Probably no surprise, but I enjoyed Block's CD (haven't heard any of the Gets). Trying to be objective, though, I do think it's worth a listen--most of the songs have never been released before, and songs that have, like "I Will Always Love You," are re-envisioned rather than just covered.
IMO, the best cuts are:
Something Beautiful
I Will Always Love You
15 Pounds (Away From My Love)
The Hardest Part of Love
Because I Am a Wife
Smart Women
I enjoy most of the album (though there's something about "One Day" I find--well, "untuneful" may not be the word, but it's discordant or something. It's the only song I dislike, for that reason). I was a little (and unfairly) disappointed by a couple of songs--"Gotta Start Small" and "Never Neverland"--only because I preferred the live versions I heard her sing at Birdland. "Invention" is tongue-twistery and impressive, and I think "Making Good" might be the same track released on the special release of the Wicked cast recording. I also really enjoy "The Human Heart" (love her use of a background choir of Broadway actors; think she's worked with most, if not all, of them) and "Life Starts Clapping"; I just wouldn't rank them among the "best" (for me) listed above.
One of the most impressive things about the album--besides the starpower of the composers, who surely must respect Block as both an artist and a person to record with her--is the versatility of her voice and vocal styles. If you listen to the minute-long or so sample of each song on Amazon; that'll probably give you a better idea of whether it will be to your taste.
Updated On: 6/16/09 at 12:05 AM
