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Elaine spent much of the seventies, eighties and nineties in London's West end theatres, acting and singing in various musicals. She was the first actress to play Evita, so the classic song Don't cry for me Argentina will forever be associated with her, even though Julie Covington had the British number one hit with it. Elaine was also the first to play the role in Cats that involved singing Memory, another song that has become a classic - even Barbra Streisand covered it.

Memory and Don't cry for me Argentina are the standout tracks on this collection, which is filled with songs from Elaine's favorite stage productions. Elaine was only a chorus singer in Hair and Jesus Christ superstar, but used this album as an excuse to record Good morning starshine and I don\t know how to love him. Another suitcase in another hall is a song from Evita, but it was not part of Evita's role, so Elaine did not sing it on stage. Again, this album gives her the opportunity to sing it.

The remaining songs are from shows that didn't feature Elaine, who actually auditioned for Chorus line but failed to get the role that would have required her to sing What I did for love. I cannot fault Elaine's performance on this or any other song here. For me, this is Elaine's finest original album, but so it should be as it defines her career.

Tracks

Memory
Be on your own
Another suitcase in another hall
Send in the clowns
Running back for more
Good morning starshine
Don't cry for me Argentina
I don't know how to love him
What I did for love
One night only
Losing my mind
Tomorrow

This is not the best Elaine Paige CD for the casual listener. Ardent fans will love her, others my find the arrangements not to their taste. For those, 'Sweet Memories' would be a better selection.