Customer Reviews

Godspell (2001 National Touring Cast)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I've been a fan of "Godspell" for about 10 year now. Not too long after I first saw it, I bought the Original Cast Recording, and I've been enjoying it ever since. So I was very hesitant to buy this version. Boy, am I ever glad I did.

Without changing the songs in any significant way, the producers make the show feel contemporary with new arrangements and orchestration, not like it's stuck in the 1970's. I was able to sing along the first time through, while experiencing the musical in a whole new way. It's actually changed my opinion on several songs, most noticeably "Beautiful City" and "Turn Back, O Man."

I was also glad to get the "Prologue" and "Tower of Babble" songs. As far as I know, this is the only recording of these songs, and it's nice to have all the songs for this musical. I was also glad to see "We Beseech Thee" since it's one of my favorites.

This CD hasn't replaced my Original Cast Recording CD. But it's a great addition, and I'm glad I've added it to my collection. If you're a fan of this musical, buy this CD today and enjoy a classic with a modern feel.

I love this play and the Original Off-Broadway Cast, but this CD is a worthy companion. If you want to get the best version of each song, it is squarely between these two. The cast is so awesome and extremely talented. "All Good Gifts" has never sounded better, and "We Beseech Thee," "Light of the World," and "Beautiful City" all have fresh new spins on them which make you want to get up and dance. Even though "Bless the Lord" sounds wierd at first with the grunge touch, Natalie Joy Johnson does such an incredible job singing it that it soon doesn't matter. The only down side to this recording is that they took the wonderful vaudevillian piece, "Turn Back, O Man" and turned it into a porno soundtrack type song. In short, buy this and the Original Cast, and you will have all the "Godspell" you will ever need.

being very familiar with this show - i've seen it a few times and just finished performing it (as "jeffrey") - i was pleased to see another revival of godspell out on the market. i have to admit, at first it didn't strongly catch my attention. the opening is cool - it blends instrumentals from "day by day" with "finale" and a couple of other things. "tower of babble" falters - the techno/dance beat just didn't do it for me. from there on, though, the reworking is nearly perfect. an interesting approach on "bless the lord", where they chose to tone it down a bit and make it groove a little more (compare that to the original), and it came out sounding great. "light of the world" has a sort of funk-bass groove to it, and the harmonies on the chorus ("so let your light...") are excellent. they chose to put "beautiful city" at the beginning of the second act (great place for it), as well as make it rock out a lot more and add in the entire cast (when i did it, it was slow, almost remorseful, with just jesus, and was put right before the last supper). that changed my view of that song altogether. "we beseech thee" is done to a gospel-type style, and it works perfectly (compare that to the hoedown-ish original and 2000's reggae mix). and as always, "finale" is energetic and emotional.

seriously, my only complaint is "tower of babble". besides that, the cast and musicians managed to update "godspell" to rock out, while still preserving all the meaning of the text. i'd recommend buying the 2000 version alongside this one, especially if you're as obsessed with this show as i am! good work, guys.

This version of Godspell really shows that it is more than a classic musical in the sense of Oklahoma, but a timeless work of art that can be stylistically reworked and still carry astonishing power. For the most part, this version stays true to the original where needed ("All for the Best") while bringing some of the songs fully into the 21st century with the wonderful work of an outstanding band ("Bless the Lord", "All Good Gifts", "Light of the World"). Even in the songs that exhibited little change benefit from the outstanding backing musicians. The arrangement of "We Beseech Thee" as a revival style number is stunning as well. The only dissapointment is with the updated version of "Turn Back O Man" which really should be done in the style of the original.

I highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves Godspell and wants to hear it brought up to date.

What a challenge it is to bring GODSPELL to a new generation-a challenge that this cast and artistic team accomplishes flawlessly. While the arrangements are different to those who know the original, they illuminate the lyrics and idea of the show in a fresh and provocative manner. There isn't much to the book, so the score has to engage the audience moment to moment. I think this production brings the musical to a new height, and while I don't agree with all of the choices made, I applaud the fresh honest energy of the cast. Sharon Francis breathes new vibrant life into DAY BY DAY. Natalie Joy Johnson delivers a BLESS THE LORD that builds in raw verve and commitment. I don't mistake her powerful voice for screaming . . . I respond to it as passion that transcends the music and lyrics. I can't wait to see what Johnson does next . . . she has an amazing future ahead of her and I can't wait to be transformed by that awesome voice. This is an important revival . . . whatever you do, don't miss this cast!

My seven year old daughter helped me decide how to rate this recording. "Godspell" has been a staple in our household for several years now (especially since the release of the movie on DVD). My daughter and I were listening to this release of "Godspell" and she said it best: "It's different...but I like it!" She could not have been any more poignant. This recording has so much to offer. The cast is vocally strong and the revamped orchestrations are top notch. It won't replace my other recordings of this musical, but it is a welcome addition!

I was one amongst many lucky theatregoers to point our attention to the appearance of an all new production of one of Broadway's most memorable rock musical. I thought the movie was something unique to see. But this new revival jump started this classic and updated it to appeal to our times. putting in such wacky modern themes as "Survivor," "South Park," and "Jerry Springer." You'll never laugh so hard until you see a pair of demon sock puppets scream "WASUUUUUUP!!!" The performances were fresh and alive. I had the pleasure of obtaining the cast's autograph during intermission. I was even doubly lucky to find the exact same cast enclosed on this CD. This CD boasts all those brilliant performances, who are joined by Schwartz's excellent music, which is also revamped to an modern, electric life which actually made the gospels entertaining to listen to. Don't the preachers realize that the message is more important than the story? They need to take a few tips and watch this show. Listen to this music you truly feel moved and not to mention a tear WILL be jerked when you witness their depiction of Christ's crucifixion. Definitely had more of an effect, instead of just strapping him to a fence like they did in the original show. Don't worry I won't give it away. You'll just have to catch the show.

I would just like to say that this CD is fresh and very energetic, using styles that range from gospel, to techno and dance. It is certainly different than the other recordings I have. The players have incredible voices and great versatility. This musical always envokes such a spiritual response, to hear the music in new settings and new arrangements just sets my spirit free. The booklet also has some great informaiton about the musical itself, from a synopsis to the history of the show itself. I could literally listen to this for hours on end. This is a definate must for any Godspell fan. One of my personal goals in life is to be in this show someday, wish me luck!

I first want to apolgize for judging a book by its cover. This version is splended. Its not to the quality of the orginal, but does have its spirt. I still am not a big fan of the techno stuff, but when you get down to the basics its still Godspell. As I said, its no where near as good as the orginal, the Movie or the Londan cast. But it is way better than the 42street singers verison where I don't regonize the arrangements. The arrangements are different for this version, but at least these arrangements are good and I can tell its Godspell. I am a live long Godspell fan, I own many other versions including this one. I would buy it just because its new and fresh.

Ok..first off, let me say I am jaded. I totally enjoy the movie soundtrack, and tolerate the broadway recording from the 70's (I actually think the Broadway production did a better job on Robin Lamont's "Day by Day"). Yes, I own both recordings and it ends at these two.

What were they thinking? They've ruined a classic; between the updated score, arrangements, and the voices being over-dramatic and filled with vibrato, the songs sound forced, and do not echo any of the fresh, happy, if not campy, sound of the original recordings.

Some things are classics and shouldn't be touched. Remember when they changed Coca Cola and introduced the New Coke? Ya; enough said.