Review: The Last Ship (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

[Michael Kras]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 4:45pm

Here's my review of the brand new cast recording of Sting's score for The Last Ship. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the album and score as well!

http://castalbumreview.blogspot.ca/2014/12/album-review-last-ship-original.html

[JayG 2]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 5:00pm

Agree. Best score to be heard on Broadway in a long, long time. Haunting and beautiful, and like you say - not typical, generic fare, and certainly not commercial, but that is exactly what makes it terrific.

[LucyEth]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 7:27pm

Listening to it now. Loved it in the theater, love it even more on disc. Sting has always been a favorite songwriter and he's outdone himself here. A true theater score. My only caveat is the interpolation of earlier songs, although the rethinking of "When We Dance" certainly works better than "All This Time," which makes no sense lyrically. His original tune, And Yet" would have been a stronger choice.

[Julie Yard]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 7:41pm

I just put this in the player and it is lovely and original.. such a shame this show hasn't done better. This music should have carried it.

[Michael Kras]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 7:48pm

LucyEth, I agree about the integration of some older Sting songs, that in some places and moments, it's a bit awkward. But, given how disastrous it could have ended up being, I think they have, for the most part, been integrated pretty beautifully. Island of Souls, for instance... I never would have known that wasn't written for the show itself.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 10:18pm

I really enjoyed it. I will definitely get back to see this show again in January.

Michael - i was also amazed at how much Jimmy Nail sounded like Sting.

[willep]

Posted: 12/19/14 at 4:18am

I very much agree with your review, Michael. I really love listening to this cast album. It's just gorgeous and not your typical Broadway fare, as you point out. I hope I get to see the show again.

Also, add me to those who are amazed how much Jimmy Nail sounds like Sting. Crazy.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 12/19/14 at 10:44am

LucyEth, not sure what you mean by this: "'All This Time,' which makes no sense lyrically. "


It makes perfect sense lyrically. It's about returning to his hometown after the death of his father. So much has changed, but the town remains the same.

[mattmarkowski99]

Posted: 12/19/14 at 5:08pm

Has anyone noticed that on Spotify and Amazon "Mrs.Dee's Rant" isn't included but on the iTunes version it is? I thought it was supposed to be omitted all together.

Updated On: 12/19/14 at 05:08 PM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/19/14 at 5:18pm

It is on I tunes (not on cd or mp 3) but it appears the number "Hymn" is not on the CD or on I tunes or anywhere else. No idea if it was ever recorded but it is nowhere to be found on any version.