Cyndi Lauper is an icon in nearly every sense of the world. Her wild hairstyles, feverishly flamboyant in all their neon glory, is a distinct calling card she’s continued to this day ever since introducing punk fashion into the pop mainstream. Her work as an advocate for the LGBTQ community during a time when it wasn’t en vogue has aged incredibly well. if there’s one thing that has been consistent with Lauper throughout her career (and especially throughout She’s So Unusual) it is that her music celebrates the individual in all of us, shining a light on the idiosyncrasies that make us all unique. And I adore her for that.
Known for her incredible four-octave vocal range that skyrockets to the moon at a moments notice, Lauper’s singing chops are on full display throughout the entirety of She’s So Unusual. There are some incredible high moments here (who can forget the near glass-bursting notes of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” or the operatic freelance at the end of “All Through the Night”) that simply dazzle. It’s all laid out over a distinctly 80’s hodge-podge of musical influences, from rockabilly to punk to rock n’ roll to electronica to ska to power pop. And it totally works— despite the ground covered here, every single note feels distinctly tied together and cohesive. It is unequivocally Cyndi Lauper.
For me the highlight of this album always has been (and always will be) “Time After Time”. It’s hard to put into words how much this song has meant to me over the years– between Lauper’s vocals, the dreamy synths, the gorgeous bass line, the reverb soaked guitar lines, the notes of nostalgia are everywhere. It’s message about the willing sacrifice you’ll make for those you love is as timeless as it is poignant. It’s the ultimate love song and one one that has hit home in an entirely new way watching my two beautiful kids grow up in front of my eyes. It makes me emotional every time I hear it. And I hope that never changes.
Come for the hits, but stay for the deep cuts. She’s So Unusual is a rock solid record from one of pop music’s true originals.
Standout Songs: “Time After Time”, “Girls Just Want to Have fun”, “All Through the Night”
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