Artist: Idina Menzel
Title: Drama Queen (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheryl Lynn, Cher, ABBA
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel conjures up the groundbreaking dance music of the late 1970s and early '80s on her aptly-titled Drama Queen. The album is a true departure from her six past albums, but the aptly-dubbed "Queen of Broadway" brings bona fide vocal firepower and joy to the collection of dance floor-minded anthems on the nine-track album.
The lead track "Move" immediately immerses the listener into an infectious disco moodscape, the driving beat catapulting the song forward with every beat. The contemporary R&B track "Beast," ABBA-styled gem "Dramatic," soulful "Paradise" (the latter featuring guest vocals and cool guitar work from Nile Rodgers), funky "Make Me Hate Me" and soaring "Funny Kind of Lonely" further expand Menzel's reach across the outstanding album.
In addition to Menzel's talents as a great vocalist and songwriter, a slew of global hitmakers (including the aforementioned Rodgers as well as Jake Shears, Eren Cannata, Simon Wilcox, Lindy Robbins, Michelle Zarlenga and others) bring their skills to elevate the ambitious project. While so much music today is focused on the dangers of romance, self doubt and turmoil across a divided planet, there is something to be said for a stellar collection of songs geared toward escape and the lure of the dance floor.
Menzel is set to headline the Palm Springs Pride Festival on Nov. 4, 2023.
Information: idinamenzel.com.
Robert Kinsler
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