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3 out of 5 stars

Idina Menzel, Idina. © Warner Bros.

Idina Menzel returns with single, “Small World,” ahead of her self-titled album. “Small World” is respectable if ‘middle of the road.’

Idina Menzel continues to promote Idina, due September 23, 2016.  After issuing “I See You” in August, Menzel returns with “Small World.” Like “I See You,” “Small World is uplifting and inspirational in nature.

“Small World” features beautiful production work. Like “I See You,” it is firmly planted in the adult contemporary vein. It suffers from predictability and being “middle of the road.”  The chorus is empowering:

 “Goodbye gravity / goodbye enemies / I’m going up to a place where the world is small / where I can fly above it all / If I don’t make it see my soul / from here I’m weightless / and you sound so famous / and the world is small.”

Final Thoughts

 Ultimately, “Small World” isn’t brand new. Menzel sings well, delivering a nuanced vocal performance.  That said, “Small World” itself isn’t particularly enchanting or rousing – it’s sound, but not game changing.  This song – and likely the album – will appeal to a certain fan base, but not everyone.

Idina Menzel • Idina • Warner Bros. • Release: 9.23.16
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.