The Original [Import]

1. Honeycomb

2. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine

3. Oh-Oh, I'm Falling in Love Again

4. Secretly

5. Are You Really Mine

6. Bimbombey

7. Make Me a Miracle

8. Ring-A-Ling-A-Lario

9. T.L.C. Tender Love and Care

10. Waltzing Matilda

11. Child of Clay

12. It's Over

13. Wonderful You

14. Just a Closer Walk With Thee

15. Wreck of the John B.

16. World I Used to Know

The Original,Jimmie Rodgers,Disky Records,5"CD Singles,Country,Folk-Pop,Pop,Soft Rock,Traditional Country

Average customer rating: WoW!!! Once Fabulous follow-up to the film awesome Once

Once Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Cost Fitzcarraldo Release the Stars Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur The Reminder ASIN: B000PFU7OO Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Falling Slowly
2. If You Want Me
3. Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy
4. When Your Minds Made Up
5. Lies
6. Gold
7. The Hill
8. Fallen from the Sky
9. Leave
10. Trying to Pull Myself Away
11. All the Way Down
12. Once
13. Say It to Me Now

Amazon.com

Even those allergic to musicals may be won over by Once, a tender-hearted Irish romance with songs by Czech Republic-born Markéta Irglová and Frames frontman Glen Hansard. (The film's director, John Carney, actually used to play bass in the group.) The trick here is that Irglová and Hansard also play the leads; because their characters are shown busking, writing music, or rehearsing, the songs are smoothly integrated in the film. The overall acoustic mood won't surprise fans of the Frames--some tracks ("Say It to Me," "When Your Mind's Made Up") have even popped up on the band's albums, though the arrangements are more pared-down here, befitting the scruffy, street-musician setting. Being the lesser-known entity, Irglová feels like a revelation; she sounds a bit like a folkie Björk on "If You Want Me," and her song "The Hill" is downright heartbreaking. Irglová and Hansard had already made the 2006 album The Swell Seasontogether, so their collaboration here feels really organic--they sound particularly good together on the title track, for instance. Now that's the kind of magic you want from musicals. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

WoW!!!.......2007-07-19

I really enjoyed the movie. So I came home and had to get this album. If you like Damien Rice, then you will enjoy this album. I really love tracks 2 and 7.

Once.......2007-07-19

We really liked the movie and were moved by the songs and the chemistry between the two leads. We especially liked about the first 7 or 8 songs. I'd recommend seeing the movie to really appreciate the music.

Fabulous follow-up to the film.......2007-07-19

My wife and I loved the film, so had to get the soundtrack. Since then I've given it to two friends.

Every song is gorgeous. Both the male and female vocals are filled with emotion. (Maybe more than some people would be comfortable with.) You might have to see the film to really appreciate all of the lyrics and soulful renditions. But several of the songs would make my playlist any day.

Stunningly original.

awesome.......2007-07-15

The music was almost as good as in the movie. I loved the CD!

Once.......2007-07-13

I saw the movie and immediately ordered the soundtrack. I play it all the time. The music is great and the CD well balanced. I can't wait for the DVD.

Average customer rating: Defying Gravity and all expecations... The Wicked Witch of the West is misunderstood. A Wicked musical Wicked Wonderful! Wicked Soundtrack

Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Stephen Schwartz , Kristin Chenoweth , and Idina Menzel Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast) WICKED: THE GRIMMERIE, A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Wicked - Piano/Vocal Arrangement ASIN: B0000TB01Y Release Date: 2003-12-16

Tracks:

1. No One Mourns the Wicked - Cristy Candler
2. Dear Old Shiz
3. The Wizard and I - Idina Menzel
4. What Is This Feeling? - Kristin Chenoweth
5. Something Bad - William Youmans
6. Dancing Through Life - Michelle Federer
7. Popular - Kristin Chenoweth
8. I'm Not That Girl - Idina Menzel
9. One Short Day - Kristin Chenoweth
10. A Sentimental Man - Joel Grey
11. Defying Gravity - Idina Menzel
12. Thank Goodness - Kristin Chenoweth
13. Wonderful - Idina Menzel
14. I'm Not That Girl (Reprise) - Kristin Chenoweth
15. As Long as You're Mine - Norbert Leo Butz
16. No Good Deed - Idina Menzel
17. March of the Witch Hunters
18. For Good - Kristin Chenoweth
19. Finale - Kristin Chenoweth

Amazon.com

One of the most common complaints about musicals is that the books are flimsy pretexts from which to hang numbers. Wicked runs into the opposite problem: it has a great plot, but too often the songs just get in the way. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, Wicked tells us what happened between Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy showed up in Oz. And the show is lucky to boast a pair of ace leading women in the main roles. As Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth delivers a sensational star turn, displaying a crystal-pure voice and sharp comic timing; Idina Menzel lends her powerful pipes to the tricky role of Elphaba. Unfortunately, you wish they had better material to work with. Stephen Schwartz's pop score is often dragged down by overly synthetic orchestrations and sentimental lyrics (think Chicken Soup for the Witch). Still, at its best Wicked is a seductive slice of popular entertainment that could well give a younger audience a lasting taste for musical theater. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Defying Gravity and all expecations..........2007-07-16

As someone who loves Broadway musicals-- this soundtrack/songs include some of the best out there- the original cast soundtrack is amazing with songs you will eventually memorize and sing along too-
The CD comes with the lyrics as well as the other important information for each song (producer, etc). If you haven't already seen Wicked, you may have trouble following what the show is about just from listening to the soundtrack-- you will get a feel for it but reading the Grimmerie (the Wicked book- also sold on Amazon) or seeing Wicked either on or off Broadway will make you fall in love faster with this soundtrack-

The Wicked Witch of the West is misunderstood........2007-07-14

I have tickets to see the play in Philadelphia this August. I purchased the Music CD, the original Wicked book, and the Grimmeri, a well designed book about the Broadway play, its history, costumes, and character profiles with full color pictures and stories, a great trio. The book tells a story, so unexpected, when I got to the last page, I sighed and smiled. I was totally satisfied. Even more I had already been listening to the music, which is totally fabulous, I listened again and again, some of the songs are happily stuck in my head, and then my reading the book made the music make total sense, it brought the story to life in the songs. I can't wait to see the play.
My sisters refuse to read the book they are afraid it will take away from the show. I say they are dead wrong and the book and music reviewed ahead of time will definitely enhance the theater experience. You decide, either way it's a great read, 5 stars for the generation who grew up with the Wizard of OZ classic.

