Idina Menzel is not known for being a pop artist. Rather, she is most classically known for originating two modern Broadway dream roles: the outspoken lesbian Maureen in the long-running Rent, and the misunderstood Elphaba in Wicked, a role that garnered Menzel a Tony award. Throughout her musical theater career, Menzel attempted to capitalize on her fame and go for pop stardom; her first swing at bat was a frazzled alternative album that couldn't find a proper fan base, the second attempt was a collection of Broadway cover ...
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Idina Menzel is not known for being a pop artist. Rather, she is most classically known for originating two modern Broadway dream roles: the outspoken lesbian Maureen in the long-running Rent, and the misunderstood Elphaba in Wicked, a role that garnered Menzel a Tony award. Throughout her musical theater career, Menzel attempted to capitalize on her fame and go for pop stardom; her first swing at bat was a frazzled alternative album that couldn't find a proper fan base, the second attempt was a collection of Broadway cover songs, something that never materialized into success. Thus, twelve years after Menzel first graced the stage as Maureen, Menzel releases I Stand. In order to create the perfect pop album, she drafted Glen Ballard, the producer best known for his work on the 16-times platinum Alanis Morisette album Jagged Little Pill. Along with Ballard, Menzel co-wrote most of the lyrics and created a set of pop songs for her most mainstream release yet. Ultimately, the result is a mixed bag. Menzel's voice is staunchly characteristic; it doesn't necessarily format to the catchy synthetics of 2007, and the songs feel inconsistent. "Where Do I Begin?" is awkward at times, as Menzel's musical roots funnel through. The tracks scatter between pop, adult contemporary, and Broadway. On that note, though, a lovely remix of the much acclaimed show tune "Defying Gravity" is pleasant on this collection of tunes. "Brave" is an empowering personal ballad which is a marvel; it's a better version of an American Idol finale song, minus the corny confetti. Plus, the dance track "Gorgeous" is a strong, upbeat number which flows in a similar vein to Kelly Clarkson's "You Found Me." Unfortunately, many of the tracks are impressive but not impressionable. "Forever," "My Own Worst Enemy," and "Better to Have Loved" are indistinguishable among one another. And at only 11-tracks long, Menzel really needed to make a stronger mark on the songs in order to impress a listener. Yet some tracks manage to characterize her better than others, "I Stand" is a personal tune that glistens with potential, and "Don't Let Me Down" is a piano-influenced, midtempo piece that appeals to both a younger and older crowd while maintaining artistic creativity. Finally, "Perfume and Promises" is the most "Menzel" track on the album; it characterizes her best. Ironically, she didn't even pen it, yet it dazzles and spins her voice into a weaving ballad of love and pain. Unfortunately, it is one of too few, and there isn't enough creative definition; Ballard smoothed out Menzel's edges too much, to the point where she falls into the crowd of solid yet insatiable artists who are pleasant, if not punching. Menzel deserves mounds and heaps of praise, and I Stand shows much potential in the big-voiced wonder; the tunes, however, don't support her talent and potential. ~ Matthew Chisling, Rovi
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Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $0.99, good condition, Sold by Warner Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Girard, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner Bros..
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Seller's Description:
Originally released: 2008. Ex library copy. Moderate wear on CD/Case. (W2) Typical library, stampings, markings, stickers etc Please note CD Case is not the typical jewel case, but a heavy duty plastic jewel case!
Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $2.45, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milwaukee, WI, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner Bros..
Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $3.45, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner Bros.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $3.45, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner Bros..
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All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $3.98, very good condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner Bros..
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Seller's Description:
Ballard/Menzel; Bassett/Menzel; Blunt/Vettese; Menzel. Very Good. Used-Very Good Condition. Case and disc(s) is in great condition with no significant scratches or marks. Includes original artwork and liner notes when applicable.
Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $3.98, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner Bros..
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Ballard/Menzel; Bassett/Menzel; Blunt/Vettese; Menzel. Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $4.79, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner Bros.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $5.90, like new condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner Bros.
Add this copy of I Stand to cart. $6.00, very good condition, Sold by ARI Garage Sales rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Orlando, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Warner Bros.