BWW CD Reviews: Anika Larsen's SING YOU TO SLEEP is Comforting

Currently wowing audiences eight times a week as the sassy and tenacious Cynthia Weil in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, Anika Larsen recently released her debut solo album, SING YOU TO SLEEP. Sprinkling in subdued jazz, Anika Larsen invites us to loosen our ties, kick off our shoes, and cuddle up with her gentle crooning as we listen to the deliciously soothing SING ME TO SLEEP.

The dreamy album is perfectly titled in that it offers a comforting collection of tunes that lull the listener into the warm arms of slumber. Normally when a critic would state that something put me to sleep, it'd be a snarky jab. Yet, this is Anika Larsen's end goal, and the wondrously calming album achieves this with deft precision. SING YOU TO SLEEP isn't a sleep inducing product because it is boring or dull. It actually is a charming album that simply seems to slow time as each passing song seems to utilize a slower tempo than the number that preceded it. After a busy day on Manhattan, or anywhere else in the world, there simply is not a better modern album to help one unwind.

With stunning clarity, Anika Larsen sweetly vocalizes on classic likes "Summertime" (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward) and "Baby Mine" (Frank Churchill/Ned Washington). She also turns more contemporary hits, such as "Fields of Gold" (Sting /Gordon Sumner and Dusan Bogdanovic) and "Make You Feel My Love" (Bob Dylan), into enticing lullabies. Each track features Anika Larsen's sparkling and crisp soprano, which radiates with nurturing warmth. It also comfortably cradles us in each of the melodies as we drift away from the struggles of life.

As an album, SING YOU TO SLEEP perfectly showcases just how beautiful Ankia Larsen's voice truly is. It also serves as a splendid example of how lovely passionately produced art can be. You won't find yourself tapping your toes, snapping your fingers, or dancing around you living room to Ankia Larsen's SING YOU TO SLEEP. However, you will find yourself cozying up in your favorite place and letting every worry slip away as her voice and artistry gently relaxes you.

Yellow Sound Label released Anika Larsen's SING YOU TO SLEEP both digitally and physically on December 9, 2014. It can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold.

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