A Wicked musical.......2007-07-13

There are two, for me, outstanding pieces to this recording of the Original cast recording of the musical 'Wicked' The wizard and I and Popular. Both sung with great fun and gusto.
Over all I enjoyed the CD, being a massive wizard of Oz fan, it was interesting to listen to the story from an altogether different perspective. Enjoyable, memorable and fun- a great purchase, that comes highly recommended.

Wicked Wonderful!.......2007-07-12

My son and nieces saw Wicked on Broadway three years ago and it took me this long to order the CD. I played it endlessly the last several weeks and as a long time musical afficionado can say unequivocally, it is a superlative example of score and libretto. The lyrics are exemplary in their poignancy and clever massage of the concepts of good and evil. The music tugged at every heartstring I have. Wicked is sublime!

Wicked Soundtrack.......2007-07-12

I have experienced Wicked in London at the Apollo Theatre on three separate occasions. Owning the soundrack enables me to relive the emotion surrounding this amazing theatrical production. This soundtrack includes an appropriate character dialog and music combination enabling the listener to participate in a continuous story line flow, avoiding gaps and interrupted transitions, providing the opportunity to relieve each theatrical experience scene by scene.

I recommend this soundtract for those who are planning to go to a Wicked production. The soundract includes printed musical lyrics in the included folio. Immersing oneself in the music and lyrics will enhance the total experience at the theatre.

Enjoy

Average customer rating: I Love Phoebe Strole's as Ilse! what a great album. Interesting concept for the stage Great show, great soundtrack Great new musical

Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Duncan Sheik , Steven Sater , Skylar Astin , Lilli Cooper , John Gallagher Jr. , Gideon Glick , Jonathan Groff , Brian Johnson , Lea Michele , and Lauren Pritchard Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B000J3FBFC Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

1. Mamma Who Bore Me
2. Mamma Who Bore Me (Reprise)
3. All That's Known
4. The B*tch of Living
5. My Junk
6. Touch Me
7. The Word of Your Body
8. The Dark I Know Well
9. And Then There Were None
10. The Mirror-Blue Night
11. I Believe
12. Don't Do Sadness
13. Blue Wind
14. The Guilty Ones
15. Left Behind
16. Totally F*ucked
17. The Word of Your Body (Reprise)
18. Whispering
19. Those You've Known
20. The Song of Purple Summer

Amazon.com

Who would have thought that Duncan Sheik would succeed where Paul Simon and Randy Newman failed, successfully transitioning from the pop-rock world to the Broadway stage? With Spring Awakening, Sheik and book writer/lyricist Steven Slater (who had already worked on Sheik's 2001 album Phantom Moon) have created a thoroughly exciting show that incorporates a contemporary art-indie idiom (including a small rock band instead of an orchestra) into a dramatic musical-theater context. The unlikely setting is that of a Frank Wedekind adaptation, but as it turns out, teenage angst is perennial, whether it's in contemporary America or in a 1891 German boarding school. Songs such as "The Bitch of Living" ("with nothing going on, asking just what went wrong"), "The Word of Your Body," "I Don't Do Sadness," and "Totally Fucked" ("You're fucked if you speak your mind and you know you will") resonate with the rage, frustration, confusion, excitement, joy, anger, and of course budding lust of those hormone-driven years. The show is greatly enhanced by its youthful cast members (they're all pretty close in age to their characters), who sing their hearts out. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Decca Broadway presents the cast recording for the acclaimed new Broadway production, SPRING AWAKENING. Written by pop music composer Duncan Sheik and playwright/lyricist Steven Sater, the musical explores emotional earthquakes in the lives of teenagers.

SPRING AWAKENING is based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 drama, which was scandalous in its day for addressing sex violence and suicide. The story, dialogue and costumes suggest the 19th Century, and are perfectly wedded to a beautiful alternative pop music score by Grammy® nominated singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik. The creative team also includes Tony® Award Winning director Michael Mayer (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones.

Customer Reviews:

I Love Phoebe Strole's as Ilse!.......2007-07-14

I finally got this extraordinary soundtrack and I love it! The CD soundtrack is true to the play, with one exception. I saw "Spring Awakening" back in February and was blown away by the production and by the cast's incredible talent! That night I was also introduced to Phoebe Strole who played the part of Ilse. I will never forget how beautiful her voice was, especially on the song "Blue Wind". When I purchased the CD I was anticipating hearing Stole sing this beautiful song. And instead they used Lauren Pritchard's vocals for the soundtrack. Pritchard has a nice voice but I liked Strole's rendition better. I wish they would have put Strole's version as an alternate on this soundtrack recording. Other than that, this cast album is a must for your Broadway collection!

what a great album........2007-07-13

The songs are written so well, and the performances are excellent! It's quite an experience to listen to.

Interesting concept for the stage.......2007-07-13

The music is good, just takes some getting used to if your into more traditional musical theater. The themes are very adult, but the music is haunting. The phrasing is very different and the lyrics are more obtuse than I'm used to, But once you give it a chance, you will be singing these songs all day. I will be very interested in seeing this production live.

Great show, great soundtrack.......2007-07-13

Spring Awakening is "not your parents' musical," so to speak, and the music certainly reflects that. With many musicals, it is hard to enjoy the music out of context, i.e. if you haven't seen the show, but I don't think that is the case with this soundtrack. The songs are edgy, beautifully written and magnificently performed. I keep going back to this over and over again.

