Hidden Gems: "Word Is Out" by Kylie Minogue

This past week, Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue set pop hearts a-flutter with news of her new album Aphrodite and its preceding single "All The Lovers". Unfortunately, the single isn't out until June, which is two months away (although it will surely leak before then),

For those impatient Pattys who are craving anything Kylie, I have the perfect Hidden Gem for you!

Kylie's 1991 album Let's Get To It was her last with the Stock Aitken Waterman production house that made her a megastar. Even though it saw middling chart success, it shouldn't be written off. A perfect reason why is "Word Is Out", the album's lead single. Shockingly, the song sputtered out at #16, breaking an unprecedented run of 13 Top 10 singles from the beginning of her career. It must been unreasonable Kylie backlash that lead to its failure, because the song should've been a bonafide smash. It is a seamless blend of new jack swing and dance-pop, seasoned with Kylie's surprisingly soulful voice. It's also surprising that Kylie didn't try taking this to the US, considering how popular NJS was in the early 90s, thanks mostly in part to Teddy Riley. While Kylie would be most famous as a dancefloor queen, this classic also serves as a reminder that she could crank out a cool jam too.

Hidden Gems: "At The Beginning" by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis

As I've scanned my iTunes library for music I would consider Hidden Gems, I have discovered another soundtrack song.

Actually, i wouldn't say I've "discovered" it, since I played it so many times (including at this moment) that it currently sits at #45 on my Top 100 playlist.

The song is "At The Beginning" from the 1997 animated film Anastasia, performed by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis. For those in need of a refresher course, Richard Marx sang 90's staple ballad "Right Here Waiting" and Donna Lewis' breathy voice responsible for the dance hit "Always and Forever". The two joined forces for this perfectly middle-of-the-road, adult contemporary track, meant to overlay Anastasia's developing relationship with Dimitri. While some music purists would deride this song as a relic of the supposedly dreadful MOR era led by the Mariahs and Celines of the industry, this song has an undeniably rich and beautiful arrangement. The lyrics combined with makes it tailor-made for any life montage or flashback you could ever imagine (I've done it quite a few times myself). The message is also a sweet, genuine one, relayed by two very capable artists. I particularly enjoy Lewis on this track; her trademark breathy voice portray a warm, lovable innocence.

Take a listen and remember why I absolutely adore this song (maybe not more than 44 songs before it on my chart, but who really cares):

Hidden Gems: "Then You Look At Me" by Celine Dion

Today I'm introducing a new feature I'm calling Hidden Gems. These posts are focused on songs I feel deserved more than they got in either chart success or critical recognition. I'm hoping to make a few of these posts a week. They will also be easily accessible at the new Hidden Gems page at the top of the blog.

Back in 1997 and 1998, it seemed there was little that could stop the pop hurricane named Celine Dion. She ruled the airwaves with "My Heart Will Go On", she performed at every major event (including the Grammys twice), and her album Let's Talk About Love was a Diamond seller.

 Unfortunately, there is no helping the utter bombing of a film.

That is what derailed what would've been the #1 success of  "Then You Look At Me", the theme song to the Robin Williams sci-fi film Bicentennial Man. The song was supposed to be released in conjunction with the film, hoping to build off of Celine's previous soundtrack successes. A music video was even filmed for the single and released to MTV. Apparently, people weren't too taken with the story of a robot falling in love, because the film flopped badly. Presumably to save face, the single was cancelled.

That's too bad, because it is one of the best singles Celine has ever recorded. It's as cinematic in scale as "My Heart Will Go On", while still restrained and filled with class. Her voice is rich with that trademark passion, and there's even some grit to color up those soaring vocals of hers. Some may call it a typical Celine track, but with such a beautiful arrangement and stunning vocal performance, it can hardly be counted as a bad thing.

If you have forgotten the song, or have never heard it, check the video below: