Closer to the Truth Reviews:
Cher's PR team hosted a listening party for critics. Reviews have been encouraging:
Bradley Stern from Muumuse:
For about two hours, me and about two dozen other journalists and industry types schmoozed, danced and swayed (and indulged in one too many sweet treats) to the sound of Cher’s first studio album since 2001′s Living Proof. Sadly, I still have to keep mum on a majority of the record (as per Liz Rosenberg‘s direct orders — and I’m not about to cross Liz), but there are some things I’m allowed to discuss. And so, some initial thoughts. For one thing, Closer is a healthy between punchy uptempo dance tracks (including “Woman’s World”) and big emotional balladry — a half-breed, one might say. The dance tracks are all fierce, stomping club-pop anthems with equally fierce names: The most instant highlight, though, is “Take It Like A Man,” which — as I breathlessly tweeted during the party — is clearly a new gay anthem from the get-go. (Then again, you probably could have assumed as much from the title alone.) It’s a very big, anthemic call-to-arms for the dance floor, a la “Song For The Lonely” — except rather than being a dedication to the lonely, it’s about those who, err… take it.
There’s plenty of variety to get truly excited about, including not one, but two songs penned by P!nk (who assists with background vocals on one). One of the two is called “I Walk Alone,” which has a defiant chorus that sort of reminded me ofGeri Halliwell‘s “Bag It Up.” Lots o’ sass.
The ballads, though, are where Cher’s diehards will likely be beside themselves. (The term “classic Cher” came up quite frequently throughout the night.) There’s big, bold chops on this record — especially on the slower numbers, including a heartfelt dedication to 9/11 and “I Hope You Find It,” a devastating post-break up coming-to-terms that underscores why Cher’s the original #GrownWoman.
While classics like “Believe” obviously remains immaculate, Closer To The Truth is also closer to the natural vocals — no real Auto-Tune play to be found here. A little more organic, one might say! … Though it’s obviously hard to make a solid assessment from only one spin or two in the middle of a party (and a few glasses of Prosecco), the impression I got from the smiling faces and tapping toes (my own included!) was that Closer To The Truth is going to be a genuine fan pleaser. The uptempos will serve nicely at the gym and getting ready for a big night out, and the ballads will serve nicely for a good ol’ 4 AM sob session. It’s danceable, it’s heartfelt — and most of all, it is very, very Cher.
Daily Front Row (Sergio):
..“Closer To The Truth”, her first full album of new material in 11 years, and it’s a helluva drug! The world isn’t ready. First single, “Woman’s World” reached #1 on the dance charts this week and the rest of the album is MAJOR! There are two chills-down-your-spine ballads written by P!nk (“Lie To Me” and “I Walk Alone”, latter of which P!nk sings background vocals on). A pop tune produced by Timbaland and co-written by pop-music’s wizard Bonnie McKee (who’s worked with Katy Perry and Britney Spears) called “I Don’t Have To Sleep To Dream”. Future dance floor classics “Take It Like A Man”, “Dressed To Kill” and “I Hope You Find It” produced by Mark Taylor, the man behind Cher game changer “Believe” and finally my fave by far, “Sirens”, a tear-jerker which made every hair on my arms (and only god knows where else) stand up, also produced by Taylor. This is a drill and you have been warned! Cherilyn Sarkisian is ready for war and she’s not afraid to take down every biatch that came after her, one by one..
ABC News Radio:
The first part of the album is stacked with dance-floor anthems, in the vein of “Believe” and “Song for the Lonely.” The latter half features mid-tempo songs and slower numbers, where the lyrics and melodies are highlighted, and where Cher’s distinctive voice can be heard at full force, imbuing every word with an emotional heft that can only come from having truly lived, loved and lost.
Boy Culture:
I’m sworn to secrecy on the tracklisting, but everyone knows there’s a tune called “Take It Like a Man.” It’s fantastic, a much worthier club #1 than Cher’s current club #1, “Woman’s World.” The album has particularly strong ballads (especially toward the end), Pink contributes two winners and there is even a track that—due to its title—I suggested should have a music video featuring Cher masturbating in the shower.
And there is a song whose title is a color. And also, one of the songs sounds like something Cher would have sung to the Bagel Boy when their relationship ended.
More on this album as we get closer to September 24, but I think its 11 ditties will supply Cher ecstasy for her millions of minions.
For full texts, visit Cher World
Cher At the Rasputin Club in West Hollywood
YouTube video
See Cher with Chad Michaels (everyone is throwing him shade for looking too much like Cher; but last night I saw old Petula Clark footage on PBS and he looks more like her than Cher IMHO. He does do a solid Cher act though.) Cher thanks her fans for making her song #1. I just watched The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour episode #7 last night. (Due to an Ask Cher Scholar question that just came in, I'm tackling all the episodes.) Sonny and Cher thank their fans for liking their summer replacement show enough to get it on the air full time. Very gracious. That Cher's a good kid!
More photos and video on Cher News and Cher World.
Cher on Extra
Cher did Extra last week with Jerry Penacoli. See Cher World for video. Another great interview.
Other News/Gossip
The basic album cover.
The basic album track list.
The Deluxe Edition track list.
It turns out Target will be selling a Super-Duper Deluxe version with even more tracks. 
The Target Deluxe Edition track list.
