Lopez Blogs

I love me some Deborah (back to Debbie now) Gibson, I do. For nigh on 22 years now, she's been my American Idol and although she might not have had what people class "mainstream success", she's done incredibly well in terms of carving out a career as a singer and performer. It has been about 7 years or so since her last studio album came out (the Broadway covers album Coloured Lights) and nearly 10 since her last album of original material (the amazing and underrated MYOB). So getting new music in whatever shape or form is always a treat. Sure, there's been enough odds and sods to make a somewhat disjointed album in the meantime (highlights include Sounds Like Love from Coffee Date; Someone You Love from the O'Neill Bros album and Say Goodbye, her duet with hunky spunky Jordan Knight) but Ms. Vocalist represents her first proper album since Coloured Lights. It's a collection of cover versions (or as I like to call them "interpretations") of famous Japanese pop songs sung in English. You can hear clips of all the songs above in the youtube video and I'm most reserving judgement until my import copy arrives (currently it's only available in Japan, though an iTunes release may be pending). I would, however, like to comment on 2 of the clips in particular:

1. Lost In Your Eyes (2010) ~ Forward to about 40 seconds in the video above and you get a heavenly new piano-vocal version of her 1989 US #1 smash. She's reworked the song before (for the aforementioned O'Neill Bros collaboration) in 2006 and gave it a more rhythmic feel. This takes it back to its roots and the subtle differences in the piano riff and a more mature vocal makes it a wonderful new experience - and as the clip draws to a close around 1m10s, it absolutely sounds like some new Disney movie theme. Delightful - someone get One Direction singing this on the x-factor stat!
2. Rise ~ (9m40s) I'm not sure if this is on the album or not, but it is a brand new tune from Deb that was written especially for the movie "3 Billion & Counting" (which she also scored). I am dying to hear the full version of this - it's absolutely anthemic; a cross between an Idol/X-Factor winner's song and an Olympics theme tune. Quite, quite brilliant - loving the choir. More please - and soon...

And of course, that leads me nicely into the lead single from Ms Vocalist - why not watch the video below first, then read on ;)

I'm not familiar with any of the tracks on Ms Vocalist (other than of course LIYE) so they all are going to seem new to me - and Deborah has done a brilliant version of a Japanese pop song in the past with the epic Portrait of Loneliness so I'm ready to be won over. It's an elegant ballad that wisely focuses on the piano melody and Deborah's soaring vocal. What works really well with the song is that it absolutely sounds like a Deborah Gibson tune - lyrically, it fits well with her previous canon of ballads. She also nails the vocal delivery - often with this type of ballad there is a tendancy to go wailing off all over the place. X-Factor contestants do it all the time. Sometimes less is more and the restraint in the vocal is matched perfectly by the gentle orchestral sound that softly plays behind the main tune. There is also beautiful use of violin at around the 2m10 seconds mark. Don't get me wrong - Deborah's vocal is strong when it needs to be, but is never overpowering. She uses her voice as an instrument and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the tune she sings. Love is often fire and passion and drama and energy. As demonstrated in this song, it is also the quiet moments of tenderness and intimacy that make it work. Must mention the video too - it's an understated affair but totally works. My favourite moments (especially as a pianist) are at the start where you see Deborah playing the piano and the music score flashes by. Also the violin solo mentioned previously is presented beautifully. Oh god, i'm utterly smitten...

Random Deborah Gibson thoughts:

• If Deborah were to enter the X-Factor now as an unknown contestant, she would totally nail it. She has such versatility in her vocal style that she can deliver heartbreaking ballads, theatrical magic, uptempo dance and modern day pop genius...
• Glee needs Electric Youth. It is a crime for New Directions to go to Nationals (for surely they will get there) without a big ol' dance number and Electric Youth perfectly matches the energy and message of the show. Failing that, how about a Hellcats cheer routine to it?!
• Based on the new reading of Lost In Your Eyes, I can't help but feel that Deborah would produce absolute magic if she got together with one Mr Steve Anderson...