Idina Menzel - I Stand Album Review
The star of RENT and Wicked releases a delightful, heartfelt album.
May 22, 2009
Idina Menzel is one of those people who will never get enough praise. Originally from Long Island, she made her name as one of today’s most cherished Broadway divas, originating the roles of Maureen in the musical RENT, as well as originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked, which earned her a Tony award in 2004. Her powerful voice shines on her third album entitled I Stand.
What Idina Menzel Stands For
I Stand marks the first mainstream album Menzel has released, but it has been preceded by the largely overlooked Still I Can’t Stay Still and the mini release of just 6 tracks entitled Here. Her third effort, however, is much different than the previous two. I Stand packs ten songs that are pitch-perfect for a singer of Menzel’s caliber. The songs can best be described as power ballads, although the polished musical arrangements are cleverly toned down to give room for Idina’s voice to soar.
The title track opens the album, and it is a smart, beautiful song with lyrics that Idina Menzel obviously feels – and with her experience playing Maureen and Elphaba, it does seem very probable that she does stand for the strange and lonely, as well as for the power to change. Next track on the album is Better To Have Loved, which aims to showcase the power of the singer’s voice, which far surpasses the likes of any American Idol winner. The third song in the opening triptych, Brave, is possibly the best song on the album, as well as the first single. It is an emotional ballad in every sense, with lyrics that will get even the biggest cynics teary-eyed.
The rest of the songs on the album are consistently good, especially the uplifting Gorgeous and the angsty I Feel Everything. Another remarkably beautiful love song is the Vonda Shepard-esque Where Do I Begin, probably dedicated to Menzel’s husband of six years and RENT co-star, Taye Diggs.
Although it is mostly ballads that this album packs, its overall message is positive. Almost every song is about the power of love and even if the love is gone, there is bravery to be found in each and every one of us. The lyrics are impressively well written, most of them by Idina herself and everyone should find at least one or two to identify with.
Consensus
I Stand is a terrific album by one of the best voices of our time. It is a pop album that proves that pop cannot and should not be defined by various Britneys, Mileys and Jessicas. There is no electronica to distract one's attention, no syllables that repeat over and over again. This is Idina Menzel and a collection of songs she has obviously put work and effort into, songs that are an amazing testimony of her already-proven talent.
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