Next to Normal (Original Broadway Cast)
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Free Music Notes for Next to Normal (Original Broadway Cast)
Free Music Review: Terrific Story and Music
Hit: 5 Stars
I have yet to see this performed. But I love it. What a great way to tell a heartbreaking story.Free Music Review: My Favorite new Broadway musical in at least 5 years!
Hit: 5 Stars
Simply put I belive very stungly that Next to Normal is the best new boadway of at least 2009!Free Music Review: Review for Next to Normal
Hit: 5 Stars
I was very pleased with this transaction, and with the product I received. Thank you.Free Music Review: Next to Perfect
Hit: 4 Stars
For the record, I have not seen NEXT TO NORMAL on Broadway, but if the physical production is as compelling as the cast album I am listening to now, I WILL be buying a ticket as soon as I am in the city this autumn.
With the aid of the detailed synopsis in the included lyric booklet, this album does an excellent job of telling the story of Diana Goodman's struggle with bipolar disorder, and its effect on her husband, son, and daughter. Just know: this is not a musical recording to be listened to as background music to accompany studying or other focus-stealing activities. You want to be invested in both the words and music. This recording improves with repeated listening, and never grows stale.
Many people who have seen the show have complained about Alice Ripley's 'weak' or 'pitchy' vocals. Listening to the album, she is neither of these things. Her TONY-awarded acting shines through on the album, and makes up for any vocal 'flaws' there may or may not be. J. Robert Spencer plays Diana's husband to a wonderfully tragic effect, with solos that will rip your heart out. Jennifer Damiano plays a Natalie almost every teenager can identify with: perfectly seemingly indifferent to her less than normal surroundings, seeking refuge in music and one trusted companion. Aaron Tveit is chilling as Gabe, Diana's troublesome son, and the source of her mental anguish. Adam Chanler-Berat (as Natalie's boyfriend) and Louis Hobson (as Diana's doctors) round out the impressively strong cast of six. Both actors flesh out their characters quite well on the album, though neither is given as much, musically, as the others to really stand out.
The two-disc recording comes packaged in a sturdy folded cardboard case and includes a thick booklet containing a detailed synopsis, complete lyrics, and production photographs. I highly recommend purchasing the physical album instead of digitally, if only for the great lyric booklet. It was listening to this album and reading the lyrics with it that really helped this album make its desired effect on me as a listener.
Free Music Review: Stellar, Stunning, Show-Stopping
Hit: 4 Stars
This cast album perfectly invokes the emotions that you feel during the show. The amazing cast lead by Alice Ripley grabs hold of you throughout the entire album. Though, like many rock-like musicals of today, some of the songs start to blend together and bring nothing exciting. But even those have something to offer thanks to Aaron Tveit, Jennifer Damiano, J. Robert Spencer, and of course Alice Ripley. For the style of music it is in there are very strong songs an some weaker ones which bring it down slightly which is why it gets 4 insted of 5 stars, but the best songs on this album deserve somewhere near 10 stars!