Wicked Score...what do u think???

[aspiringguy715]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 8:24pm

many critics have criticized the Wicked score for being a weak power ballad layout with "chicken soup for the soul" lyrics...some have even gone so far as to say it brings down the amazing book
i think the score demonstrates the wonderful stereotype of a classic broadway musical:the funny songs, the power ballads, the tear jerkers, and the love songs all slewn together with some company numbers but i'd like to hear your thoughts

[racerchiquita76m]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 8:26pm

I think it's a mix. Some of the songs (Defying Gravity, for instance) are really great. Some I would agree are weak.

[aspiringguy715]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 8:28pm

definitly, i think the majority are good genuine songs....i hate when the critics bring a score down for a few somewhat weak songs Updated On: 3/22/04 at 08:28 PM

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 8:31pm

I try not to think about it

[wickedfan]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 8:31pm

The critics didn't like it because some times in a song, there would be a melody that would repeat itself. Also because it wasn't the "normal" type of score for musical theatre. I personally believ that songs that had weak melodies made up in lyrics and those that were weak in melody made up in lyrics. But the majority of the songs were great all around. I have never been one to judge a show based upon critics responses. I have found myself many times disagreeing with Ben Brantley.

[aspiringguy715]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 8:33pm

i agree with wicked fan, the lyrics/melody comparison is seriously evident there

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 8:37pm

IMO with the exception of "The Wizard and I", "I'm Not That Girl", "Defying Gravity", "As Long As Your Mine" and "No Good Deed" - I pretty much agree with the critics. And even those songs have mediocre lyrics, but I like listening to them. "One Short Day" is the worst. I don't really think the book is any good at all, but most of the songs get in the way of the story telling. We spend an entire song giving Elphie a queer eye for the ugly girl makeover. Mostly I just enjoy listening to Idina's voice. Updated On: 3/22/04 at 08:37 PM

[HunterFosterIsMyGod]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 8:39pm

i love almost all of the songs.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 8:40pm

Well, there are so many songs in broadway shows that sort of get in the way of the plot. Dancing through Life and Defying Gravity are really rhe only songs that keep the plot moving and that's because of all the dialouge in it. If there isn't really any dialogue in a song, it is mainly just stopping the show to hear a tune. I personally always look forward to when WICKED stops us for that time.

[shira467]

Posted: 3/22/04 at 11:35pm

I get what the critics are saying loud and clear - but seriously, has anyone listened to Les Miserables lately? It constantly repeats itself - and that's considered a great score. Yes, at times its kind of sappy. If you just listen to the CD, you can say that w/o thinking twice. But in the show, it all makes sense. My only real complaint is in the song, "March of the Witch Hunters", which I can't stand anyway.
"I would join you if I could" - the extra syllable in 'you' completely screws up the rhythm, and drives me nuts! It could just have been "I would join if I could", and would have the same meaning.
Overall, I enjoy the music, and if its repetitive, I beg you, listen to Les Miz - its teh same thing, over and over - but its still a great musical!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/23/04 at 8:00am

I don't think it's that repetitive at all. I like some songs, but not others. As Long As You're Mine sounds like something from Aida and doesn't really go with the rest of the score. Dancing Through Life is ok. For Good doesn't stay with me at all. No One Mourns the Wicked isn't bad, but it's too weak for an opening. Defying Gravity, The Wizard and I, Popular, No Good Deed, and What is This Feeling are the strongest songs in the show.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 3/23/04 at 8:31am

I'm very new to 'Wicked'... the CD has only been with me for a few days... but...

I like to measure the strength of the score/orchestrations by the air conducting factor...

If I'm driving down the highway, and I can't keep my right hand still, I consider it to be a powerful score. This is a 9.9 out of 10. I look like a huge dork to my fellow motorists. But I don't care....

Wicked is quite good from my experience. I can't say there is a song in the show that I click past.

[WestEndBird]

Posted: 3/24/04 at 4:13pm

I have to admit...it is a new ritual for me now...I never leave the office before I listen to What is this feeling...I start putting things away and picturing someone I have a bit of annoyance with and let my spirit just dance around the room making fun of them. I have not stopped listening to it since a friend introduced it to me..I was hooked...one min I'm laughing and having fun the next min I am crying...I LOVE IT!

[Rentaholic2]

Posted: 3/24/04 at 5:41pm

I'm very guilty of judging Wicked based on the critics before I even knew it. Now that I've actually bought it and listen to it frequently, I'm in love!
And honestly, when I think about it, there are very FEW musicals that don't have at least two or three songs that I skip over and don't really care for...they can't even get stuck in my head.
But really, the ONLY song in Wicked that I don't love and kindof skip over is Dear Old Shiz...not even because I don't like it, it is just supposed to be a "school song" and doesn't carry much weight.
There are so many funny songs that are just plain fun. Then I LOVE the power ballads....it just doesn't get much better than "Defying Gravity." Who among us is not proudly guilty of driving down the highway with that song going full blast, singing our hearts out?
I personally think critics are over analysing a classic compilation of songs playing them off as ear candy...but what, i ask you, is wrong with that! Enjoy it for what it is! Great musical theatre!
Right on, Shira467...who ever decided repetition in a musical was a bad thing anyway? If I hear something I like, I would always love to hear it again!

[shira467]

Posted: 3/24/04 at 9:40pm

"If I'm driving down the highway, and I can't keep my right hand still, I consider it to be a powerful score. This is a 9.9 out of 10. I look like a huge dork to my fellow motorists. But I don't care.."

Ckeaton, thanks for the laugh. I am originally from Los Angeles (where concrete freeways rule all), and I have a great vision of someone driving in a convertible on the main freeway with Broadway blasting! That;s what I'm like (sans cool convertible)

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 3/24/04 at 10:35pm

God Bless Musical Theatre Drivers!