Every single thing about this show just makes me want to go back. Still praying it goes into a open-ended run at some point, kind of doubt at this point, but this show is just fantastic.
Just saw it last Friday and had so much fun. It was my sister’s first musical and she loved it, too! These two tracks sound great, so I believe I’ll be buying this tomorrow and playing it on repeat all weekend.
Having read the views from those who had seen the show I was interested in listening to the recording. Groff sounds... fine. Nothing special. Obviously he sings incredibly well but much like Aaron Tveit in MOULIN ROUGE there doesn’t seem to be much soul which is surprising considering the reviews I’ve read about him.
Blanchard is definitely the weakest vocally but she must be commended for doing something unique with the role. While I miss the powerhouse vocals usually associated with the role I do enjoy her grittier take on it.
Leggs sounds as menacing and as frightening as Audrey II is meant to. I love his vocal.
The standout is definitely Christian Borle. The only recognisable quality in his voice is his vibrato - other than that he sounds completely different. Good for him!
It does make me wish we had a Salazar / Rodriguez / Riley cast recording.
I just listened to the album and I really like the way Christian Borle and Jonathan Groff sound, as well as the arrangements. That said, some songs such as Somewhere that's green sound overproduced and autotuned to shreds... Still, loving the energy of the whole thing!
I’ll never understand why they sacrificed having an Audrey who could sing the role as written for an Audrey who.......acts differently than Audreys in the past? “Suddenly Seymour” is nowhere near the showstopper that it should be because they had to lower the key so much. I’ll just never get over it. And I’ll never understand the praise she’s gotten. Oh well, it’s always fun to have a new recording of a musical, and I love most of the new arrangements! They sound much more in tune with the show than the 2003 revival orchestrations.
I’m enjoying the new album. Groff is obviously vocally over qualified but he does some fun riffs and is very charming overall. I think it works. I appreciate Tammy Blanchard for resisting the urge to do an Ellen Greene impression and Christian Borle is just unbelievable. I never would have thought of him for this role but I’m so glad someone did!
superiska123 said: "I just listened to the album and I really like the way Christian Borle and Jonathan Groff sound, as well as the arrangements. That said, some songs such as Somewhere that's green sound overproduced and autotuned to shreds... Still, loving the energy of the whole thing!"
Autotune on a BROADWAY (well, in essence, Broadway) cast album? JESUS!
Into Act 2 rn, loving it so far. Agree the autotune can be a bit much (mostly from Blanchard), but the feel of this album is incredible. Love the synths on "The Meek Shall Inherit," I didn't notice that when I saw the show, but they are great!
Glad to hear this score getting some new interpretations. I don't understand how an actor in a Bwy musical could be called "over-qualified" as a singer? (Earier comment from CatsNYrevival.) Have audiences just always seem the shows women in the past to be carrying the scores vocal heft? Does that mean a singing actor makes the music sound too pretty, too legit. vocally? Also,can an actor have a recording contract that allows some artistic control? It seems like the actress playing Audrey has been disrespected & reputation harmed with the too-much autotune mixing?
Jonathan Groff is probably the best singer I’ve ever heard sing the role. Lee Wilkof and Rick Moranis are actors with passable vocal chops. Groff is more than passable. That’s all I meant by over qualified.
Little Shop holds a special place in my heart, It's the show that seems to pop up at important moments of my life, but... pass on this cast recording. I'd MAYBE reconsider if Gideon was on it.
Just finished listening to it and my favorites are Christian Borle and Kingsley Legg with Groff sounding great. I looooooooooooove the new orchestrations. The only downside for me is the slower pace of "Skid Row (Downtown)" and Tammy Blanchard. Like people have said, I am glad she is doing something differently from Ellen Greene but they could have gotten someone that could sing this part better.
"They're eating her and then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!" -Troll 2