film. The originals may be familiar and beloved, but Eder and her band dramatically reworked the arrangements, rendering the songs in an intimate, fireside style. Other highlights include an aching version of Yvonne Elliman's 1977 disco hit "If I Can't Have You," from Saturday Night Fever and a faithful rendition of "Valley of the Dolls," the theme of the 1968 flick that Dionne Warwick turned into a No. 2 pop hit.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A dream come true - absolutely love it!, October 18, 2009

By 

Ruth Anderson "Book Reviewer" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Soundtrack (Audio CD)

I couldn't be happier with Linda Eder's latest release, Soundtrack. And a huge thank you to both Eder & her label, Verve, for giving the fans new albums two years in a row - way to deliver, Eder & team! As a film music album, Soundtrack is a throwback of sorts to the type of music that garnered Eder legions of fans - Broadway showstoppers and standards - but with a generally more understated, intimate feel to the set. Her first album for Verve, The Other Side of Me, was a departure from that previous norm. While I loved that release, it's decidedly more laid-back, country feel marked quite a change from releases like It's No Secret Anymore or By Myself. Soundtrack sees Eder interpreting 11 songs from a wide variety of films, ranging from the Henry Mancini-Johnny Mercer penned "Charade" (from the 1963 film of the same name) to "Falling Slowly" from the 2007 sleeper hit Once. From the well-known to the more obscure, Eder takes each song and puts her own unique spin on the lyric and arrangement. It would've been so easy for Eder to deliver power-ballad versions of classics like Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" or Bryan Adams "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." However, I'd argue that you'll be hard-pressed to find versions that are more elegant, understated, and emotive than Eder's take on these classics. The lyric is front and center, and Eder proves once again that she's a master at wringing ever drop of emotion, every nuance, from the words of a song. Another of my favorite tracks is the stunning version of "Falling Slowly" - the power in this arrangement and delivery gives one chills! While the Presley and Adams songs are perhaps not unexpected song choices, Eder also ventures into some surprising territory by putting her own unique spin on the BeeGee's "If I Can't Have You" and the Beatles' "Help," the latter a tribute to her son's love for their music. Prior to hearing the album, some of the song choices (like the Beatles' cover) had me wondering if Eder could successfully pull off her own version. I need not have doubted. The entire album has a cohesive, beautifully constructed feel to it, and Eder succeeds in making each song her own. Sountrack would be an excellent companion piece to Eder's 2003 musicals-themed album, Broadway, My Way. It's also a great set with which to introduce new fans to Eder's work, in how it successfully melds her ability to interpret classic song with the more laid-back, country-touched arrangements she's favored in recent years. This album is another winner from Ms. Eder, one I'll be enjoying for years to come.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'll have what she's having, October 14, 2009

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Soundtrack (Audio CD)

Whatever was in Linda Eder's drinking water when she recorded this CD must have been so wonderful that I'd like some of it myself! Linda strikes gold with her latest CD entitled "Soundtrack;" she sounds great on this album and her fans are going to love this! Linda sings songs from the movies very well and this is a very cohesive album with nothing but excellent music. The quality of the sound is very good and I like the artwork a lot.

"I Will Wait for You" stuns me with its beauty; it makes a fantastic opening number for this album. Linda slows down the tempo a bit and this works wonders for her rendition--it also lets her place her own stamp on this ballad. Indeed, "I Will Wait for You" is easily a major highlight of the CD! "Accidentally in Love" shines bright in Linda's capable hands; and that piano arrangement enhances the music as Linda sings this with panache. "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins has Linda firmly in the spotlight; she delivers this like the pro she is and always will remain!

"Charade," the song from the movie of the same name, charms me with its natural beauty; Linda's version picks up the pace considerably and it all holds its own very well. The bass, piano and more make for a beautiful musical arrangement and Linda never lets go of a single superfluous note! This is great music. I also really like "If I Can't Have You;" Linda does this with great sensitivity and it's a fine number for this album. "Help," a number by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is very good, too; the tempo and key changes Linda makes make this an awesome number.

"Everybody's Talking" is a great tune when Linda gives it the royal treatment; the music complements Linda's vocals very well and I love her rendition of this classic tune! "Valley Of The Dolls," which comes from the movie of the same name, is also special; and the CD ends quite nicely with Linda Eder performing "Everything I Do (I Do It for You)." "Everything I Do (I Do It for You)" from the movie entitled "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" is quite pretty and easy on the ear.

Linda Eder turns out a fine CD with "Soundtrack;" her fans would do well to add this to their collections. It's a fine starter CD for people just discovering the artistry of Linda Eder; and it's also great for people who like movie themes beautifully transformed into a new, fresh sound with creative and ingenious arrangements.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AND THE WINNER IS---LINDA EDER, October 14, 2009

By 

Shelley (Munroe Falls, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soundtrack (Audio CD)

Linda does it again! This latest cd, SOUNDTRACK, is a wonderful collection of movie songs sung by one of the greatest voices today. I love the simplicity of each song allowing Linda's voice to be out front where it should be. She can soon make you forget the original recordings of these movie songs. The cd flows so easily and there isn't one song that isn't worth repeating. I have been a fan of Linda's belting voice for years, but this style of singing by Linda has won me over. It shows just how pure and beautiful her voice really is. Who wouldn't want to be watching a movie and have any of these songs sung by Linda captivate you and take you to a place maybe you wouldn't have been. The songs are all beautiful. The whole cd feels like a movie all by itself. SOUNDTRACK should be purchased by all who love the movies and who doesn't love a good movie? If a cd (not from a movie) could be nominated for an Oscar, this would be the winner! Congratulations to Linda and all who were involved in the making of this beauiful collection of songs.