Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson - Dreamgirls: Music From The Motion Picture [2-CD Deluxe Edition]
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Free Music Notes for Dreamgirls: Music From The Motion Picture [2-CD Deluxe Edition]
Free Music Review: All I've Got To Do Is Dream, And You'll Be There...
Hit: 5 Stars
This electric soundtrack to the movie Dreamgirls crackles and sparkles with energy and this two CD set does not disappoint. I commend these fine performers for doing their own singing throughout the soundtrack to this exceptional motion picture.
Moreover, although Amazon writes that Jennifer Hudson could not outdo Jennifer Holiday as Effie; I believe that at the very least Hudson matched Holiday when she sings the beautiful, passionate and heartbreaking ballad "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." I hardly ever see any actor or actress give their all to deliver a song so powerfully in the singularly beautiful manner Jennifer Hudson does when she stops the show with "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." There is no way to thank Jennifer enough for such a brilliant performance.
The two CD set begins with the electric "I'm Looking For Something;" "Goin' Downtown" and "Takin' The Long Way Home." These numbers are words and music from the opening scenes depicting the talent contest including The Dreamettes.
The songs "Move" and "Fake Your Way To The Top" offer catchy melodies and superb lyrics. "Cadillac Car" is another masterpiece; and this is highlighted even more when another artist essentially steals the song and performs it in such a comparatively drab fashion. "Family" is a touching ballad about how the main characters in the plot will stick together and value Effie even as she is being demoted from lead singer to backup. Excellent!
"Big" is a strong and confident jazz instrumental. The musicians perform this flawlessly.
"I Am Changing;" "Love You I Do" and "One Night Only" offer Jennifer Hudson perfect opportunities to show off her incredible vocal talents; the soul in these ballads stuns you.
Jennifer Hudson also demonstrates her talents on numbers she shares with her peers. "Dreamgirls" is beautifully written and performed. "Heavy" is memorable even though it's brief; and "It's All Over" displays the raw emotions of the performers as they have their final confrontation before one of them must leave the girl group.
Beyoncé does a great job of making each song extra special with her participation. Beyoncé sings beautifully in "I'm Somebody;" "Step On Over" and "Listen."
And Lord knows, brace yourself for the disco version of "One Night Only." The three lady group performs this song with such high voltage energy you'll be sitting in your seat as your hair stands up straight behind you parallel to the floor--exactly like the infamous advertisement for Memorex tapes! Like all the songs on the CDs, the disco version of "One Night Only" is performed to perfection.
"Hard To Say Goodbye" and the reprise of "Dreamgirls" move you with their beauty. After the "Curtain Call" track there is one more touching rendition of "Family" sung by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Keith Robinson and Anika Noni Rose. The two CD version of the motion picture soundtrack boasts awesome extra tracks; you get dance mixes of "One Night Only" and "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." Composer Henry Krieger's demo of the song "Patience" concludes the two CD set beautifully.
Moreover, ALL the actors do their own singing! I didn't know Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx could sing so well! Eddie Murphy really shines when he performs "I Want You Baby" with The Dreamettes.
The two CD version of the Dreamgirls soundtrack includes even more than just extra numbers. There is a very special 35 page booklet that contains all the lyrics to the songs as well as the credits. There are exquisite still photos from the picture as well. Moreover, the quality of the sound will not disappoint.
Overall, this two CD set--and the movie--is an absolute must for any movie buff or any fan of great musicals. Fans of movie soundtracks and Beyoncé will never be disappointed. Moreover, if you want the finest introduction possible to the gifted Jennifer Hudson, you must buy this two CD set.
Every once in a very long while, all the stars in all the heavens align in exactly the right places to create a work of art as impressive as the soundtrack to the movie Dreamgirls Get this two CD set--but set aside plenty of time before you start to listen to it because one, two or even three straight listens could never be enough! Great job on this masterful artistry, everyone! BRAVO !!!!
Free Music Review: "Dreamgirls" is a Dream Come True
Hit: 5 Stars
After the botched and poorly sung "Chicago" of 2002, and last years less than stellar performances of "The Producers" (deserved) and "RENT" (totally undeserved and a classic recording of that score), this new mounting of the musical "Dreamgirls" could have been a crapshoot. Instead, we have what might be the finest of the lot. To begin with, the extended version fleshes out the score in ways never before attempted and has some curiousity pieces that are well worth a listen. More than that, each performer is at the height of her / his powers and each delivers exciting renditions that spill out of the speakers in a cacophony of joy.
It's easy to say Jennifer Hudson steals the show - she has the showiest role - but Beyonce Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Anika Noni Rose and the shockingly effective Eddie Murphy (his performance may be the ONE in the film) display their chops as singers and actors in a manner rare on Original Soundtracks these days. This is a group effort if ever there was one and every performer reaches the height of their vocal powers (that's saying something here).
