CYNDI LAUPER
HAT FLL OF STARS
JUNE 30, 1993
Lyrically dedicated to the social issues of the day, this disc is strong in musicality. Each of her previous releases came at 3 year increments, but she took an extra year putting this album together and it shows in her growing out of the pop world into a more mature sound. A Night to Remember tried to deviate too quickly, leaving her fans standing on the side of the road as she drove on by. This time she picks them up and lets them move on down the road, leaving no one behind.
Her writing contributions have increased as she is involved in every song on Hat Full of Stars. "Who let in the Rain" is drenched in soul, allowing Lauper to show off her changing vocal style. It still holds on to some of the pop dance beats of the 80's but slowly grows away, just not fast enough to be less a part of this album.
"That's what I Think" opens with some scratching and some album crackle sounds that have been lost since the CD explosion. This is the only song in which she brings out her vocal style from She's so Unusual, and with each track it evolves into a cultivated piece of musical growth.
"Who let in the Rain" is a soulful number that needs no time to grow on the listener as Lauper's smooth vocals are instantly appealing. It is rare that I approve of artists who use their own voices as the sole background vocals. This is one of those rare exceptions, as Cyndi changes her pitch enough in the background tracks to transition the listener’s ear enough that if feels real.
The beautifully written "Sally's Pigeons" is an emotional roller-coaster of what Lauper grieves of what used to be so many years before. Daydreaming of what used to be and what is no longer in reach, a note left in an old diary brings flowing back the innocence lost. Cyndi's voice breathes a maturity that parallels the song perfectly. "Like I used To" is a heavily bass oriented, pop-driven song that breaks down MICHAEL JACKSON's "The Way you make me Feel" while channeling his unique way of delivery.
Overall, this disc has great continuity and shows Lauper in another light other than just a pop star. She is taking each release more seriously than the last and refusing to let her fans down. Parlay on the road, Cyndi, as you have fans for life!!!!
2/25/11