Billy Elliot: The Musical (Original Cast Recording)
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Free Music Notes for Billy Elliot: The Musical (Original Cast Recording)
Free Music Review: great
Hit: 5 Stars
I saw the musical on Broadway for the first time earlier this year, and have been listening to the songs on repeat ever since! "Grandma's Song" is playing as I type this review, as a matter of fact. :) I also remember watching the movie when it first came out in theaters; well, no offense to Jamie Bell and Stephen Daldry, but I must say that I enjoy the musical version a whole lot more, and the music has a lot to do with it!
Some highlights for me were Electricity, Grandma's Song, Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher, The Letter, and Expressing Yourself. IF I had to single out a song as the weak link, it would have to be the Angry Dance, mainly because it's something that, while wonderful on stage, doesn't translate as well on a CD. What makes the Angry Dance great is the superb acting from the Billy actors - without them, the Angry Dance loses a lot of its verve. The piece is still good, but doesn't quite have as much the emotional depth as intended when you're just listening to it as opposed to watching it.
However, even with that little note, all of the other songs on this album sparkle and are absolutely wonderful in their own way. If you enjoy Broadway showtunes the least little bit, then you will like this CD. I'm personally not that crazy about Broadway musicals - I enjoy 'em, but I'm definitely not a diehard fan - and I absolutely loved it.
Free Music Review: Elton "Scores" Magnificently
Hit: 5 Stars
Even though this musical doesn't make its debut on Broadway until next year, it's already winning over audiences in London's famed West End. Hailed as "The greatest British musical" by The London Telegraph and "The first musical since `Rent' to exert such a complete emotional hold on its audience" by The New York Times, Billy Elliot is likely to become Elton John's greatest hit! If the musical's dialog is nearly as brilliant as this score, this play is destined to become the toast of Broadway and an instant classic come 2007. The music alone already is. The story is taken from the beautiful 2001 film and John's music compliments as it swells and takes us on a journey that you hope never ends. Of course, the beauty of this is that when it does end, just push "play" and repeat the experience all over again. The production of this CD is flawless and the Collector's Edition comes with a bonus CD that boasts Sir Elton on three of the best tracks, "The Letter," "Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher" and "Electricity." The title of that final track is most appropriate for this musical record that is absolutely radiant and sure to capture your heart instantly. Elton John's talents are endless and this latest installment of his work is extraordinary.
Free Music Review: This Score Shines!
Hit: 5 Stars
Billy Elliot The Musical is obviously the staged version of the popular 2000 movie of the same name minus the mucisal part, but for those of you who have never heard of it heres a breif plot description.
Billy Elliot is set in eastern england during the miners strikes of the 80's in the middle of this is 11-year-old Billy and his father and brother who are both miners. Billy discovers that he has a talent for dance when he intrudes on a girls ballet class and decides that he wants to dance instead of box like his father wants.
This is a wonderful recording of the show thats incorporates a generous ammount of dialouge in with the songs.
Standouts include:
The Stars Look Down
Shine
Solidarity
Expressing Yourself
The Letter
Angry Dance
Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher
Electricity
the Letter (Reprise)
Finale
while there is a good amount of cursing it doesn't take away from the songs in any way.
Billy Elliot is another welcome addition to the 2005-2006 cast recording club. Buy it!
Free Music Review: Phenomenal
Hit: 5 Stars
I've seen "Billy Elliot" on Broadway three times so far, and plan to see it even more times. At the risk of sounding like an obsessed fan, I have never seen a show that had such a magical mix of emotion, humor, innovation, creativity and talent. What I like most about the CD is that with its mixture of dialogue as well as music, it transports me back to the show every time I listen to it. While I think the CD is vastly enjoyable even if one hasn't seen the show, it is even better when you can re-create the scenes in your mind as you listen to the CD.
I have always been an Elton John fan, and I believe he really captured the essence of the story, whether it be stirring anthems, hearfelt ballads or folk-tinged melodies. Songs like "The Stars Look Down", "Once We Were Kings" and "He Could Be a Star" never fail to stir my emotions.
If you haven't seen "BE", I urge you to do so. Unlike many other shows, which are merely enjoyable evenings out, this one will stay with you forever. Even if you cannot get to one of the productions playing around the world, you will love this CD.
Free Music Review: Keeps Getting Better & Better
Hit: 5 Stars
Though I'd love this score to get re-recorded with the Broadway cast, this original (London) cast recording is terrific. Fortunately, Haydn Gwynne, who originated the pivotal role of dance instructor Mrs. Wilkinson, transferred to Broadway.
Having seen this "feel good" show twice, I can certainly appreciate the music more with the visual connection established, but with repeated listenings, certain songs somewhat overlooked on my first go-around are now my favorites. The score, with music by Elton John & lyrics by Lee Hall, is powerful.
Best tracks:
The Stars Look Down
Shine
Solidarity (best song from show)
The Letter
Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher
Electricity
Once We Were Kings
Another terrific score from Sir Elton John and one that more than makes up for the "Lestat" disaster a couple of years ago.