Customer Reviews

Fame: The Original Soundtrack From The Motion Picture

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This soundtrack, like the movie, is a contemporary classic. For those of us who were in high school when it was released, it's a snapshot of that era. Much has already been said here about how good the music on this CD is, and I agree with all of it. Instead, I want to comment on the sound quality of this CD. This recording is BADLY in need of remastering; it's a shame that no one at Polygram picked up on this. I originally bought this album in the cassette format, and played it for years until it literally wore out. When I finally replaced it with the CD version, I couldn't believe the difference in the sonics; the cassette actually sounded better! There is a muffled quality to the CD which is most noticeable on the title track and "I Sing the Body Electric". There's just not enough high end. Oddly enough, we've already had remastered editions of "Flashdance" and "Footloose", both of which came out AFTER this album was released. And just as a footnote; a couple of reviewers have commented on the excellent "Kids from Fame" TV soundtrack album, which featured the songs "Starmaker", "I Still Believe in Me", and "Hi-Fidelity". Well, guess what... it's in print on CD, and can be ordered from the UK version of the Amazon website. (Just use the link at the bottom of the page.) I don't know why the American side doesn't stock it. Anyway, it's a very inexpensive title, and well worth seeking out. (Search "Kids From Fame" when you get to the website.)

Wow! Songs that are actually in the movie! So many of these are classics it's hard to name them all. Irene Cara's beautiful voice shines through on the exciting, upbeat classic Fame and the beautiful ballad On My Own which is the best song on the whole soundtrack. Plus you get the energy filled Hot Lunch Jam, I Sing The Body Electric, and the surprisingly good Is It Okay If I Call You Mine? If you loved the movie and you love 80s music, or if you just want to get a good CD, I'd recommend this one a ton. It's really worth it.

This CD is wonderful. My father and I love this soundtrack so much we must have listened to 15 times straight in one day (and we didn't get tired of it). The songs and the lyrics can not be beat. The songs are so unique and inspiring. I feel like I am personally singing the songs. When I listen to the CD I feel so strong.

I gave this 5 stars, because even though I don't like a small percent of this, the rest MORE than makes up for it.

Here are the selections, and what I like and/or dislike about them:
1. "FAME" - the title track. It's an upbeat, optimistic song, a good opener, no complaints from me.
2."OUT HERE ON MY OWN" - This beautiful ballad is sung by Irene Cara on a soundstage, broadway piano, and some deep lyrics.
3."HOT LUNCH JAM" - Kind of silly song, set in the cafeteria of the high school, more effective on film than on your stereo, but not bad.
4."DOGS IN THE YARD" - Song by and about the Monty character; "Why can't I run crazy, like the dogs in the yard?" We've all felt like this at one time or another. I like it.
5."RED LIGHT" - This is a difficult one for me; It's a late '70's Disco song, the genre of which I passionately hate, but "Red Light" is a well-made song, good recording, competent singing, I just wish it weren't Disco.
6."IS IT OK IF I CALL YOU MINE?"- Another song by the Monty character; just him singing, and strumming an acoustic guitar. Nothing fancy, but not bad, either.
7."NEVER ALONE" - I REALLY LIKE THIS; I've always liked that dry, Broadway piano sound, here, enhanced with a choir, and lots of percussion, it reminds me of a black church revival.
8."RALPH AND MONTY (dressing room piano)"- It's only some background music for a scene with two of the main characters having a conversation in a dressing room; it's just a little piano motif that grows on you.
9."I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC."- The graduation sequence. This song is the reason to buy this recording and cherish it. It's also the high point of the film. It has the ability to bring goosebumps on me, even after twenty-five years. The recording of this absolute MASTERPIECE was cleaned up a bit for the soundtrack, and it sounds a little better than what you hear in the film, but either will simply blow you away, every time. There's one line in the film version, where one of the vocalists (Monty again) hits a bum note, and I squirm every time I hear it. But he quickly recovers and ends his part beautifully. It is performed by the entire student body, the dance students doing a fantastic job, the combo, a five or six-piece rock band, some of the singing and acting students singing the leads, the classical students providing the orchestrations, and the rest giving their voices in the most powerful sounding choir you'll ever hear from a bunch of seventeen and eighteen-year-olds. I can't give enough praise to this number, and even if you ignore the rest, you owe it to yourself to experience "I Sing The Body Electric," as performed by the cast of "Fame."
You will NOT be disappointed.

Hoped to replace my LP with this CD. NOT! Think the record sounds better. The quality is the worst.

I love fame....maybe because I am an aspiring actress. Nevertheless, its an amazing musical. Great songs. Inspiring at so many points. Its great 70's/80's music and I just love it!

This movie soundtrack includes a range of sound types, from classical to jazzy pop. The production numbers have a terrific energy that I find infectious, and the excellent vocals include some very skilled use of minors that are particularly pleasing. I had not heard this music for years, and was immediately caught up again!

I love this CD and I am also looking for the TV Fame soundtracks, especially a song called "Starmaker." If ANYONE knows how to get a copy of this soundtrack or even a video, I would be forever grateful! I grew up dreaming and hoping to the original movie and especially to the TV series...Thanks! Joya234@aol.com

I wasn't even in grade school when I first heard the song fame! Anywayz, this album is a must-buy for all those who want to relive their kindergarten days (I was in that level when the TV series "Fame" came in the tube). This album is truly the best 80's pop that I have ever heard!

A must for any 80's fan...I have owned this for 18 years, and I still love it. Irene Cara is fantastic on all of the songs she sings, and other highlights are "Dogs in the Yard" and "I Sing the Body Electric."