Godspell [Cast Recording]

Stephen Schwartz, Robin Lamont, Stephen Nathan, Godspell (Related Recordings) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 3, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B000002VDC
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,821 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #7 in Music > Broadway & Vocalists > Musicals > Contemporary Musicals
  • #15 in Music > Christian > Compilations
  • #43 in Music > Pop > Vocal Pop > Contemporary

Editorial Reviews

No Description Available.
Genre: Original Cast Recordings
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 14-MAR-1991

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Slightly Outdated Sound, But Still Great, December 14, 2003

By 

Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Godspell (Audio CD)

Just in case you don't know when this musical was written or this recording made, all you have to do is listen to it. It practically screams 70's folk music. Heck, except for the shofar on the opening number and a recorder a little later on, the only instruments are keyboard, guitars, and drums. But that's part of the charm.

The musical is based mostly accurately on the Gospel of Matthew from the Bible. There are only 10 in the cast, so it's not a full blown production. Instead, it's an interpretation with a modern (or at least 70's) setting.

There are lots of good songs here. Probably the most famous is "Day by Day." Personal favorites are Jesus' first appearance with "Save the People" and "We Beseech Thee." I also love the slow ballads "By My Side" and "On the Willows," the second being a lament taken from Jeremiah. Frankly, I've found I can no longer read the Sermon on the Mount without thinking of "Light of the World" or Jesus attacking the Pharisees without "Alas for You" running through my head.

Those looking for "Beautiful City" will want to look elsewhere since it was added for the movie, and this American original cast recording predates it by several years.

This musical is different and takes a few listens to appreciate. But I've loved it since I first saw it a number of years ago, and I pull out the soundtrack on a regular basis. It has an easily singable score, which just adds to the fun.

If you want a musical to encourage and inspire you, this lesser known gem is a wonderful place to start. And the original cast recording, while sounding a bit outdated, is still a wonderful way to experience it today.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Tallest Candlestick, November 19, 2004

By 

Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Godspell (Audio CD)

"Godspell" is such an endearing musical. The music is incredibly catchy and memorable, the message is of course positive, and the delivery is excellent -- most of the time. "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" from its conch shell opening is an utter delight, a joyful statement of faithful expectation. "Day By Day" builds joyfully and is such an exquisite statement for trying to live spiritually in a material and sometimes unkind world. "Light of the World" rocks joyfully and makes you feel hopeful, "The tallest candlestick ain't much good without a wick!" Lamar Alford on "All Good Gifts" perhaps leaves a little to be desired vocally, but the song itself is truly wonderful. It's probably time for a remastered soundtrack to be re-released, but this one contains some of the greatest show music about God and faith. Enjoy!

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musical Storytelling Excellence, February 12, 2000

By 

AJ (AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Godspell (Audio CD)

Even after having this cd for about 8 years, having done the show and many others in the past 10 years or so, I still come back to this cd to sing through the whole thing. I love every song. I can actually sit and listen to this cd, knowing I won't have to forward some songs. The only thing I absolutely hate about this cd is that man trying to sing "All Good Gifts". Where, in the name of all that is good in musical theatre, did they find this man? Who did he know to get this job? "By My Side" is just beautiful. I read that it was the only song that Stephen Schwartz didn't write. It was written by some of the cast of the original production of Godspell before he came in to re-work the music. They decided to keep it in. Good move. Think about the idea behind the song...telling someone that you will always be there...by their side. This was the first musical that I ever fell in love with and it will always be the first point that I realized that this was what I wanted to do with my life. Thanks, Stephen Schwartz, for making "God" fun.