It's No Secret Anymore
The marvelous voice of Linda Eder takes center stage in her fourth solo album, recorded when the singer was seven months pregnant. Frequently compared toBarbra Streisandfor her combination of vocal power and sensitivity, Eder swings ("You Never Remind Me"), is torchy ("Romancin' the Blues"), and even does a good impression ofCeline Dion("Even Now"). Unlike Streisand, however, Eder is strongly associated with a single composer--her husband, pop-Broadway manFrank Wildhorn, whose songs with lyricistJack Murphycontinue to dominate Eder's repertoire onIt's No Secret Anymore. Of particular interest here are four songs from the yet-to-be-produced showHavana--a not-surprising combination of bombast, balladry, and Latin dance-pop.  Wildhorn's work usually receives mixed reviews, but no question it sounds best when sung by Eder. For unconvinced critics, there is also one non-Wildhorn song on this album, theArlen-Mercerclassic "One for My Baby," that proves that Linda Eder can sing just about anything.--David Horiuchi