Search - Lisa Richard :: Born to Entertain

Buy this CD. Now.

03/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Born to Entertain" is like "Martha Stewart Living"...it's full of good things. Lisa is one of those rare performers who strikes that delicate balance between capability and ingenuity. That is to say, in her eminently professional hands we feel safe and relaxed, able to float on the music because she's taken care of everything. On the other hand, none of these songs ever decline into merely listenable. Sometimes, especially with standards, it's easy to tune out. But Lisa's original interpretations keep you guessing...and smiling at each of her discoveries. It's as if she just lifted each song, shiny and brand-new, out of its plastic wrapper. "Since You Stayed Here" is heartbreaking and achingly true. "Downtown" is a HOOT that keeps you asking "Is she serious?" even as you can't help groovin'! And if you're not singing along to "Back on Base" and "You Can Always Count on Me," check your pulse 'cause you might be dead. The entire album, intelligently selected and tenderly put together, is full of little jewels just lying there for the taking. If you don't pick them up, your loss."

...and Entertain she does.

Richard B. Wood | Boston, MA | 05/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm at a bit of a disadvantage here...I discovered the throaty and powerful vocals of the beautiful Lisa Richard recently and purchased both "Born to Entertain" and "Virgin Tracks" at the same time. I've listened to both albums numerous times and while "Born to Entertain" is definitely the `first album'...it is still a great ride. It starts with "Big Time", kicking in an intro that reminds the listener of the classic big band tune "Sing sing sing." She reins in the dancing with the slower but more powerful "Since You Stayed Here." This is the first of many songs that highlight Ms. Richard's passion for love songs. But guys, be careful...many of these tunes tell it how it is in a very tongue-in-cheek way! Next the title track kicks in, and the listener gets a nostalgic feeling of being in a nightclub during the war. One can almost picture the entertainer sitting on the piano, singing to her boys a song that tells them all who she really is. But just as you get lulled into a sense of period and style, Ms. Richard changes again and "Nobody's Side" blasts through the speakers (think classic Queen) followed immediately by the old RCA phonograph sound of "Nevertheless." Her range as a performer allows her to pull this off incredibly well, and leads to more surprises later in the album, which I won't spoil. But I'll end by just saying my favorite track is "I Will Be Loved Tonight," and no, I won't tell you why!"

Modern Day Diva with a Heart of Gold

Shauna | Los Angeles, CA | 03/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this album! After seing Lisa Richard in concert, I was really excited to hear that she has a new CD. I love the way she blends guts and vulnerablity into a wonderful variety of tunes - It's like she's singing pure emotion . Gorgeous voice! I'm getting 3 more copies for my showtoonlovin' friends!"