Search - Patti Labelle :: Way Up There

The voice of an angel!

Cryptic Critic "Kevin" | Central Florida, United States | 05/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"During a time in which overdubbed, manufactured, recycled, uninspired pop music seems to be rampantly popular, we all should feel blessed and thank the Lord for the angelic voice of Ms. Patti LaBelle. She absolutely soars on this song. There are three versions of "Way Up There" featured on this disc: the first, a pop version that will have you on the verge of tears or completely balling by the time it has finished; the second, a gospel version where Patti takes us on a mind trip to church; and the third, a gospel choir version that is just as beautiful and heartwrenching as the pop version. Patti does not sing on the gospel choir version, but that is no reason to ignore it.
Once you have listened to this single, if there was any doubt in your mind, you will then know that Patti LaBelle is a force to be reckoned with. Artists (and I use the term loosely) like Britney Spears, Kelly Osbourne, Mandy Moore, Anshanti and Avril Lavigne all wish they even had HALF of Patti's talent. None of them come close. If you choose to buy this CD, you will not be disappointed. You can trust me on that."

Gospel...once again Patti takes us way up there!

Herbert Ferdinand | Frankfurt/Main | 01/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kicking off with heavy support by Gospel choir first slowly...then singing her heart out, we know that once again Miss Patti has delivered another masterpiece. The slightly extended second version starts off differently... showing Miss Patti can do a fast take-off by showing all her incredible voice can do.
Third track tells us why Patti doesn`t fear good voices around her...this great choir is amazingly performing the song on its own. But as always: When Patti shows up...u know who still rules after all these years: 2002 grammy awards appearance in the middle of today`s Christina, Pink, Mya, Lil Kim and Missy showed us all, who does Lady Marmelade best...did`nt she?"

Maybe we can't get way up there...but Patti almost takes us

Matt G. Leger | Atlanta, GA United States | 12/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even if "Way Up There" were only serving its original intended purpose - to commemorate the centennial of the Wright brothers' first step on the journey into space, and an overall anthem for America's space program - this would be a powerful piece of music, especially with Patti LaBelle's amazing voice propelling it. But now, as a memorial to seven lost astronauts and a benefit single whose proceeds go to aid their families, it packs an emotional wallop no one could possibly have expected when NASA first commissioned its composition.I have bought it and listened a dozen times already, and each time when Patti reaches the key change and really lets us have it with all the power of that gospel-trained soprano behind it, I still get a chill up my spine and a lump down my throat and tears in my eyes. In her hands, this song becomes quite literally a prayer for seven brave souls, for all of humanity...something truly magnificent and holy even to this longtime agnostic. As her voice soars, we soar with her, with them, above the clouds to the edge of space where it all really does look like one world with no borders.The song has been nominated for a Grammy Award; if there is any justice in this universe, Patti will win. And if you want to really be moved, go to NASA.gov and download the QuickTime movie of Patti singing the song during the memorial service last winter at Washington National Cathedral, intercut with footage of the last days of the Columbia crew's lives prior to and during that final, fateful mission. I defy you to watch it and not bawl like a newborn as I did.Buy this. I promise you will be eternally glad you did."