"Defying Gravity, "She Stands" CD REVIEW

"Wicked's" Idina Menzel

It's hard to listen to "I Stand", the latest solo effort from Broadway's Idina Menzel and not think of well.....Broadway, but this CD works.

In the careful hands of producer, Glen Ballard, Menzel navigates each track without relying on heavy studio gimmickry to manipulate her powerful pipes. No, there are no warbles of a pop "diva" on this CD. The songs are intimate and not overproduced allowing Menzel to use her own interpretation. Her stage experience helps and gives the CD the sound of a Broadway cast recording, but does it?

There are many power ballads here and well worth the listen. The CD's title track: "I Stand", "Brave", "I Feel Everything", "Better to Have Loved" and an ironic: Forever are strong entries. What really makes the album work is that each song transitions to the next without sounding repetitive in tone or interpretation (again a credit to Producer Ballard.) Even the obligatory inclusion of a reworked "Defying Gravity" is welcome.

The perfect set of songs after a hectic day, turn down the lights, pour a glass of wine and enjoy. Menzel's "I Stand" is a new favorite. Buy this CD and I'm sure it will be yours as well.