Great new musical.......2007-07-13

I saw the cast performing on the Tony's and was blown away by the music. TV usually deadens live theater no matter how good it is, but when I saw the company performing and they still were dynamite over the airwaves, I knew this was something special. The CD does not disappoint. Only criticism is that some of the lyrics they sing in a few songs are not in the liner notes, and it's so good I wish I had every word in writing. Not suitable for playing if you've got young children in the car, but the profanity is not for shock value, it is justified in the text. Great new work.

Average customer rating: A Tough Act To Follow JUST WHAT A BROADWAY MUSICAL SHOULD BE!! CURTAINS is likable but not special. The Last Kander and Ebb All DAVID HYDE PIERCE FANS WILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Manhattan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B000PC1QKQ Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Wide Open Spaces
3. What Kind Of Man?
4. Thinking Of Him
5. The Woman's Dead
6. Show People
7. Coffee Shop Nights
8. In the Same Boat
9. I Miss the Music
10. Thataway!
11. The Man Is Dead
12. He Did It
13. In the Same Boat
14. It's a Business
15. Kansasland
16. Medley: Thinking Of Him/I Miss the Music
17. A Tough Act To Follow
18. In the Same Boat
19. In the Same Boat
20. Show People
21. Wide Open Spaces
22. A Tough Act To Follow

Amazon.com

Sadly, Curtains is the final entry in the long and fruitful partnership of lyricist Fred Ebb (who died in September 2004) and composer John Kander. While the show doesn't reach the heights of the team's previous masterpieces, such as Cabaret and Chicago, it's certainly a lot better than, say, their middling 1997 offering Steel Pier. Deliberately old-fashioned (it even features a real overture, something that's fast becoming a rarity), Curtains is a whodunit rolled into a musical--or vice versa. Set in 1959 Boston, it takes place backstage at a singing-and-dancing Western corker titled Robbin Hood. Someone gets killed, and a show tunes-crazy homicide detective (David Hyde Pierce) is called in. The plot is just a pretext for a series of very entertaining, characteristically brass-heavy songs that may not have the bite of old Kander and Ebb but are still very catchy. Above all, Curtains is (both thematically and stylistically) a love letter to old-school showbiz, and it's delivered on a silver platter by a cast of pros that includes the aforementioned Hyde Pierce, Kander and Ebb habituée Karen Ziemba, endearing Jason Danieley and, a notch above the rest, Debra Monk. Unsurprisingly, she chews the scenery and spits it right back in a pair of rowdy numbers: "Show People" and "It's a Business." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Curtains is an entertaining play within a play, as well as a "whodunit" new musical comedy featuring one of the last scores by legendary, Tony Award-winning songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, New York, New York). Starring David Hyde Pierce (Spamalot, "Frasier") and Debra Monk, the Curtains original Broadway cast album is produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winner Jay David Saks.

Customer Reviews:

A Tough Act To Follow.......2007-07-18

"curtains" is a wonderful show full of fun and laughter and fantastic music.
Isn't it great to have an other show by Kander and Ebb who have giver us such
pleasure in the past. The cast are perfect not one dud in the whole pack.
I can thoroughly recommend this show to everyone with a love of musical theatre

JUST WHAT A BROADWAY MUSICAL SHOULD BE!!.......2007-07-17

In the tradition of good old-fashioned musicals that entertain for entertainment's sake comes this terrific, witty, clever, fun musical with a top notch cast and some swell songs. We were lucky enough to see this show several weeks ago. And as grand as it is to watch-- it is super to listen to as well. David Hype Pierce is totally terrific, as is Debra Monk. Karen Ziemba and Jason Daniely are first tier performers as well. The show moves along at a great pace, consistently entertaining. There are some wonderous Kander and Ebb melodies--maybe not on par with Cabaret and Chicago--but nonetheless still extremely good. Everything about the CD says high quality. It is well recorded and the performances are excellent. If you get a chance to see the show, grab the chance! If not, you can still enjoy the show with the playing of this CD. Highly recommended!!

CURTAINS is likable but not special........2007-07-15

There is nothing particularly great about this score, but it is likable, and it is Kander & Ebb's final work. That makes it worthwhile to have. The next time I am in NYC, which won't be until December, I would like to see CURTAINS, especially if David Hyde Pierce is still in it. I prefer revivals and old fashioned musicals like CURTAINS to the new shows with rock or folk rock scores, like LEGALLY BLONDE which I disliked.

The Last Kander and Ebb.......2007-07-13

Couldn't miss the opportunity to hear the last of the Kander and Ebb collaboration. This score has a familiar feel to it. The music is good but not great and the show seems as if it would be fun.

All DAVID HYDE PIERCE FANS WILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!.......2007-07-10

And even if you are not---the music is great!!!!!! This is the final collaboration between John Kander and the late Fred Ebb--plus throw in the efforts of Rupert Holmes (who wrote the underated MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD--and everyone's favorite guilty pleasure 70's tune--THE PINA COLADA SONG). Anyway, I always thought David was robbed of a TONY nod for SPAMALOT--so his win for this was quite overdue!

Every song is a winner---and it is not just because of Pierce--Deborah Monk also has one of the great show stoppers "IT'S A BUSINESS"!

All theatre buff will enjoy--I certainly did!

Average customer rating: The Fourth Great Boublil & Schoenberg Musical Something of a Disappointment Delightful. A Few Good Moments, But Disappointing Overall A very good recording

The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Sony Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000QTCY72 Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. Pirate Queen
3. Woman
4. My Grace
5. Here on This Night
6. Waking of the Queen
7. Rah-Rah, Tip-Top
8. Choice Is Mine
9. Boys'll Be Boys
10. Wedding
11. I'll Be There
12. Day Beyond Belclare
13. Sail to the Stars
14. Entr'acte
15. Enemy at Port Side
16. I Dismiss You
17. If I Said I Loved You
18. Role of the Queen
19. Christening
20. Let a Father Stand by His Son
21. Surrender
22. She Who Has All
23. Sea of Life
24. Woman to Woman
25. Finale

