Idina Menzel CD Review

Again: this is not a published review, but it's also an album I can't pass up.

Idina Menzel
I Stand Review

Grade: A

The Wicked Witch of the West has left the world of Oz and offered a heart full of life-story music to our world instead.

Idina Menzel’s 10-song pop album offers incredible comfort and hope, holding the ability to change the tune of any listener.

One listen to Menzel’s album could convince any brokenhearted ex that yes, it was indeed “Better To Have Loved” than not at all. And listeners in a rocky relationship will find their company in the misery tracks “Forever” and “I Feel Everything”.

Couples will not feel left out; in love ballad “Where Do I Begin?” Menzel proves that even catchy pop songs can be completed with an orchestral musical background.

Those of us looking for the reason to keep going, give “Gorgeous” a try and remember just why life is sweet indeed.

Don’t worry, romantic cynics - not all songs are based on relationships. Menzel also offers a hand to the listener down in the dumps with “I Stand”. The chorus lines sound like a life’s purpose chant, perfect for any needing inspiration:

“Cause I stand for the power to change/I live for the perfect day/I love till it hurts like crazy/I hope for a hero to save me/I stand for the strange and lonely/I believe there's a better place/I don't know if the sky is heaven/But I pray anyway.”

Classical track “Brave” begins with “I don't know just where I'm going/And tomorrow is a little overwhelming/And the air is cold and I'm not the same anymore”; and without effort Menzel cuts straight to the heart of the track, “At least it's the first day of the rest of my life/I can't be afraid 'cause it's my turn to be brave?

Menzel’s voice soars through “Don’t Let Me Down”. Despite the love implications, she has a knock for throwing out lessons a bit deeper than simple love stories: “And if time stood still/If I can't be my teacher/No one ever will”.

In fact, just when the album imitates pop happiness, Menzel rolls out with “My Own Worst Enemy” – nothing but a lament to how, despite the protections of her close family and friends, Menzel and any relating fans will just hurt themselves in the end.

“Perfume and Promises” is the poetic touch to finish off the masterpiece: it is vague; it leaves listeners to struggle with their own meaning; and is complete with comparisons with being drunk and high on life. If Menzel can bottle her own success and hold it close, there’s bound to be more that she can give back to her listeners.