It Happens All the Time

Audio Mixer: Andy Zulla.
Liner Note Author: Megan Hilty.
Recording information: Avatar Studios, NYC; Conway Studios, Los Angeles; Jimmy's Place, London; MSR Studios, NYC; Sugarbox Studios, NYC.
Ensembles: David Byrd-Marrow; Max Moston; Todd Low; Laura Frautschi; Claire Bryant; Robin Zeh; Matt Lehmann; Dave Creswell; Antoine Silverman; Stephanie Cummins; Anja Wood; Paul Woodiel; Lynette Wardle; Hiroko Taguchi.
Photographer: Robert Ascroft.
Arranger: Andy Zulla.
When It Happens All the Time was released, Megan Hilty was best known for her showstopping turns in Broadway productions including Wicked and 9 to 5: The Musical, as well as her role as Ivy Lynn on NBC's musical-within-a-musical TV series Smash. However, the songs she chose for her debut album weren't show tunes or standards, they were contemporary pop with a capital P: a glance at the liner notes reveals songwriting credits for Ne-Yo, Carrie Underwood, and Glen Ballard. Highlights include the airy "Hopin'," the Ne-Yo and Underwood-penned "Walk Away," and the single "No Cure," which is one of the best examples of when this album gets the balance of intimacy and polish right. "Wise Up" is another standout, with Aimee Mann's subtle songwriting allowing Hilty to deliver one of the album's most sophisticated vocal performances. As always, Hilty is a dynamic performer with a beautiful voice, and "Dare You to Move" and "Be a Man" showcase her powerhouse vocals particularly well. ~ Heather Phares