Living Proof\nCher\nWarner Brothers\nIn her first album since 1998's quadruple-platinum Believe, which spawned the platinum title track of the same name, Cher delivers Living Proof that on the dance floor she is here to stay.\nHer deep voice, yet limited range works incredibly well with her style of disco/dance/techno-pop reminiscent of the single "Believe," inserting technological blips and computerized inflections. Cher has found her new audience in the club scene and delivers an all out dance-till-you-drop list of tracks.\nCher's first single, "Song For the Lonely," while recorded pre-Sept. 11, is dedicated to the people and heroes of New York City. The track effectively uses Cher's seasoned voice in front of a strong techno backbeat. \n"A Different Kind of Love Song" starts out with Cher's remixed, computerized vocals before launching into a head-boppin', booty-shakin' dance track sure to make even the most infrequent clubber dance like a pro.\n"The Music's No Good Without You" sounds like a Daft Punk track, her voice completely unrecognizable. While a good dance track, the song seems to be one massive remix with little of Cher's true voice coming through.\n"Rain, Rain" is an especially weak track exhibiting just how limited Cher's range is. When she ascends into her upper range I can't help but cringe. The ridiculousness of the semi-poetic lyrics make the song hard to take seriously. The incessant chant-like quality of the chorus is another annoyance.\nWe hear the soft Latin-esque sounds of a Spanish guitar in "Love So High," as well as the sound quality we have heard from Cher for so many years, that low, sultry, seemingly testosterone-filled voice. Her lower range is her best range without a doubt. \nThe album boasts two tracks written by Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren, "Body To Body, Heart To Heart" and "When You Walk Away." \nOverall this album is good. The problems concern the overuse of technology influencing Cher's vocals. Another problem is the album's intended audience. Living Proof is geared toward club-goers, leaving behind 35 years of audiences who don't dance like today's youth. \nThe popularity of Believe and Living Proof show us that Cher is changing her total image, packaging herself as a total disco diva complete with platinum blonde locks. You go girl.\n
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