Amazon.com

The Pirate Queen, with a score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon), took a critical beating when it opened on Broadway, but as this catchy cast recording demonstrates, that reception was really unnecessarily harsh. Set in the 17th century, the show (which closed after only 85 performances) tells the story of Grace O'Malley (Stephanie J. Block), an Irish ship captain and pirate who defied Queen Elizabeth I (Linda Balgord). The combination of that setting with the fact that the producers also brought us Riverdance means an overall Celtic flavor. But fans of Boublil and Schönberg should not fear. The duo delivers plenty of the over-the-top, super-emotional power ballads they're famous for--it's hard not to wonder what Celine Dion would make of songs such as "Woman" or "I'll Be There" (the latter sung by a man, but no matter!). Special kudos to Balgord, whose deliciously campy stage portrayal of Elizabeth I comes across well on "The Waking of the Queen," "The Role of the Queen," and two harpsichord-driven, vibrato-laden duets with Block, "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman." Also of note to fans of traditional singing is the participation of Áine Uí Cheallaigh (known from Riverdance) on several tracks. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

The Fourth Great Boublil & Schoenberg Musical.......2007-07-18

I had the pleasure of seeing Pirate Queen both in Chicago 2006 and on Broadway in 2007. While I was disappointed that the cast album is only one CD long instead of two, I was quite surprised by the high quality of the recording and the amount of music packed onto the disc (25 tracks). This is a must-own for any fan of musical theatre, and the most exciting new musical to open in the past several years.

As a musician, I enjoy the chance to hear Schoenberg's musical style evolve through the years, starting with his solo French pop album, his first musical, La Revolution Francaise, and then the big three, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, and Martin Guerre. Pirate Queen is a worthy addition to that impressive body of work. As I listen to PQ, I enjoy hearing moments where a little feature of his style reminds me of one of those other pieces. But I can also hear how his writing has evolved; PQ is full of action, but it's imbued in placed with a subtle hint of melancholy that rivals the most touching moments of the other big three shows (much of this is due to the use of a flatted 6th scale degree, which is a recurring musical motif of the show). I'll mention a few key points here:

1. Overture: much as in Miss Saigon, here local color is added to the score through various Irish instruments. The overture sounds very Irish, yet still evocative of the original slow introduction of Martin Guerre (London version).

2. Entracte: it's all instrumental, and when I saw it in the theatre audience members were sometimes talking over it, but this is the most exciting music in the score. It's in 5/4 time, with plenty of 4/4 and 2/4 measures thrown in to keep it sounding on-edge. Wild, tempestuous music. The 5/4 time signature reminds me of the amazing overture to La Revolution Francaise -- although I like the PQ entracte even more.

3. Woman: this "girl-power ballad" has a unique sound compared with most of Schoenberg's other work, although the build up to the climax follows his trademark strategy of letting the orchestra play the main melody and while the singer comes in later and sings in counterpoint for a few measures. It's my favorite musical device of Miss Saigon, Les Miz, and Martin Guerre, and it shows up here too on the words "I'm meant to fly, sail unrestrained..."

4. I'll Be There: a huge bring-down-the-house torch song for a tenor. It's closest in structure to Why, God from Miss Saigon, including a rather exciting bridge section (here with a lot of electric guitar) and the 2/4 measures of descending bass notes leading into each chorus. This song is nearly perfect -- I just which it were longer (it's 3:16 but feels over far too soon). Schoenberg uses electric guitar melody rather sparingly, but it shows up in just a few key points in Les Miz, for instance, and features quite prominently in this song, sometimes in unison with the string section.

5. If I Said I Loved You: This is a gorgeous love duet in act 2, with some amazing harmony. It really builds in passion, and makes nice subtle use of that Irish sound in the orchestrations.

6. Sail to the Stars: This Act 1 finale is an exciting, intense chorus number. It doesn't compare with the end of Les Miz Act 1, both nothing really does. Instead it's a melancholy but intense funeral scene, and is surprisingly effective.

7. My Grace: This is sung by the Valjean father-figure in the show, and it sounds a lot like a song missing from Les Miz. But it has a unique PQ sound to it, with the flat 6 scale degree. It's extremely moving.

8. Here On This Night: Originally this was my favorite song in the show, although If I Said I Loved You recently stole the #1 spot. This is the main happy love duet from an early part of the show. A classic Boublil & Schoenberg love song, with a sound that makes me feel as if I'm at love on a ship under the stars. Like the best of their love songs, the melody starts on scale degree 2 over the tonic, like Sun and Moon from Miss Saigon.

9. She Who Has All: The most unique aspect of this show is the harpsichord + high operatic soprano role for the Queen. It's an amazing performance, not too much vibrato, so even non-opera fans can enjoy it. This track is a duet between the two lead women of the show, so we get a Broadway singing voice in duet with the opera soprano. Amazingly, it works very well. I can't believe Schoenberg combined these two sounds so effectively in a duet near the climax of the show. Impressive! The duet Woman to Woman also has some of this quality. And the rest of the queen songs have a great early-music harpsichord sound fused with the modern musical orchestra.

10. The Wedding: mostly orchestral (with some chorus), this is a big Irish step dance number. It has a great sound for Irish step music fans; it sounds pretty classic but more bass-heavy, like The Chieftans fused with a rock band.

11. Boys'll Be Boys: this is like Master of the House meets Gaston, only I don't like it as much. Sort of disappointing, but it's an important and funny number.

12. The Sea Of Life: a nostalgic song towards the end of the show, this sounds like what Turning in Les Miz should have been. Turning was always my least favorite part of Les Miz, but Sea of Life is incredible. In a subtle thematic move, the opening melody is the same as the solo flute in the original London opening of Martin Guerre, with a slightly different rhythm and added accompaniment. Even more surprising: probably just by coincidence, the middle of this melody includes 8 notes (with different rhythm) from the "victory" music from Pirates of the Caribbean 3.

All in all, highly recommended!! My only complaint (besides it's premature closing on Broadway for no apparent reason) is really that we can't hear all the additional material that 2 CDs would give us, such as Grania's father's death scene (a modified reprise of My Grace, sort of like the scene at the end of Les Miz), and a very pretty Lullaby Grania sings to her son in Act 2.

