“This two track festive treat gives fans more of “the voice”, but if anything, Lawson’s natural coolness sounds even better here. When applied to music that aims to lift the spirits – first and foremost – but also supply a dose of yuletide nostalgia, it appears that she’s able to summon some pleasingly huge sounds. On the newly written ‘Hey Santa’, the clean opening chords and soaring vocal melody immediately hark back to the Phil Spector stable, providing melodies that are very broad, but they become much more indebted to the works of the Wall of Sound when a classic girl group groove takes a hold via a massive drum part and curly vocal. The 60s derived music comes strongly juxtaposed with ironic, modern lyrics about iPhone accessories and not wanting traditional toys, but nothing here ever leans on novelty. If anything, Lawson approaches each syllable with a great earnestness that sells the song, and by the time she reaches the chorus and drops in various whoahs that are clearly stolen with love from The Ronettes, this sounds like a modern classic in the old school mould. To hear it once is to love it.” - Real Gone
““Hey Santa” by Cindy Lawson Tongue in cheek, and clever as ever, Cindy Lawson ushers in the holiday season with her wish list to Santa in the song “Hey Santa.” Lawson ticks off things she hopes to receive, gifts that include healing global warming and ending world hunger—items that won’t end up clogging landfills. The rocker’s sharp wit lands supremely well within the lush, gorgeously laid-back rock sound she’s created with her band. While the subject is a tad dark, it shines a glimmer of hope for humanity that will make any cynical listener smile.” - Mpls St. Paul Magazine Editors
“Cindy Lawson, "New Tricks." After a long break from the music scene, Lawson is back with a new CD. She pulls off some nifty tricks — sounding like a sweet and smooth 1960s pop singer on one song, transforming into a hard-edge rocker on the next.” - David Aquilina
Photo by London King
“After a decades-long hiatus, Lawson herself is back with a new record — "New Tricks" — and a fresh approach to creating and performing original music. ” - Samantha Fischer
— Kare 11