Pop Culture Buzz

GRADE: A

PLAY THE SONG BELOW TO HEAR JENNIFER HUDSON!

I want to clear one thing up right away, I am usually not into the Broadway showtunes or stage musicals. That said, I love movie musicals. “Little Shop Of Horrors”, “Hairspray”, “Sarafina”, “Annie”, “Chicago”, “Hedwig & The Angry Inch” and “Moulin Rouge” are great modern movie musicals that stand up to the test of time. Based just on the soundtrack “Dreamgirls” should turn out to be the best of the bunch!

The one thing that stood out right away was the lack of Beyonce on this c.d. Sure she has her moments, but this c.d. belongs to Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx. Their voice jumps out at you and their vocal talents give the best highlights on the soundtrack. Once you complete the disc, you can’t help but think if this is a Jennifer Hudson c.d. or a cast album?

Based on this c.d. Eddie Murphy WILL get his first Oscar nomination. His work here is broad and brave. As it turns out he has the vocal chops to pull of this role, big time! He and Jamie Foxx shine in this recording. But it is Jennifer Hudson that steals the show from the whole cast. We have been hearing these rumors for months and now we have confirmation. Murphy’s “Cadillac Car” and Hudson’s “Love You I Do” are catchy fun foot tapping tunes I can see myself singing in the shower to very soon.

The climactic song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and “I Am Changing” are so powerful and stirring, there hasn’t been recorded movie musical moments like both of them ever recorded. Seriously. I have been listening to this soulful, fun c.d. all day, and I do not see it’s play being slowed down much before the film opens in two weeks. Could this c.d. garner Grammy consideration next year? If the film is as huge as projected, look for it to do well in c.d. sales too!

The most impressive aspect of the actor’s singing is the natural ease at which they emphasize their lyrics, the pitch perfect singing and force at which they perform. This recording is popping with energy and talent. The main theme song “Dreamgirls” is a sweet pop song and could actually be a single if released.

If you want to be seriously surprised listen closely to Murphy’s extraordinary “I Want You Baby”. I could hardly believe my ears when this groovy tune played. If Murphy doesn’t get recognized, it would be a crime!

Beyonce really does do a good job, when we hear her that is. But the other cast members went to stellar heights to dive into these roles and you can hear the artistic choices and vocal range paying off. This is not just a great soundtrack, but a perfect pop c.d. as well!