I have read some of the other reviews of this album- granted, not everyone likes that these aren't all new tracks. In this world of other stars who pump out 15 or so new songs where many of them sound redundant or tiring, hey, I'm happy to have some new gems and some re-done tracks by this woman with the voice of an angel. Linda Eder has so many different sounds depending on the song she sings. They can be anything from lush and soulful to resounding and downright Herculean. And then, opening up a new door, she sings a beautiful opera aria. I'm thinking, "This is a woman who never had vocal training- unbelievable!"

The Streisand comparisons keep coming up, which in most ways is a compliment to both artists. But the criticisms of some reviewers in this album don't fairly apply to Linda. Barbra never tackled Linda's level of demanding material. We overlooked the overriding nasal, wavering strength and tremoring vibrato on those long notes, etc., because we saw all the other strengths in Babs. Similarly, Linda is not perfect, but it's her sheer potential from this late bloomer- a shy farm girl from a non-musical family; it's the realization that this woman can sing anything and give audience members absolute cold chills. No comparisons!!

"Storybook" is a marvelous Wildhorn song. Up till now, the only recording of which I was aware was exquisitely done by Patti LuPone (who could, by the way, sing the telephone book and make it sound good). Hearing Linda sing this song, though, is an experience worth cherishing.

Now, to comment on the operatic endeavor at the end. As a professional singer myself, I've always known that Linda is not just a "belter," but is an exquisite soprano. She proved herself here royally - not an easy aria. Her diction was superb, and her vocal quality was captivating.

There are people who want more "new" stuff. This album is largely previously recorded, but unreleased music. Thank God her record label had the good sense to share this with Linda's fans! This compilation merely shows the many facets to Linda's great talent - from the pop sound of "Gold" to the torchy sound on "The Man that Got Away" and the loving rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Thank you, Linda and Frank!

...then look no further. If you're looking for something new, you'll find some of that, too, at least in the way of never-before-released recordings. This Angel records retrospective includes 8 tracks from Linda Eder's 1994 CD "And So Much More." Several of them have new instrumentation, including Bridge Over Troubled Water, which I absolutely love (both versions). The addition of the sax and some synth tracks on the reworked version makes it somehow deeper and fuller sounding. Some people won't like this because #1 they don't want to hear previously released material and #2 if they're stuck on the 'old' versions, they probably won't be open to the new ones.

Here are some of my favorite tracks. Track 6 (If He Never Said Hello), from Svengali. Anyone who has ever loved and lost can relate to this one. Track 10, Storybook, is reminiscent of carousels and childhood. It's the kind of song that you catch yourself humming after you hear it and laugh to yourself about it. Track 13, Bridge Over Troubled Water, has always been one of my favorite songs since Simon & Garfunkel. Linda makes it her own in this recording.

But the track that completely blew me away was #15, Vole Mon Ange. I have never heard Linda sing opera before, and didn't even know she could (although to be told so wouldn't have surprised me). Not only is this piece melodically beautiful, when you find out the interpretation (it's in French) is about angels flying, it certainly brings new meaning to the piece. The feeling when Linda hits that high C two octaves above middle C is indescribable. It's like goosebumps on your heart...truly and inspired work.

If you're not into previously released material, this may not be the CD for you. But you'll miss out on some wonderful never-before-released songs should you decide to pass it up for that reason. I'm glad I didn't!

STORYBOOK......The title itself is enough to invite listeners inside the beautifully simple, but exquisite, cover of this musical masterpiece to explore each uniquely different song. Linda Eder showcases every aspect of her amazing voice in this latest album from Angel Records and gives the the best of what she has to offer. Her talent runs deep, and the emotions she presents in these songs run even deeper. The selections were recorded in the early nineties, but they could have been recorded at any time, and they would still be a perfect listening experience. Reading the liner notes will enhance your appreciation of just what has been done with this album.

Linda Eder immediately grabs the listener with her rousing big band sound of "One Bad Habit!" From there she will take you on a delightful and very special musical journey, showcasing her fun side as well as letting you into her heart and soul with her haunting and sensitive interpretation of some beautiful ballads. "The Man That Got Away" is a fitting and incredible tribute to Judy Garland. It's sung here with a special passion. I love all the arrangements, orchestrations and interpretations of the songs, especially "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," "Smile," "All The Way," "When I Look In Your Eyes" and "Let Him Fly." What a great idea to conclude the album with an operatic aria, "Vole Mon Ange!" This is the icing on the beautifully prepared cake, and showcases even more Linda Eder's versatility. The final aria is absolutely exquisite!

The genius of so many people is evident in listening to Storybook. Linda Eder, Frank Wildhorn, Jeremy Roberts, Kim Scharnberg, Nan Knighton and Jack Murphy, among many others, you have created something really special. Congratulations!

Let me preface this by saying that I LOVE LINDA EDER and I LOVE FRANK WILDHORN. However, why does a new album by the partner of one of the most talented and prolific songwriters alive contain a line-up of music that her true fans already own??? I felt a little robbed by this. I expected that these would be "re-invented" and they aren't! Linda has a habit of re-recording songs to "fill" albums...come on, how many have "Vienna" and "Someone Like You"?? And "Broadway My Way", which has some AMAZING new recordings, also reincarnates "Gold", "A New Life", "Unusual Way", and "Man of La Mancha".

Linda, your fans want to buy your music because you are a talented performer and your husband is a talented writer. Give us what we deserve...new music. Those of us who have been your fans since the first album and the concept recording of J&H deserve a little more respect than this album shows.