Comments for Lauper, Cyndi, Sisters Of Avalon

I love Ms. Lauper and her talents. Unfortunately, this CD did not live up to my expectations, although it is not a failure. Most of the songs are less slick and smooth than on her past albums; a lot of gritty songs from the heart are what she has produced, and co-written with Jan Pulsford. Cyndi has not aged at all, and she still has the sass and pizazz she is renowned for having. "Sisters of Avalon" is a unique dance/pop/alternative song, while "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" is a dance/pop song with bluegrass undertones; a quirky little story there. "Fall Into Your Dreams" is my favorite of the album; a sensual, slower tune with modern R&B influences. Her use of fiddles on some of the songs is interesting but doesn''t always fit. "You Don''t Know" and "Love To Hate" puts Cyndi right in with the female-angst stars of the 90s like Alanis Morissette and Meredith Brooks; she sings them hard and with a lot of rebeliousness in her voice. "When Hot Gets A Little Cold" is an example of the rootsy, folkie 90s songs with acoustic guitar. "Unhook The Stars" is a funky little pop song, while "Searching" is quite a powerful song with a smooth and atmospheric arrangement; however, the song falters towards the end with annoying sounds. "Say A Prayer" is influenced by gospel, but is somewhat cute; "Mother" is a nice little tribute, and "Fearless" (the only song on the CD written solely by Cyndi) is ok. Then comes the dance/pop "Brimstone and Fire", with strong alternative undertones. The song sounds a little annoying, with weird lyrics but good arrangement (eletronic drums, used often on the CD); it seems to have a lesbian theme. SISTERS OF AVALON clearly has a lot of feminist messages and is strong in that way. Cyndi shows she is a chameleon and can change herself drastically. On the album she has banished all the candy-colored-shock-locks and songs "Girls Just Want To Have Fun", and has made a serious yet often playful CD. Certainly and by far not her best CD and not a good example of the person Cyndi Lauper has been made, it sits comfortably in a pile of mid-to-late 1990s albums, and a representation of where society and music is in 1996/1997.

New release from Cyndi Lauper. Takes off where HAT FULL OF STARS left off. A great pop CD, full of great songs and Ms. Lauper`s excellent voice.