Something of a Disappointment.......2007-07-17

The songs in this album were just not that great. The lyrics were not very singable (and indeed some of them didn't even scan properly.) The music also suffered quite a bit from a lack of Irish instrumntation. Most of the music seemed to be just standard, cookie cutter Broadway show tunes and not very memorable ones at that.

The cast did very well, though, considering the poor material it had to work with

All in all, it looks like this play was a lost opportunity. The story of Grace O'Malley is a compelling one and deserves to be told better than it was here.

Delightful........2007-07-13

When I ordered this soundtrack, I completely ignored what the other reviews said (which is ironic because I expect someone to read mine: ) Thinking on my own was the right choice.

Do you like Boubil? Do you like Schonberg? If so, you will most likely like this recording. The farther I get into it, the more I love it!

The recording is powerful. The slow ballads carry its weakest attributes. There are power ballads left and right. Up beat and very cultural to the Irish heritage, this is a wonderful recording. It's not my favorite.

Personally, I would prefer "A Class Act" or "Loving repeating", two soundtracks I just bought and LOVE.

This could be be for you.

It's a good buy. 11 something for a power ballad musical. I currently have about 57 musicals, and I can honestly say this ranks in the top 15. However, that doesn't mean it's staying in my car forever. I am still waiting to receive "A View from Here". hehehe. I love musicals.

A Few Good Moments, But Disappointing Overall.......2007-07-13

I saw this show twice during its run: once in Chicago, once in New York. Loving both "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon", I had high expectations for "The Pirate Queen". Sadly, the show was disappointing - primarily from the once aspect I assumed would be great: the music.

The score's orchestrations sound terrific and the cast is quite good (esp. Stephanie J. Block), but (as this cast album reflects) only a couple of songs maintain any real staying power:

Woman
I'll Be There
She Who Has All

Not bad, but could/should have been so much more.

A very good recording.......2007-07-11

I really like the CD. I find it too short but it was beautifully recorded. The voices were very strong and the orchestration was done nicely. I really didn't like the electric guitar, it seems so out of place sometimes over powering the vocal especially during I'll be there.

Average customer rating: Much Better Than I Thought It Would Be... This Much Fun Shouldn't Be Legal Fun, Fun, Fun, and More Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is what Broadway is About

Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Ghostlight ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000R7I3NW Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Omigod You Guys
2. Serious
3. What You Want
4. Harvard Variations
5. Blood in the Water
6. Positive
7. Ireland
8. Ireland (Reprise)
9. Serious (Reprise)
10. Chip on My Shoulder
11. So Much Better
12. Whipped into Shape
13. Take It Like a Man
14. Bend and Snap
15. There! Right There!
16. Legally Blonde
17. Legally Blonde Remix
18. Find My Way/Finale

Amazon.com

Like Wicked, this show is a girl-friendly extravaganza; the main difference--and it's a big one--is that the score of Legally Blonde is better. Based on the hit Reese Witherspoon movie, the zippy, frothy show tells the story of SoCal, pink-loving sorority girl Elle Woods, who enrolls at Harvard Law and goes on to prove that appearances can be deceiving. The opening number, "Omigod You Guys," gives an idea of what the Broadway-pop score by Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy--The Musical) and Nell Benjamin is up to, embracing its over-the-top cheer with goofily infectious energy. Sure, a couple of numbers feel a bit derivative (the show with the witches has "Popular," this one has "Positive"), and the Celtic detour ("Ireland") is rather puzzling, but overall the songs are firing on all cylinders. Just check out the use of a marching band on "What You Want" for instance. Laura Bell Bundy (Amber von Tussle in Hairspray) is a charming Elle, and she delivers numbers such as "So Much Better" with the requisite elan. But this is not a one-woman show, and Bundy is surrounded by a crack team, including the endearing Christian Borle as Elle's love interest Emmett, power-piped Orfeh as hairdresser Paulette and up-and-comer Leslie Kritzer as Delta Nu's Serena. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Much Better Than I Thought It Would Be..........2007-07-19

I didn't have high expectations for this album, if I'm being completely honest. I thought the movie, while fun, was a little unoriginal, and add that to a relatively inexperienced cast and my expectations were low. The album jumped way past my expectations to one that has had a spot in my CD rotation for over a week now.

When I first listened to it, two shows came to mind, Wicked and The Wedding Singer. This soundtrack is a combination of those two shows, almost exactly, in my mind. The marketing and target demographics are similar to Wicked, so there should be no doubt there. It took a very similar path as The Wedding Singer, even hiring the same "bad guy" with Richard H. Blake playing that role well in both productions, although drastically overshadowed in both.

For the role of Elle Woods, they went to Wicked and took Laura Bell Bundy, who was the understudy to Kristin Chenoweth in the role of Glinda. Seeing as how it is easily believable that Glinda could have been a Delta Nu, they also dipped back into the Wicked pool and hired Annaleigh Ashford to play Margot. They played the Delta Nu sisters in throughout the show, making them, on the whole, basically an additional character in the cast.

The CD isn't perfect. Some of the songs are a little tedious. I could have done without Ireland (let alone a reprise of it), or Whipped Into Shape. However, the pluses far outweigh the negatives on this album. The very first number is an engaging, almost obnoxiously upbeat song entitled "Omigod You Guys" and it plays perfectly to set the tone. Christian Borle provides a nice steadying influence in the musical, making sure that it doesn't get too far out of hand and the chemistry between the two sounds excellent on songs like "Chip On Her Shoulder", "Take It Like A Man", and "Legally Blonde" which is a particularly emotional number in the production.

This show is more than just the light fluff of The Wedding Singer, without quite reaching the meaning or appeal of Wicked, but still entirely worth the buy and without a doubt worth listening to.

This Much Fun Shouldn't Be Legal.......2007-07-18

I'll just start this review by saying that I have never seen this show. I'll then proceed to say that based on this album, I would actually prefer to see this over this season's slightly over-hyped multiple Tony winner Spring Awakening. The score is unabashedly pop, and the show doesn't pretend that it isn't just a whole lot of fun, while still managing to deliver a wonderful message about staying true to yourself.

