Godspell [CAST RECORDING]

Stephen Schwartz, Robin Lamont, Stephen Nathan, Godspell (Related Recordings)

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 3, 1990)
• Original Release Date: July 1971
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B000002VDC
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,121 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Jesus was a pretty popular guy in New York in 1971; as the ersatz star of both Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar. If Superstar was a little dark, Godspell was positively frothy; and its portrayal of Jesus as a hippie clown was part of its goofy charm. Another part was Stephen Schwartz's nifty score; a little naive and dated, but also as hummable as anything in history. Slap this in the CD player and be transported back in time to an era when kids were all singing "We Beseech Thee," "Prepare Ye the Way of The Lord" and, of course, the cheery "Day by Day." I'm guessing they don't do these in folk mass anymore. --Michael Ruby

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 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5.0 out of 5 stars Slightly Outdated Sound, But Still Great, December 14, 2003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 (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

19 of 19 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 (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

"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!

26 of 30 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

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.