BWW CD Reviews: Laura Benanti's IN CONSTANT SEARCH OF THE RIGHT KIND OF ATTENTION Is Sweet, Fun, and Quirky

Anyone who has ever visited Laura Benanti's Twitter page knows she is cute, sweet, funny, and quirky. Her new solo album released by Broadway Records, IN CONSTANT SEARCH OF THE RIGHT KIND OF ATTENTION - LIVE AT 54 BELOW, is just that. Cute, sweet, funny and quirky. It's extremely refreshing how representative the record is of her personality.

The album is without embellishments. It is live, and all Laura. Fans will love how intimate the album is and its live element.

Benanti's vocals soar on the record's 24 tracks that include introductions and her commentary on her music and television career. On the album, Benanti provides an adorable run down of her canceled shows and her incredible relationship with the people she worked with. Intros like "Canceled!" capitalize on Benanti's idiosyncrasies, incredible quick wit, and all around good heartedness.

The intimate and unconventional nature of the album is not the only unique element it boasts. Another admirable quality of Benanti's record is its variety of music. The tracks are not strictly showtunes, nor pop tunes, nor original music. Instead, the dynamo dabbles in all genres of music, featuring Broadway classics like "On the Street Where You Live," here rewritten to "On the Street Where I Lived," and rock classics like Joni Mitchell's "He Comes for Conversation." Still, Benanti makes these songs her own by putting her own unique spin on them. Her sped up, fun take on "On the Street Where You Live" will surely be a fan favourite.

Benanti owns "I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore" from GIGI, belting the tune in a way that makes you want to get up and dance. When is the last time a good ol' fashioned classic showtune made you want to get up and dance? Thought so. Needless to say, Benanti's remarkable energy makes all these classic tunes exciting, fun, and a pleasure to listen to.

Some original music written by Benanti herself even made its way onto the recording. "The Ukulele Song" is hysterical. It's lyrics are adorable, funny, and totally relatable. A lyric from the song is "Your dress is tucked into your tights." Yeah, been there, done that.

In another departure from the oldies, Benanti performs a vocally impressive medley of Lana Del Rey's "Starry Eyed" and "Video Games," which might be the most dynamic track on the album. The tune is incredible, and Benanti kills it in the best way possible. There is no other way to summarize the quality of this song that showcases Benanti's clear range as a singer.

If there is anything we can take from IN CONSTANT SEARCH OF THE RIGHT KIND OF ATTENTION - LIVE AT 54 BELOW, it's that Laura Benanti just gets it. A dynamo, Benanti will have you grinning ear to ear as you listen to her upbeat rendition of old songs and tapping your toes to her distinctive sound and energy.

Laura Benanti's IN CONSTANT SEARCH OF THE RIGHT KIND OF ATTENTION - LIVE AT 54 BELOW can be purchased on Amazon and iTunes.

Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter-Keddy

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