Unlike last year's big pop musical, The Wedding Singer, the score is uniformly excellent. From the high energy opening, "Omigod You Guys" to the great closer "Find My Way/Finale", the score is peppy, catchy, and as optimistic as sunny day in spring. Some of the standout tunes inclued "Ireland", a wistful song of longing, "Much Better", the explosive Act I finale, "Blood in the Water" a dark, jazzy number extolling Callahan's moral views (or lack thereof), and "What You Want" Elle's Harvard preparation montage. Of special note is the title song, "Legally Blond", which defied all of my expectations. I was expecting something of a big showstopping number broadly defining the moral of the show. What we get is a hearbreaking ballad from Elle, and what is arguably one of the most beatiful numbers from the show. Then the remix/reprise of the title number delivers the expected goods in a finger snapping, toe tapping, smile inducing showstopper worthy of some of Herman's biggest crowd rousers.

The cast is equally as great as the score, and they are all so equally good that even Laura Bell Bundy has problems standing out, but stand out she does, displaying an impressive set of pipes while belting her heart out. Orfeh shows an equally amazing voice as hairdresser Paulette, and Christian Borle makes for a very sweet, caring Emmett.Michael Rupert even has a deliciously amoral turn as Professor Callahan. The ensemble is strong, and blends well with each other, and also gets to act as a Greek Chorus of voices in Elle's head at times.

According to some sources, the book for this show is a tad weak, and considering the source material it isn't too surprising, but it would have to be weak beyond reason to bring down the sheer energy that the musical numbers exude. The music and lyrics are deep enough to get the message across, without sounding stilted or out of place within the music, and they don't come across as trying too hard to sound poetic (I'm talking to you Spring Awakening...). All in all,it is definetely one "Elle" of a show.

Fun, Fun, Fun, and More Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is what Broadway is About.......2007-07-17

First off, I have not seen the show, however, my girlfriend and I have talked about it, and will definitely see it. She bought the album from the store while I was at work and said that I had to listen to it. My Mom and Sister did see the show, and they both said the same thing. Well I listened to it, and all I can say is that every song is pure fun and gives off a very positive and happy energy. From the very opening, it is a fast paced roller coaster ride, with stand out vocals from Laura Bell Bundy (Hairspray), Christian Borle (The stand out in Spamalot), and Orfeh. In my opinion, Slam dunks are Bend and Snap, So Much Better, Omigod You Guys, Take It Like a Man, and Chip On My Shoulder, followed closely by the heart breaking Legally Blonde and Inspiring Find My Way. I dare anyone no matter who they are not to have a smile on their face during and after every song. I highly recommend this CD. P.S., the editor is correct my girlfriend and I saw Wicked, and this score blows it out of the water. Too bad it didn't win any Tony's, especially for Bundy and Borle (Who are here to stay, and will eventually win Tony's one day), however, there is always the Grammy's where I think it will be between this and Spring Awakening for best Musical Album if both are nominated. I can't believe that I am saying this, but I can't wait to actually see the show.

Average customer rating: Wow Movie Soundtrack Review Get on the freeway, roll down the windows and DRIVE! AHOY! Pirates Of The Caribbean:At World's End CD

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End Manufacturer: Walt Disney Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Disney | Children's Music | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl Bring Me That Horizon: The Making of the Pirates of the Caribbean (Welcome Book) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 300 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B000P0J02E Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Hoist the Colours
2. Singapore
3. At Wit's End
4. Multiple Jacks
5. Up Is Down
6. I See Dead People In Boats
7. The Brethren Court
8. Parlay
9. Calypso
10. What Shall We Die For
11. I Don't Think Now Is the Best Time
12. One Day
13. Drink Up Me Hearties

Amazon.com

The music for this third chapter in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is a traditional, efficient action score that, due to the film's setting, occasionally incorporates light Asian touches. The popularity of Hans "Long John" Zimmer (all the credits in the CD's liner notes include pirate-themed nicknames, like the roll call in a Simpsons Halloween episode) isn't in doubt--he sure is one in-demand composer--but afficionados are divided about his artistic worth, and this score isn't about to reconcile them. Some think that Zimmer relies too much on his stable of composers and sticks to tried-and-true recipes; others admire his capacity to weave themes in and out of cues, creating a whole made of subtly interrelated parts. At World's End feeds both camps: Seven of his collaborators are credited with writing "additional music," and the album feels by-the-numbers at times; but those inclined to listen very closely will be rewarded by the way Zimmer sneaks in bits of two main melodies (especially variations on the first track, a pirate theme titled "Hoist the Colours" and cowritten by director Gore Verbinski) throughout. The use of electronics is so light as to be almost undetectable, which will please fans of a more organic orchestral sound. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Wow.......2007-07-17

This is the best soundtrack in the "Pirates" series. Hans Zimmer has melded the Eastern sounds with the West and composed an intricate melody which is hard to forget. My favorite soundtrack so far!

Movie Soundtrack Review.......2007-07-16

I love his music. And all the movie soundtracks he has done. I already have two of these,one for my car,and one for my home. This purchase was for my best friend on her birthday. His music for soundtracks,always intenses and blends so well with the movie,which it is all about. He's a wonderful composer.

Get on the freeway, roll down the windows and DRIVE!.......2007-07-16

I LOVE this CD! It is just so much fun.
If you gotta' travel the road to work, school, etc.
or you gotta' run errands or you are just in the
mood to GO -
Well, get in the car, get on the road, stick in this CD,
roll the windows all the way down, turn up the sound,
and DRIVE!
Have a ball!

AHOY!.......2007-07-14

Love it. Listening to it is like re+living the movie over and over again.

Pirates Of The Caribbean:At World's End CD.......2007-07-13

The music that Hans Zimmer has written for this movie is outstanding. Once you have seen the movie, you realize the music fits it perfectly. There are several favorites that bring to mind the favorite scenes during which they're played so it's almost like watching the movie while listening to the CD. I have the CD's from all three Pirates movies and, while I love them all and listen to them regularly, the music from AWE is a different type of music. I recommend it highly.