Of course, Hudson's set pieces, "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going " and "I Am Changing" are her showcases and she gives them every ounce of her formidable talent, making the most of some great material. She is a true find who deserves the accolades she has received for this performance - definitive depends upon opinion and love of the original, where I found Jennifer Holliday overbearing and overwrought. Hudson hits just the right note (literally).
But let's not underestimate the power of Beyonce Knowles. In a less showier role, she performs some of the best vocals of her career. Her solo CDs often give in to the "American Idol" melismas that regularly smash a song to smithereens; here she chooses a more forthright and direct approach, interpreting rather than showing off, and her beautiful instrument is given full reign to showcase her formidable talent. Her rendition of "Listen" equals anything Ms. Hudson does. And her performance as an actress evoking the "Supreme" time of Motown is exquisite. Beyonce Knowles is a multi-talented find and it should be said right now: she has a talent that has deserved the praise she has received. Let's hope she gets more opportunities like this.
It's unfortunate that Anika Noni Rose is relegated mostly to the background on this recording, because her few moments to shine display a young performer whose power is far beyond her years. Her duet with Murphy on "Patience" is suberb, with both performers connecting in an emotional way that creates a stirring highlight of the film. Ms. Rose is one to keep an eye on.
Jamie Foxx and, especially, Eddie Murphy are revelations on this recording. While Foxx sometimes struggles with pitch, his "acting" of the role is apparent and effective throughout - specific and direct. Like Adam Pascal in the soundtrack of "Rent", Foxx is the center of this exciting concoction. Eddie Murphy is a shattering surprise and if somebody doesn't recognize him for the multi-talented performer he is rather than the "goofball" he's been forced to play in film-after-film than Hollywood is just......well, you can finish that sentence.
This recording displays many of our most talented African-American performers at the height of their powers. Hooray for them and how lucky for us. Thank you all for giving us this special gift.
Free Music Review: FIne Recording/Supplement to Broadway Cast version.
Hit: 5 Stars
I saw "Dreamgirls" on Broadway with the original cast when I was a young teen. I recall being knocked out by Jennifer Holiday's voice and acting. "I'm Telling You I'm Not Going", sung to a "mirror" is still vivid in my memory. One of the great moments in a lifetime of theatergoing. Honestly, Jennifer Hudson does not have a voice like Holiday's, either in range or size, so her big "aria" is not as powerful. That said, Hudson is still really, really good. Her voice is colorful, powerful by any standard, her interpretation is heartfelt, and she "sings" rather than just belting or yelling. My one criticism is that when she attempts affects in the top register, she flats, forcing her voice beyong its real range. Holiday was operatic in her power, larger than life in every way, yet perfectly "soulful". By comparison, Hudson's is a great musical theater performance, also "soulful". I give Holiday an A+ and Hudson an A.
The rest of the cast is also fine. Beyonce will no doubt look terrific as Deena Jones and is certainly sexy, but her voice, although lovely, is nowhere near as smooth, rich, large, and plain gorgeous as Sheryl Lee Ralph's was on the orignal cast recording (or as I remember hearing it live). She just has less to work with so when she indulges in R&B mannerisms which, she, frankly, does not have the voice for, they are not always effective. She should have stuck to the "smooth" "pop" sound her Diana Ross-inspired character was promoted to lead singer for. She is also simply not as "elegant" as Ralph, sounding younger and less sophisticated. One man's opinion. However, Beyonce is quite good. Very good in fact. I really enjoyed her singing here. So I give Ms. Ralph an A+ and Beyonce a B+.
Frankly, I listen to this music for the 2 leading ladies, whether on Broadway or now, in the movies, and for the harmonies of the Dreams. So I will simply say that the men in both versions are just fine and Eddie Murphy is a surprise. The soundtrack arrangements are a bit more jazzy and interesting.
This is wonderful score which catches the R&B and Pop sounds perfectly, then puts them at the service of a really moving drama. With the quality of singing on either version, we come really close to a true pop opera.
The Broadway cast version is not complete. The soundtrack is, and then some. Why not get both? I did!
(I listened to the CD several times before I wrote this review and then saw the movie. I have to say that Jennifer Hudson knocked me out in the film. She may not sing with the power of Jennifer Holiday, but she is much more moving as singing actress and so much more vulnerable. I have become a huge fan of Ms. Hudson's and was so glad that she won the Oscar. So, as I said above, each of these ladies is superb in her way. Holliday sings a bigger, brasher stage performance and Hudson a more close-up, subtle film performance. I was also impressed by Beyonce's skill as an actress. She was really very winning and sympathetic as Deena, and unbelievably beautiful, but next to Jennifer Hudson, her shortcomings as a singer were apparent and her singing is, of course, all you have here on CD).
Free Music Review: Your Goin' To Love this!
Hit: 5 Stars
I was very sceptic about this adaptation. I was very dissapointed in Evita when they chose populairty over talent. I am a fan of Madonna and Beyonce but the performance by Beyonce is amazing.
