Cyndi Lauper has taken a country “Detour” for her 11th studio album. The “Detour” album is just that as this iconic artist has gone country. Appropriately, “Detour” was recorded in Nashville and features guest appearances by some country stars, including the legendary Willie Nelson. While Lauper is following in the footsteps of many rockers and poppers tackling the country genre, she remains true to herself as her signature vocal style transcends into a host of classic country songs. “Detour” is a country follow-up to “Memphis Blues,” her 2010 collection of blues tunes from the same era.
On “Detour,” everything old is new again. These classic country songs are infused with Lauper’s charm. Her unmistakable and unwavering voice dominates the album beginning with the first track “Funnel of Love.” It’s a song she makes her own with a be-boppy bounce. The title-track, “Detour” has a notable fiddle introduction and features beautiful vocal harmonies with Emmylou Harris. The slow, bluesy “Night Life” has some stand out guitar riffs and features Willie Nelson sharing vocal duties with Lauper. While there voices don’t exactly blend, heck, it’s a country album and it’s Willie Nelson! Another guest star is Vince Gill, appearing on the upbeat “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly.”
Girls STILL just want to have fun and it’s especially evident on “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” as Lauper and special guest Jewel yodel their way into your heart. The song is vocally tremendous and while it features some great guitar picking, the highlight, however, is hearing Lauper have fun as she Yippee-Yi-Yays. The album ends with the Dolly Parton song “Hard Candy Christmas,” featuring Alison Krauss. It’s a rendition that you will likely hear on the radio this holiday season.