Average customer rating: Best of the Franchise Quality Work Hooper Rises to the Challange Welcome to Hogwarts Nicholas Hooper! Definitely Different

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Manufacturer: Warner Bros/Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban Ratatouille ASIN: B000OLGCHA Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Fireworks
2. Professor Umbridge
3. Another Story
4. Dementors in the Underpass
5. Dumbledore's Army
6. The Hall of Prophecies
7. Possession
8. The Room of Requirements
9. The Kiss
10. A Journey to Hogwarts
11. The Sirius Deception
12. Death of Sirius
13. Umbridge Spoils a Beautiful Morning
14. Darkness Takes Over
15. The Ministry of Magic
16. The Sacking of Trelawny
17. Flight of the Order of the Phoenix
18. Loved Ones and Leaving

Amazon.com

For its fifth cinematic installment, the Harry Potter franchise gets a new composer as England's Nicholas Hooper (a usual collaborator of new director David Yates) succeeds Patrick Doyle and John Williams. The screeching electric guitar that suddenly irrupts on the very first track, "Fireworks," lets the listener know that all is not quiet on the Hogwarts front. The kiddies are growing up, evil is spreading: which is worse?! But actually this modern sonic touch is deceiving: Hooper works within an old-school format and mostly sticks to tried-and-true effects. His score is best when it goes for tension and unease, particularly in its use of low, rumbling tones: A choir starts by humming in a menacing manner in "Dementors in the Underpass"; the sound at the beginning of "The Death of Sirius" feels as if it's being belched out from some deep, dark, scary place, creating an effective atmosphere of dread. Elsewhere, the beginning of "Possession" feels as if it belongs in a J-horror movie, and then the track becomes deceptively calm before the storm hits again. Keen listeners will recognize Williams' "Hedwig's Theme" in "Another Story," but mostly Hooper is his own man. Just like the overall series, which gets darker and darker as it goes along, this CD makes for a rather brooding listening experience--the pizzicato violins on "Umbridge Spoils a Beautiful Morning" provide one of the few jaunty touches. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Featuring a colorful and inspiring score by Nicholas Hooper, the soundtrack to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix takes the movie-goer to the next level of magical enchantment right along with Harry and his friends.

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Franchise.......2007-07-19

With the usual nods to John Williams' initial themes, Hooper takes everything a notch higher with this score. Perfect.

Quality Work.......2007-07-19

This soundtrack is very refreshing. It makes it's own way through the movie very smoothly. A great departure from the John Williams (and similar sounding - to JW) soundtracks. With an underlying reference to Hedwig's Theme the similarity stops there. For me this is the best soundtrack outside of the Sorcerer's Stone. Very impressive and very enjoyable.

Hooper Rises to the Challange.......2007-07-18

Having read previous reviews of this CD which appear on this website, I would have to say that I strongly disagree with what people are saying. People who have said that this soundtrack has no thematic material need to listen more carefully, for Hooper has been subtle in his writing. I'll admit that on my first listening to the CD, I was slightly dissappointed because of similar reasons mentioned in other reviews, mainly because of the lack of thematic material and 'memorable moments'. However, on my second listening I picked up things that I hadn't heard before, and now that I have owned the CD for a while now, it has grown on me.

The Umbridge theme is, yes, annoying, but that is its intention. It is, however, well written and beautifully played by strong and confident strings, accompanied by accentuating chords in the brass, giving it an almost humourous touch. The Possession theme is emotional and features throughout the soundtrack in different forms. Chords are what makes this piece effective; dissonant chords and intervals cause uneasiness and there are many moments where the music does not go where we expect it to. Other themes include the frantic racing cues for the Department of Mysteries, and even these cues are thematic. If you listen carefully, the chord progression of these cues are based on the Possession theme, which I think is extremely clever. There are also cues such as the final minute of the piece titled 'Sirius Deception' and also Dumbledore's Army and the Room of Requirement which add a fresh tone to the CD. Although the writing is simple, is it cleverly constructed and fits in perfectly with the actual viewing of the film.

All in all, this soundtrack is suitable for anyone who will listen to it seriously and will be prepared to allow some time for it to sink in. Although it is not music you really play in the background while doing something, it does make an enjoyable experience to listen to when really concentrating and perhaps even analysing.

Welcome to Hogwarts Nicholas Hooper!.......2007-07-18

There is always a sense of foreboding when one learns that a new film score composer has been assigned to an established series where we have already become accustomed to themes and motifs that have illuminated beloved characters and places. Indeed, that music becomes as endearing if not necessary as the actors, the characters, and settings themselves. Thus when it became known that John Williams would not continue to score the Harry Potter series we raised an eyebrow with Patrick Doyle when he took on "The Goblet of Fire," but all proved well enough. When it was announced that yet another, and a less known, composer had been signed to score "The Order of the Phoenix" some nervousness had to be expected. Indeed, this writer put off picking up the soundtrack until after the film had been released and happily viewed. We are most happy to sigh in great relief that once again Harry Potter is in capable musical hands. Welcome to Hogwarts Nicholas Hooper. Of course there is the inclusion of Williams' "Hedwig's Theme," but from that onward this score belongs to Hooper and it is delightful on both the screen and the soundtrack recording. Hooper has ably given new musical wonder and delight to Hogwarts while also serving up a necessary musical sense of dread as the story drifts into darkness. But Hooper always seems cognizant that above all this music must remind us of the wide-eyed wonder that is Harry Potter's world even though the music also reminds us that there are dark and troubling times ahead. One might take some issue with the order of the musical cuts on this album, but Hooper knew what he was doing for it all comes together. The decision to open with music from a great scene well into the film, "Fireworks," is backed up by the immediate realization that this piece works wonderfully well as something of an opening overture: hold on, this is where we are going! His theme for Professor Umbridge captures all of her moods from almost comedic to downright sinister. And there is an abundance of momentary musical gems throughout (note especially the brief but wonderful "Flight of the Order of the Phoenix"). Indeed, welcome to Hogwarts Mr. Hooper, and we hope you stay around for the remaining films. Ably produced and packaged by Warner Bros.

