Customer Reviews

Bombay Dreams (2002 Original London Cast)

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw Bombay Dreams this past Saturday on Broadway and fell in LOVE with the show. I couldn't wait to get the recording, but I've found that MOST of the songs are different :-(

I really would love to be able to hear the songs I just heard in the show, especially the Bhangra song. Since the show has obviously changed quite a bit from the London version, it seems silly to be selling an album that doesn't match the show.

bummer

I saw the show in London in December (Stephen Rahman Hughes played Akaash instead of Raza Jaffrey) The show totally blew my mind. I have friends who had seen the show and said the music is nothing new, nothing great if you've already seen a Bollywood movie. But it was fantastic!...I loved every bit of it and wanted more. The music is very haunting, and such a lot of fun! Listen to Sweetie as he sings 'Love's Never Easy' or the beautiful ballad 'Closer than Ever' by Priya, Akaash and Sweetie. Preeya Kalidas is superb in all her songs. Thank you Andrew Lloyd Weber for bringing A.R.Rahman and his music out for the world to enjoy..Sure the music is not like the other musicals, but then, we've enjoyed the other musicals enough! Bombay Dreams is a refreshing change.

I saw 'Bombay Dreams'performed in London last week. The plot is silly and throwaway but the songs and dancing are truly fantastic and so I've just ordered the original cast recording, which for some reason is not available in London.

Much of the music is vibrant but with strong melodies.There are also some beautiful ballads.

'Love Never Easy', 'Shakalaka Baby', 'Chaiyya Chaiya', 'Salaam Bombay', 'Journey Home' and 'Wedding Qawali' made a particular impact but I'm just looking forward to hearing the whole score when my CD arrives.

I was not familiar with A.R Rahman's work until 'Bombay Dreams' but he is a real treasure.

If you can, see the show but get the CD anyway!

A R Rahman is the finest melodic composer and arranger on the planet. Hopefully Bombay Dreams will be the key to the kingdom of his amazing work. His first soundtrack was composed in 1992 and in the ten year period he has revolutionized music in India. Those who recognize his gift from this soundtrack will be happy to know that they have just had a glimpse of the tip of the mountain. Personally, most of the English lyrics detract from the music in Bombay Dreams, but nevermind, his music is strong enough to affect the listener in a profound way. When searching for his work be advised that he composes in three languages; Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Some of the same music appears in all three languages and often there are Tamil soundtracks, in my opinion his best, that don't make it into the other languages. Bombay Dreams has five strong songs but he has written at least 50 hits of high quality, maybe more. Most of his work is available in Indian music stores.

Warning: Anyone who has seen the musical or merely picked up this CD soundtrack but knows absolutely nothing about Bollywood won't get the big hype surrounding this music. If you know A. R. Rahman's work and have followed his music throughout his amazing career, though, you will adore this CD. Another reason to adore it: even if you don't speak a lick of Hindi, you can still follow along with the English snippets and the catchy Hindi phrases. However, if your lack of Hindi skills is paired with no knowledge of what Bollywood is all about, the lyrics will come across quite easily as cheesy and the premise of the show fluffy. I'm not here to convert anyone to the style of Bollywood, but merely to ask you to appreciate this soundtrack as a play-on version of the real deal. A. R. Rahman's work is legendary and, when it comes down to it, the show is all about the music. And look at that- that's what this CD is!

My personal favourite songs: "Chaiyya Chaiyya" (from Dil Se) and "Love's Never Easy" (based on Ishq Bina from Taal), also "Shakalaka Baby" and "How Many Stars." All orchestral background on this track is paired with fantastic vocals, so be prepared for some quality composition on the whole.

If you like the sounds of this music, I would recommend checking out the music from the movies Taal, Dil Se, Lagaan, Bombay, Swades, and Rang De Basanti. All fantastic, all A. R. Rahman.

I have to agree with the reviewer who asked where is the NY recording of Bombay Dreams. I recently saw this show and was eager to buy the NY album featuring that cast. Actually this is the second time this has happened to me. The first time was when I went to purchase Mamma Mia and found the only recording available was again with the London cast only. And from friends who saw this show in London, it does sound to me as if the NY and London offerings are a bit different.

That said I found this show to be one of the best I have seen in recent years. The songs, dancing, energy on stage and costumes are worth the price of admission. Even if the story line is rather predictable, I still suggest this show to anyone who loves live theater. It confirms to me what I have been thinking about for some time. That is the world becomes a bit smaller and more familiar as we learn about other cultures through the medium of theater, books and movies. Treat yourself to tickets to this show. I don't think you will be sorry.

When I attend a new musical and I'm not familiar with the tunes, it's rare that they stay in my head very long, but these songs did. I love the energy and rhythm and the catchiness. Some reviewers here have referenced the "silly lyrics" or "silly plot," but it's important to remember that Bombay Dreams is deliberately sending up the Bollywood musical as a genre, and "silly" lyrics and plot are a part of that genre. Never mind that; these tunes will get you going on a sluggish day, will get your party rolling, will lift your spirits.

As for the reviewer who calls this "Arabian" or "Middle Eastern" music. Hello? Bombay is in INDIA. Perhaps part of that reviewer's dislike has to do with his/her unfamiliarity with India, its music, culture, films and traditions. Approach it with an open mind and a desire to learn, rather than lumping anything that's different into a wastebasket category of "foreign."

Most if not all of the 31 reviewers before me commented on the delightfully visual, high energy stage production rather than the CD. I'm sure the extravagant colors and dancing add a lot to the show.

With Kandukondain Kandukondain by A. R. Rahman being my favorite movie, I had higher hopes for the music. It's far too western. One pop song sounds like Olivia Newton-John and another like Gloria Estefan.

I've read poems by lovesick 12 year old girls that put the lyrics of "Shakalaka Baby" and "Are You Sure You Want to be Famous?" to shame. I felt for the lead singer that had to repeat "Shakalaka Baby" at least 100 times in the song, and ditto for the singers of "Chaiyya Chaiyya".

If you want to experience Indian musicals, I suggest the soundtracks of Indian movies.

Many of you are wondering why there is no B'way recording available. They have cancelled the recording of the show due to lack of ticket sales. Recording an album is a huge investment, and worth it only if some profit is going to be made. As of now, Bombay Dreams is only playing to about 55% capacity. They are losing loads of money on the production alone, so it doesn't make sense to spend more to record a new cast album when one already exists.

The music is good, the atmosphere is unique, the song is beautiful. I should give it 5 stars, but there is NO lyric included in the booklet --- Only large pictures of the cast members.