Cyndi Lauper preview

Cyndi Lauper
Chicago Theatre, Chicago
Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 girl-power anthem “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” lives on in both clubs and You Tube and has been known to blare from the hallway PA system of Chicago’s own Mother McAuley, the largest Catholic all-girls high school in the country, during its annual spirit week celebration.

The same doesn’t apply to Lauper’s latest crop of tunes featured on Bring Ya To The Brink (Epic), the “unusual” singer’s first studio album of original material in 12 years. The explicit language on “Same Ol’ Story” alone would have the nuns in a tizzy.

Brink finds Lauper going one step further than Cher’s foray into dance music on her 1998 comeback album, Believe. Did we miss the memo that states artists over 50 must wrap all new songs in a sheath of electronica?

“Lyfe” grooves like Sade on speed (and not in a good way) while the aforementioned “Story” rings and buzzes like a pinball machine. If roller rinks were still in vogue, “Set Your Heart” would accompany four-wheeled fancy footwork like bananas and peanut butter. “Grab A Hold” could be the missing B-side to Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough,” and “Rain On Me” finally focuses on Lauper’s uniquely pitch-perfect vocals instead of ass shakin’.

No doubt Lauper will have every ass moving during the marathon-length True Colors Tour with guests The B-52s, Rosie O’Donnell, Carson Kressley, and more. Now in its second year, the tour shines a spotlight on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues.

— Janine Schaults

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly