Search - Various Artists :: Stage 2: Human Heart

Somewhat Lacking, But Definitely Worth A Look

C. Michael Massey | St. Louis, Missouri - USA | 02/15/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The idea of this album--gearing showtunes to a predominantly gay male audience--intrigued me, but I had my doubts about the success of anyone messing with the "sacred" music of broadway. After listening to it a few times, however, I found the disc a very pleasant surprise, showcasing talented singers and a variety of romantic broadway songs showing the many complex expressions of love.The talent of the two singers can't be denied. Tracks like #11 ("I Wish I Could Forget You/I Have A Love"), #5 ("Blame It On The Summer Night"), #4 ("Let's Not Waste A Moment"), #9 ("Old Friend") and #12 ("In Whatever Time We Have") show the two men beautifully relating the depth of the pieces they sing, ranging from sexy to wistful to melancholy (and constantly romantic).These same songs, perhaps the best on the disc, are also excellent examples of its unfortunately few effective musical arrangements. When kept simple, the pieces on the album are beautiful and graceful. When attempts are made to "jazz up" or to add "drama" to the arrangments, as in tracks #1 ("He Loves and She Loves"), #3 ("Can't Help Lovin' That Man/Something Wonderful"), and #13 ("The Human Heart"), the works unfortunately seem to fall a bit flat.Also, despite their obvious talent, certain tracks could benefit from the two men being a bit less "musical" in delivering "dialogue" portions of tracks such as #7 ("It's Never That Easy/I've Been Here Before") and a bit *more* musical in parts (usually the chorus) of tracks #1 and #10 ("Another Suitcase in Another Hall").Altogether, however, this album is worth picking up, especially if you believe in, as I do, supporting the ventures of bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgendered people. Despite its sometimes problematic delivery and arrangement, buy it for Valentine's Day, turn down the lights, curl up with your lover and wrap yourselves in each other and the sounds of love between men."

Beautiful

C. Michael Massey | 07/30/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like its predecessor Stage 1: How I Love You, Stage 2: The Human Heart is a collection of Broadway showtunes sung from a gay man's point of view. However, this record is a major improvement on the first. The arrangements on Stage 2 utilize a wider variety of insturments, giving the album a fuller and more diverse sound. The real change, though, is the stronger and more consistent performances from the vocalists: Charlie Owens, Francis Cruz, Sean Ray and Ralph Pena. Their sense of pitch and phrasing gives Stage 2 the polish Stage 1 was sometimes lacking. The album's songs are well-chosen and very tastefully done, without a hint of camp. Highlights include "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Blame It On The Summer Nights," "I've Been Here Before" and "Another Suitcase In Another Hall.""

Even better than the first one

Randy Goldberg | Yonkers, NY, USA | 04/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again the folks at DINK Records bring us a collection of Broadway love songs sung BY men TO men. The orchestrations are ever so slightly richer, the songs are (with a couple of exceptions) slightly more obscure but nevertheless gems, and the singers are stronger, with more solid vocalization.The shivers in the first album are full-fleged thrills here, as one of my favorite songs, "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" is given the gay male treatment. What Broadway queen would not nearly weep to hear a man sing "Fish gotta swim and birds gotta fly, I gotta love one man 'til I die, can't help lovin' dat man of mine"?The songs clearly run the gamut of emotions, from the helpless love of "Can't Help" to the comfortable "A Place Called Home" to the almost-bitterness of the newly dumped "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" to the bittersweet resignation of "Old Friend".Once again, a superb collection of Broadway songs."