Possibly the gayest album of the year, Linda Eder’s “By Myself: The Songs of Judy Garland” is sure to delight fans of both singers with its rich vocals and caring song treatment.

The Broadway diva’s voice bears a strong resemblance to Garland’s and Eder foregoes her usual over-orchestration for a subtle touch as she pays tribute to one of the most revered gay icons. Featuring songs written by greats such as John Meyer, George Gershwin, Al Jolson and Hoagie Carmichael, Eder and her team mined some true gems from Garland’s plentiful song catalogue.

The album begins with the show-stopping “By Myself.” Eder pulls out all the stops and utilizes her strong, full voice to make the listener feel the isolation Garland might have felt as she dealt with the hardships of her life. In the liner notes, Eder credits those hardships as reasons why Garland’s voice was so filled with emotion as she sang lyrics like “I go my way by myself/ Here’s how the comedy ends” and “I’ll build a world of my own.”

Eder remained faithful to the medley “Almost Like Being in Love/This Can’t Be Love,” which she calls “Judy’s medley” in the liner notes. The orchestration is a rich compliment to Eder’s vocals and the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) performs on this track and seven others on the album. The gravity and grace of the symphony makes each LSO track sound as if it were straight from the bygone era of Garland herself.

“I’d Like to Hate Myself in the Morning” is another stand-out track on the album. Thanks to the excellent jazz band accompanying Eder, the track is one of those songs that makes you tap your feet and nod your head to the beat.

With lyrics like “I’d like to hate myself in the morning/ Raise a little hell tonight” and “I’d like to wake at noon feeling guilty,” this track is likely to put a smile on the faces of gay men who can relate to wondering who they kissed the previous night.

“ME AND MY SHADOW” is one of the strongest tracks on the album. With an introduction that sounds like it comes from a classic horror film, the song sparkles with a romantic feel that is ironic given the subject matter of solitude and “feeling blue.”

Thanks to the inclusion of “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart/ The Trolley Song,” more people will know the correct line that follows “Clang, clang, clang went the trolley/ Ding, ding, ding went the bells.” This medley, another non-LSO track with the jazz ensemble, is a playful celebration of infatuation and the word “zing.”

There are also several “big shouldered shimmy” moments on the album. “The Boy Next Door/You Made Me Love You” and “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody” are sure to inspire some retro drag numbers with their effervescent arrangement and Eder’s vivacious vocals.

WRITTEN BY EDER’S friend Jack Murphy, “The Rainbow’s End” pays tribute to Garland. The track walks the listener through the phases of Garland’s career, from her depression to her big-screen encounter with a certain pair of shoes.

“Over the rainbow in ruby red shoes/ With a case of un-chase-able blues/ Never knowing quite where you’re going/ Just that you’re going too far,” Eder sings.

“I’m Always Chasing Rainbows/Over the Rainbow” is a fitting final track to a beautiful album. Eder’s treatment of the classic Garland tune is almost religious, with her gentle handling of the material and the lush accompaniment from the LSO.

Eder soars, just like Garland, into the highest of high notes to transport the listener to a magical place.

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