After a half-decade performing on- and off-Broadway, New York-based actor and singer/songwriter
Margo Seibert issued her solo debut effort,
77th Street. Named after her first address in the city, the album is a snapshot of
Seibert's various influences from the worlds of theater and pop, a combination of covers and passionate originals. The central draw to the project is
Seibert's powerful voice, which can both soothe and soar, echoing artists like
Joni Mitchell,
Kate Bush,
Annie Lennox, and
Tori Amos. On the pleasant and dainty theater side,
Seibert delivers straightforward versions of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "It Might as Well Be Spring" from State Fair and "Something's Coming" from West Side Story. Meanwhile, her pop covers offer more exciting interpretations, such as her
Tori Amos-ified piano cover of
Tears for Fears' "Head Over Heels" and her rocking takes on
Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock" and
Nirvana's "All Apologies." A third of
77th Street allows
Seibert to shine with her own originals, which stand as tall -- if not taller -- than the classics she decided to cover. "Make Up Your Mind" bubbles with a light groove and rich narrative imagery, while the dreamy "Vera Byrd" elevates with sweetness and warmth. Elsewhere, "77th Street" recalls the '90s Lilith Fair era with its chugging guitars and rocking delivery. However, it's the emotionally devastating centerpiece, "Whitman" -- dedicated to her late sister -- that perfectly combines her vocal prowess, songwriting technique, and rich storytelling ability.
77th Street is a fine start for the multi-hyphenate, hinting at deep possibilities as a solo star. ~ Neil Z. Yeung