Kelli O'Hara- "Always"

I just received Kelli O'Hara's new cd "Always" in the mail today, having pre-ordered it a few weeks ago. I believe it officially comes out May 31st. It's a really wonderful cd and I prefer it to her first solo album "Wonder in the World" (which I also love) because it has more musical theater. The highlights for me are:
"What More Do I Need?" from Saturday Night
"He Loves Me" from She Loves Me
"Always" by Irving Berlin
"This Nearly Was Mine" from South Pacific
"Finishing the Hat" from Sunday in the Park with George

They're just all great takes on wonderful songs, but those above were my favorites (on the first and second listen-through). It is especially cool to hear her sing "This Nearly Was Mine" after she spent so long in the South Pacific revival. It plays with different rhythms and is a very interesting interpretation. The whole album really showcases her incredible voice and I think I'll be listening to this one on repeat for a very long time. I just wanted to give you all a positive review in case you were on the fence about ordering this cd. It is definitely worth it! If anyone else receives it in the next few days, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the album!

I just got it recently as well - it's miles better than Wonder In The World was. Having spoken to Kelli about it, I know that she was unhappy with the way Wonder In The World was created - she was made to sing some music that she wasn't particularly fond of - but you can hear the passion behind this one. The highlights for me;

"Finishing the Hat" - Sunday In The Park With George [gorgeous... just gorgeous]
"They Don't Let You In The Opera (If You're a Country Star)" - David Rossmer & Dan Lipton [darling piece, and Kelli sings the everloving sh*t out of it]
"Always" - Irving Berlin [really shows her versatility. great jazz sound]

Overall, loved the album.