Definitely Different.......2007-07-18

I don't mean to dwell on the past, but Nicholas Hooper's music just doesn't seem to fit the Harry Potter films that we have come to love. The genius of John Williams and Patrick Doyle is definitely not matched in this "themeless" soundtrack. While change can be good, a composer such as Hans Zimmer may have been a better, more traditional choice. The Potter films have given rise to a modern classical style of music that rock-loving teenagers actually enjoy (something not seen since the Star Wars music accompanied the big-screen flicks). The new sound Hooper brings may represent the changes occurring in the wizarding world; however, it is more noise than music and lacks any sense of continuity.

Average customer rating:

High School Musical 2 Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Disney | Children's Music | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus High School Musical, The Concert - Extreme Access Pass Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture) Hannah Montana - Pop Star Profile High School Musical 2: What Time Is It ASIN: B000QCTGIE Release Date: 2007-08-14

Tracks:

1. What Time Is It
2. Fabulous
3. Work This Out
4. You Are the Music in Me
5. I Don't Dance
6. You Are the Music in Me (Sharpay Version)
7. Gotta Go My Own Way
8. Bet On It
9. Everyday
10. All For One
11. BONUS TRACK: HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A

Album Description

High School Musical 2 is the follow up to the Music Phenomenon of 2006! Featuring the #1 hit single "What Time Is It"

Average customer rating: Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Jersey Boys Like being there A step back in musical time Great music, but missing too much

Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Ronald Melrose , Ken Dow , Anik Oulianine , Stephanie Cummins , Deborah Hurwitz , Kevin Dow , Joe Payne , Larry Saltzman , Dave Spier , Bill Hayes , Randall Andos , Bob Milikan , Debra Shufelt , Maxine Roach , Belinda Whitney , Cenovia Cummins , Eric de Gioia , Louise Owen , Robin Zeh , Sarah Schwartz , Shinwon Kim , Christian Hoff , Daniel Reichard , Donnie Kehr , Erica Piccininni , J. Robert Spencer , Jennifer Naimo , John Lloyd Young , Sara Schmidt , Tituss Burgess , Steve Orich , and Bob Gaudio Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000BFH2QY Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

1. Ces Soirees la'
2. Early Years Medley
3. Cry For Me
4. Backups Medley
5. Sherry
6. Big Girls Don't Cry
7. Walk Like A Man
8. December, 1963
9. My Boyfriend's Back
10. My Eyes Adored You
11. Dawn (Go Away)
12. Big Man In Town
13. Dialog: A Little Trouble
14. Beggin'
15. Dialog: See How You Handle It
16. Medley Listen Listen
17. c'mon marianne
18. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
19. Working My Way Back To You
20. Fallen Angel

Amazon.com

Although it squarely falls in the "jukebox musical" category, Jersey Boys doesn¹t try to integrate its songs in an artificial plotline. The show tells the story of the early-1960s group the Four Seasons, and the musical numbers tend to be introduced in context, as when songwriter Bob Gaudio comes up with a tune, or the quartet performs a show. This allows Jersey Boys to flow better than some of ill-fated peers, and the actors can shine without having to bend backward to accommodate an inane book. The show's most (only) daring move is to start with a hip-hop-tinged French-language version of "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," an actual hit in France in 2000. After that it's all VH1-biopic territory, but it's done with so much flair, taste and energy that the ride's a fun one. The Four Seasons had enough hits ("Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," etc.) to easily fill an evening at the theater, so it's left to the cast to do right by them. And it does, particularly John Lloyd Young as the band¹s star lead, Frankie Valli. Young hits all the falsetto notes and brings real freshness to the part. His "Can¹t Take My Eyes Off You," a second-act peak, is signed, sealed and delivered with a star's acumen. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Recounting the rich history and reliving the timeless sounds of the phenomenal Frankie Vallie & The 4 Seasons, the new Broadway musical Jersey Boys answers the musical-and philosophical question, "How did four would-be wise guys from Newark, NJ, become one of the greatest chart-topping successes in pop music history?" Jersey Boys celebrates legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi who, as the 4 seasons, wrote their own songs, invented their own identity, and sold 175 million records worldwide-all before they were 30.

Customer Reviews:

Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast).......2007-07-19

Singers doesn't try to make the same sound the same original. The music sounds like the voices don't care about what they are doing. I was kinda disappointed.

Jersey Boys.......2007-07-08

Purchased CD prior to seeing the show when visiting USA in '06. A fun lively show - the CD now captivates those fond memories of not only the foot tapping music & show but also our special time in New York.

Like being there.......2007-07-05

Have seen the play twice. This album lets me relive the experience anytime anyplace. A great piece of Rock n roll history.

A step back in musical time.......2007-07-05

My wife and daughter didn't know about the Four Seasons but I did. When I told them I wanted to see the musical on stage, there was no interest so I bought this product and they heard it in the car. We went to the stage musical soon after and we have listened to the entire disk so many times I've lost track. I created a Four Seasons monster in my daughter. She's fifteen and has memorized most of the songs and sings along while we are driving somewhere.

Great music, but missing too much.......2007-07-04

I saw this play at age 16 with no idea who the Four Seasons were, but instantly fell in love with it. The problem is, this soudntrack cuts a two hour play into less than an hour on CD. Most of the dialouge is missing, only including enough to let each member of the group at least say something. I know many play soundtracks cut out dialouge, but what confuses me is why this stretches to the music as well. What is there is amazing, but I don't understand why most of the songs are cut to half, and sometimes even a third or fourth of their original lengths. I love this CD, just be aware that you are hardly getting any story, just clips of lots of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons songs. So, great music and dialouge, just not enough for a musical soundtrack.

Music Album:

1. The Pine Hill Haints Meet Clampitt, Gaddis & Buck
2. The Pressure Is On
3. The Rest of the Dream
4. Trains Have No Names
5. Traveling Singing Man
6. Very Best Of
7. Very Best of: 16 Great Songs [Import]
8. Waitin' for the Sun to Shine
9. Walk the Plank
10. Walkin' That Banjo Home

Music Album