Classic Eighties Music Review - Cindi Lauper - She's so Unusual

In 1983 when Cyndi Laupers - She's so Unusual album was released, MTV was in its infancy ,and all us pre-teens and teeny boppers loved to watch Cyndi dance around the streets, with her crazy hairdo and colorful red outfit, reminding us all that "Girls just wanna have fun". Every time I heard this song I wanted to get up and dance around. It is the kind of timeless song that never loses its umph. Even today listening to this song makes me want to dance my cares away.

Money changes everything - is a vastly different song. The tune is still catchy but the lyrics are more serious examining the changes that occur when money enters the picture. It's a reflection of how life changes with the addition of dollars. This song's lyrics are simple but the message is deep. When you become a success you have to leave old ways behind and of course the decisions are often made by those who hold all the cards. "We think we know it all - but we don't know a thing."

When you were mine. -The song is reportedly written by Prince, but Cyndi gives this ballad heart. Belting it out heart and soul. The emotion of the song can really be felt by the listener. Her unique voice just adds to the songs intensity. It is a great song in that it's not your depressed stay in bed tune, yet you can still feel the bitter bite of rejection.

Time after time - The songs deeply nostalgic lyrics, and promise of dedication, transcends age and time. The Bittersweet lyrics about leaving behind a friend or lover, with the promise of always being there somewhere in the background. "If your lost, you can look, and you will find me" This is still one of my favorite tracks. It is still widely played on radio. This song was nominated for Song of the year at the 1985 Grammy Awards and was a number one hit in 1984.

Cyndi pushes the limits a bit with She Bop. The song is meant to shake up beliefs about masturbation. The Lyrics imply that everyone does it "She bop, he bop - a wee bop - I bop - you bop a - they bop" It's a unique and defiantly creative way to get her point across. Cyndi lets loose a few giggles in the song as well as if to mock the stigma associated with masturbation. I must say I admire the way the song attempts to tiptoe around its true topic. She Bop is one of those songs that you get stuck in your head because of its catchy tune and lyrics.

All through the night - is a softer more lullaby like song where Cyndi's softer side is emphasized by the repititous instrumentals and soft lyrics. This song always reminds me of Halloween. I think it's because of the line "Stray cat is crying, so stray cat sings back."

Witness - upbeat tempo, acoustic sound, and repetitious lyrics. This song is Cyndi's venture into reggae style of music. It's differs from her other tracks on the album but she does a great job. I like this song it's just different than the other songs on this album. It is a pleasant surprise.

He's so unusual - I would describe this song as perfect for Cyndi Lauper. Her voice so resembles that of Helen Kane. It's a cover of the original 1920's version it sounds remarkably like the original. It's astounding to listen to this song. You could be listening to Betty Boop. This was my first impression of the song while listening to it on Cassette tape.

Yeah Yeah - Rock and Roll meets pop. Not one of her most interesting songs. It feels like a song created near the end of the album and she needed one more song. Definitely not her best work. In Fact she's almost screaming in places as opposed to singing. Not much to offer in the lyrics department either. It's one of those songs you tolerate because it's on the album or you fast-forward through because it's awful.

I'll Kiss You - More rock and roll beats but it seems Cyndi tries harder in this one. A bit more interesting, but not enough to call it good. She'd have done better to stick with the pop genre instead of trying too hard to cross over into the almost punk - metal- rock sound of these two tracks. It seems Cyndi was feeling nostalgic and wanted to return to her old style of music.

She's So Unusual was Cyndi Laupers debut album and the album that earned her staying power. Originally released in 1983 she's so unusual resulted in four classic chart toppers, a Grammy for best new artist and five Grammy nominations. Cyndi was certainly a character, with her bright colored mis-matched outfits, and her often curious hairstyles. Not many artists from that era have the staying power of Cyndi Lauper. Her songs are still widely heard today more than two decades later. When you think of Classic Eighties Music Cyndi Lauper personifies the title.

For those interested in purchasing She's So Unusual you can visit the following sites:

www.amazon.com ($7.97)

www.barnesandnoble.com ($7.99)

www.walmart.com ($11.88)

www.kmart.com ($9.99)

www.bestbuy.com (remastered $11.99)

For more info on the artist the following websites are excellent resources which I found helpful in compiling my data for this review.

www.wikipedia.com

www.80smusiclyrics.com

www.cyndilauper.com