Ridin’ down a country road with Cyndi Lauper

HERMITAGE, TN - MARCH 15: Singer Cyndi Lauper speaks during a press conference for her new country album 'Detour' on March 15, 2016 in Hermitage, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images)

By Gail Reynolds, Rock At Night Tampa Correspondent

Review: Cyndi Lauper’s Detour album
Cyndi Lauper has earned popularity and respect over the decades because of her ability to evolve and surprise while retaining her artistic integrity.   Her latest CD, Detour, is aptly named because of its  unexpected departure from the genres we  associate with her. However, in recent interviews Lauper notes that country and western music was an integral part of her musical upbringing.

The dozen songs she chose  well represent the roots and spectrum of C&W over the 40s, 50s and 60s. Each is a standout because of the backup of top notch musicians and guests artists including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson,  and Alison Krauss.

Several selections are toe-tapping upbeat gems. Homage is paid to Patsy Montana in “I Want To Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” featuring Jewel’s killer yodeling. Lauper  and Vince Gill adopt the of Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty in the dialogue duet “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” including the playfully bashing banter of the song’s original icons.

The classics of heartache, quintessential country, are also well represented.  All selections showcase Cyndi Lauper’s astounding vocal range.  Detour reinforces her well-deserved acclaim and place in modern music history.

Track Listing
1. “Funnel Of Love”
2. “Detour” – Featuring Emmylou Harris
3. “Misty Blue”
4. “Walkin’ After Midnight”
5. “Heartaches By The Number”
6. “The End Of The World”
7. “Night Life” – Featuring Willie Nelson
8. “Begging To You”
9. “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” – Featuring Vince Gill
10. “I Fall To Pieces”
11. “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” – Featuring Jewel
12. “Hard Candy Christmas” – Featuring Alison Krauss

Videos

 

“Funnel of Love” on CBS Saturday Sessions

Then there is a complete sampler from the CD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqQ5nhegVUQ

 

You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly

Gail Reynolds