How does one go about initiating a successful comeback?
This question has been mulled over across the decades by many artists that had a successful run early in their career and then sort of… disappeared. But no one here has forgotten Cyndi Lauper, or really noticed her absence. She has been consistently touring since her mainstream stay, and has also been putting out albums. Nothing has really reached the level of success she enjoyed in the 80's though, and so of course now it is time to ponder yet again: how does one go about initiating a successful comeback? I'll lay it out for you.
1. Embrace your audience. Cyndi has a dedicated and loyal fan base amongst gay men. And every step of the way she has done nothing to alienate them.
2. Learn from your audience. Gay men love a lot of things, and if there's one thing a gay man loves most, it's a diva.
3. Anticipate your audience. Not only has she created a successful music tour (True Colors) that combined many musical and comedic gay favorites, but she's kept her ear to the ground and picked some of the best classic, pronounced, and up-and-coming musicians and writers to produce her latest album, Bring Ya To Tha Brink.
If every musician followed those three steps, I can't see any reason why they would ever "disappear" in the first place. And so, Cyndi grabs her stilettos and marches back with her latest offering. And she's played it very smart, selecting some very talented people to help her on her way. I'll break down some of the more notable collaborations, present my feelings on the album as a whole, and then tell you what you should do with the information.
The songs
This album is practically littered with radio-friendly, dancefloor-friendly, and headphone-friendly tracks that are not only eager but willing to invade your mind at every stop. "High & Mighty," produced by dubster The Scumfrog, starts us off with a track that sneaks up on you. The production is subtle electro with a hint of folk rock, all the while with Lauper cooing and whispering some interesting lyrics overtop. She breaks down many different ways in which she would be "livin' high and mighty," among them being getting a dollar for every time she cried. "High & Mighty" (purchase / download) couldn't be a better album opener. It doesn't reveal anything about what is to follow, while at the same time telling you everything you need to know.
A new Cyndi Lauper Experience
This is unlike any Cyndi Lauper experience you've had before. The electro continues, absorbing poppier undertones in the following track, "Into the Nightlife," (purchase / download) produced by Peer Astrom. This guy rocks Lauper's vocals the way Chicane rocked both Bryan Adams and Tom Jones. This is truly a standout track, meant to express in song the sights and feel of the New York Nightlife. While the subject matter may be trite, the song itself is a pure gem. Electronic favorites Basement Jaxx take on the track, "Rocking Chair," (purchase / download) sacrificing a bit of their signature musical oddities in favor of allowing Lauper to create a more significant track of her own. Astrom also produced the eclectic pop tune "Echo," (purchase / download) a slightly slower but utterly entrancing track that moves jarringly between verse and chorus yet still drags you along the whole way. And his work with Cyndi's voice is the same here. Wonderful track. "Rocking Chair" is quirky and fun, but Cyndi herself tends to make it drag. Definitely worth a listen though, if for no other reason than the captivating lyric, "Every dress is savoir faire!"
Kleerup, from Robyn's "With Every Heartbeat," is on the bill as well, producing the pop trance tune "Lay Me Down" (purchase / download). This is a tune I am torn on, absolutely loving Kleerup's work but also feeling like Lauper tends to drag on a bit. This one needs a bit more time to process than some of the more accessible tracks earlier on. Popjustice called "With Every Heartbeat" emotronica, and I feel that "Lay Me Down" easily falls under that category. UK club favorites Digital Dog provide the dancefloor-ready bass and beats on "Give It Up," pushing Lauper into your pulse in pure electro style. "Grab A Hold" is produced by the wonderful Dragonette, supplying a counterpoint to most of the album with a swankier, alternative groove that screams "radio hit!", while also proving to be the most reminiscent of Lauper's earlier material. And pulling up the rear is Axwell's "Rain On Me," the closest thing to a ballad on Bring, gentle pianos, synths, hi-hats, and hand claps creating the sonic soundscape to a truly beautiful listen.