In answer to T.T.'s remarks. RENT THE MOVIE! Gosh, a movie cost 4 bucks at the rental store. And there is very little talking. Most f the songs are like they are in the movie. But anyways...
THe performance is atstounding. I think that this album goes right up there with The Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz and Chicago (never seenthis one, too young).
The songs are movig and the add ons are amazing. Listen is my Favorite, but more of that latter.
The Performances:
Beyonce- Beyonce was born to be Deena. Infact she mirrors Denna a whole lot (see Wikipedia - Destiny's Child). She delivers a superb performance, better that the original Bway Deena. Dreamgirls is phenominal.
Jennifer Hudson - Well what can I say but SIMON COWELL YOU WERE WRONG! And as she sings in I am Changin' AND NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP[HER]
Anikki Nonni Rose - Sorry if I spell her name wrong, but it is very odd. Honey if there was n unsung heroe of this film it would be her. Her phenominal and most of the time hilarious performance is what adds character to the film. Esp. when they brake Jimmy up with them she delivers a hilarious speech.
Eddie Murphie - Wonderful, Who knew he could sing.
Jamie Fox - GREAT!
Best Songs:
Move - Amazing! Wonderful beat. And SHAKE IT ON!
Cadilac Car - Wonderful song, esp. If you have a crappy car or a real Cadilac car
Steppin' To the bad Side - WONDERFUL, BEST SONG OF THE WHO MOVIE
I Love you I Do-lovely
Dreamgirls-Just hair raising
IT's All Over - Cuss a lot, I know, but amazing adittude though. Don't let little ones listen to this one.
And I am Telling You I'm Not Going - Just bye the CD for this song. I can't put in words the emotions in this song.
I Am Changing- Beautiful
Effie Sing my Song-Not in the movie but amazing
One Night Only- great
Disco version- great, but would have loved the wooshing like in the movie. A little too long, but when you see the extended version you will get the longer version and think WHY DID THEY CUT IT????!?!?!?
Listen - AMAZING SPECTACULAR! SUPER! IENIBOIWEBWEJKFDIVLEFB!
Dreamgirls Finale - " " (same as above)
Family (End Credits)- Better than the ordinary version for reasons I can't explain.
1 Dissapointment:
When I first saw you was a gereat song in the film, but in the original cast it was after Dreamgirls (To Sig. that Deena and Curtis were Together)
and it was reprised with an argument about Deena's Dreams. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS! but they cut out Deena and the purpose of the song was lost, but it is still wonderful.
My Only Thin is Get the Orginal Bway Cast and this CD. The Orig. Bway cast has a cool One Night Only Too. Try Them both. They have diff. textures, but are both truly amazing.
Free Music Review: The Third Time Is The Charm!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
I just bought the movie soundtrack cause I really love the song "I'm Lookin' For Something" even though it's such a small piece of the pie, considering.
The movie knocked me out! But sometimes the soundtracks, in general, fail to deliver especially since there are no visuals. And because Amazon doesn't have previews to listen to, I was hesitant.
Well, the two-disc movie soundtrack to DREAMGIRLS delivers in spades! The brilliant producing team of Harvey Mason, Jr. and Damon Thomas (aka The Underdogs) have worked in shades of Chic (Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers) and Curtis Mayfield, blending the sounds of early 70s funk, soul and R&B, and yet managed to never stray far from the original arrangements.
Just when I thought nothing could compare to the original Broadway soundtrack, the third installment of DREAMGIRLS (there was a Dreamgirls concert 2-disc set issued in 2001--not of the original cast--and the only reason it rivaled the original was because it was the complete soundtrack, IMO)is just as enjoyable.
The entire cast provides great vocals but the stand outs are Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, and the under utilized Annika Noni Rose.
Murphy turns in a vocal performance that puts his one-hit wonder song "My Girl(Wants To Party All the Time)" from the 80s to absolute shame. Don't understand why some people think that his performance wasn't anything special because he really shines here.
Hudson had some big shoes to fill, namely Jennifer Holliday's. Her performance isn't better or worse than Holliday's, just different. I have to admit that it took some time to get used to hearing "And I'm Telling You..." but Huson's voice is growing on me.
Rose was really under used (musically) in the picture and the soundtrack. She has a phenomenonal voice and you can really hear it on the duet with Murphy on the song "Patience." Why oh why did Condon cut the song "Ain't No Party" (Lorrell's--Rose's character--only solo) from the movie and the soundtrack? The answer is beyond me, but I think with Rose singing that song it would have been another show stopper.
Another interesting note to add is a cameo perfomance by Loretta Devine, the original Lorrell. She still sounds wonderful as she sings "I Miss You Old Friend."
This two-disc set comes with a little booklet with all the lyrics of the songs and a short intro from director Bill Condon.
Don't get me wrong, I still love the original Dreams (Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Holliday and Loretta Devine). And if you're like me and think nothing can compare to the original, just give this soundtrack a chance. It'll change your mind. It sure changed mine.