Vonda Shepard

Heart And Soul: New Songs From Ally McBeal Featuring Vonda Shepard

Life Lessons From A Sitcom Perspective

Review Score:

(8/10)
There is usually a vast, gaping chasm of difference between a viewer's reaction to music played for dramatic effect in a visual medium and the same music heard without the distractions of sight and sympathy for TV characters. But this CD is the rare exception: Vondra Shepard's music is better than the show which has made her a household name.

Does anyone remember Vondra's 1987 duet with Dan Hill, "Can't We Try"? This woman has been producing quality singer/songwriter fare for nearly 14 years! As a matter of fact, the hit single from this "Ally Album", "Baby Don't You Break My Heart Slow," was first recorded by Ms. Shepard in 1989! The new version however, recorded as a duet with Emily Salier of the Indigo Girls, cuts the original to pieces. Anyone who has ever attempted to start a new relationship after experiencing more than their share of train wrecks will feel a twinge of painful recognition in these lyrics.

The opposite end of the emotional scale - that of the love-lorn, yearning romantic - can be found in the album's other stand-out track, " Know Him By Heart." Here the singer seems to have no demons in the closet, only unfulfilled dreams. The simple piano backing brings the album to a nice conclusion. Although none of the cover versions of songs presented here hold a candle to their respective originals, the two songs I reviewed make this CD a definite, worthwhile addition to your collection.

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