Rating:
Genre:
Vocal Music
Release Date: 05/02/2000
Run Time: 67:14
Released in the spring of 2000 to capitalize on
Kathie Lee's then-impending departure from the TV show
Live with Regis & Kathie Lee,
Born for You is a concept album, at least according to
Gifford's liner notes. She says in the preface to the album that she wanted to record a soundtrack album, except that it would be a soundtrack to a life, presumably her own. So, she and musical director
Christopher Marlowe and producer
David Friedman designed an album that was supposed to have the sweep of a life. To use a rock equivalent, it could have sounded like
Rod Stewart's
Gasoline Alley,
Every Picture Tells a Story, and
Never a Dull Moment. But, since
Gifford's background is show tunes, this is melodramatic and overblown instead of wryly observed. Well,
Kathie Lee and her fans wouldn't have it any other way. Nevertheless, it's still a little strange to hear
Joni Mitchell and
Van Morrison in this context, especially since it doesn't seem to add to the theme very much. Still, it has to be said that
Born for You, despite its lack of subtlety, is a better-constructed record than most of her albums, thanks to a solid choice of material, relatively less-mannered vocals, and a focus that must have helped its creators, even if it isn't evident to the audience.
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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