Idina Menzelâs new album, âidina.,â is missing the spark listeners have heard from her in fan favorites like âFrozenâ and âWicked.â
Released Sept. 23, âidina.â guides listeners through cheesy tracks that try too hard to appeal to a general audience. But what Menzel may lack in songwriting ability, she makes up for with stunning vocals that remind us why listeners will never stop loving her.
The consistent themes throughout âidina.â focus on finding home and losing someone close. Menzel considers this her most personal album, and with the songsâ somber tones and empowering messages, it will most likely be used to console the breakups of âfanzelsâ everywhere.
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Menzel tries to capture the essence of âslayingâ in her single âQueen of Swords.â She sounds like a completely different singer compared to her other songs on the album, and she uses the song to empower listeners as an anthem for women. The songâs intent is positive, but the outcome disappoints: Her lyrics feel fake and heartless, as if she doesnât support what sheâs singing at all.
The overall message of the song is actually quite uplifting. Using lyrics like âDonât go asking me for apologies,â Menzel encourages listeners to be anything they want to be without having any reservations. If she had kept the message simple, without polluting the song with endless âla la lyâ sequences, maybe listeners wouldâve believed her more heartfelt words.
This pattern of positive intent with negative results repeats in songs like âCake,â where itâs easy to determine Menzel is trying too hard to mold herself into the pop genre instead of sticking to her strong suit: the ballad.
Her single âI See You,â released Aug. 5, shows off her strength in an emotional ballad that hits home. Menzel devotes the track to listeners who are feeling hopeless, as she sings, âto those that got lost along the way / I see you.â The vulnerability in her voice, alongside the strength of the simple orchestral accompaniment, makes for an ideal expression of the pain of being forgotten or overlooked. Itâs an honest track, especially in comparison with other tracks, and listeners can tell Menzel was able to reach into her soul for this one.
Others â for example, âLike Lightningâ â bring an interesting element to her album, shedding light on the journey of finding identity. Its memorable bass line and ability to make listeners move to the beat add a positive, warmhearted track to âidina.â
With experience like hers â from âRentâ to âGleeâ and numerous productions on Broadway â Menzel is normally able to create albums of her original work while still maintaining her reputation. While she clearly attempts to get her sound out to a broader audience, listeners may ask how much âidina.â was genuinely created by her.
Though Menzelâs final product is cliche and obviously a staunch effort to appeal to the general public, her stunning vocals throughout make it easy to overlook the attempted pop sound.
However, a glitch like a poorly put–together album will barely touch this established Broadway legend. We can âLet it Goâ this time around.