Chicago | Best MP3 Music Review

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Chicago

Chicago

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Chicago

Amazon.com

The movie version of Kander and Ebb's Chicago was long in the making, but it's well worth the wait. Director Rob Marshall's main change was to turn the classic musical numbers into fantasy sequences, but of course this isn't obvious on CD. Most importantly, the arrangements are bursting with life while being true to the show's spirit, and the casting is simply inspired. Catherine Zeta-Jones actually started her career on the British boards (she was in The Pajama Game and 42nd Street), so her turn as slinky Velma Kelly isn't that surprising; Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart is more of a leftfield choice, but she shows she can handle the singing demands with pizzazz. The real revelation may well be rapper Queen Latifah, who belts out "When You're Good to Mama" with a marvelous affinity for the material. OK, so the R&B reprise of "Cell Block Tango/He Had It Coming" by Queen Latifah, Macy Gray, and Lil' Kim fails to convince, while Anastacia's "Love Is a Crime" is just blah (rest easy, purists, it's over the end credits). On the other hand, the CD provides two bonuses: "Class," which was cut from the movie, and "I Move On," a great duet written by Kander and Ebb for the final cut. It's really easy to mess up film adaptations of Broadway shows. Happily, Chicago proves it can be done right. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Chicago Reviews

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful

Hallelujah, they did it RIGHT!, January 15, 2003

By

R. Rigazzi "Neurotic Pop Boy" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chicago (Audio CD)

The arrangements are the best of this material on recording, in my humble opinion. As most movie musicals take a Broadway score and butcher it with bland pop sensibility and overblown orchestral arrangements, those behind this recording chose to keep it on the minimalistic side, as it should be. At the risk of sounding a bit cliche, the arrangements succeed in transporting the listener from his car or living room to a smokey cabaret.

Some of the strongest voices come from the most surprising cast members, noteably Renee Zellweger and John C. Reilly. For having never really sung before, her voice is surprisingly strong, expressive, and unique. Those familiar with Queen Latifah's performance in "Living Out Loud" were most certainly expecting "When You're Good to Mama" to be as absolutely fabulous as it indeed was (the woman should really do a jazz album and show off those pipes).

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere were really perfectly cast for the film and played... Read more

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful

Not Quite As Good As Original 1975 Cast, January 18, 2003

By

Craig Cochrane (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chicago (Audio CD)

I own all four recordings of Chicago -- original, film version, B-way revival, and London. And I like them most to least in that order.

The movie soundtrack is fantastic, but it falls just a little short of the original 1975 Broadway recording for several reasons. Gwen Verdon created a more quirky and genuinely funny Roxie, and that comes across in her interpretation of the songs (esp. the spoken part of "Roxie"). Although Renee gave Roxie more depth and substance, which was essential for the film, Gwen is a better interpreter of the songs.

Chita Rivera created a splashier and more flamboyant Velma, whereas Catherine Z-J's Velma is more menacing and intimidating. Catherine is so impressive musically that I think it's a toss up. However, Chita (and Gwen, who died last year) were already 20 year veterans of Broadway by 1975, and all of that experience and skill comes across in the "seen it all, done it all" characters they play.

Jerry Orbach (now on... Read more

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

Holy cow!, January 19, 2003

By

M J Heilbron Jr. "Dr. Mo" (Long Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chicago (Audio CD)

That seemed like the appropriate exclamation for this stellar soundtrack, taking place seventy or so years ago. Actually, it should be something more of a four-letter variety, but this is an all-ages website, no?
You will buy this CD if:
a) you love great movies
b) you love great Broadway
c) you love great musicals
You HAVE to. Here's why.
First, Richard Gere is great in the film, but better here, because he's really acting with his voice, and your preconceptions associated with his physical appearance disappear. His nasal smarminess fits.
Second, Catherine Zeta-Jones just leaps out of your speakers, brassy and bold.
Third, and I think most important, is Renee Zellweger's performance. Her range from a coquettish purr to a full-throated roar is staggering. You will be scratching your head, saying, "I had no idea..."
Furthermore, the other supporting players...to a T...are perfection, and unexpectedly so. Queen Latifah and John C... Read more

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Chicago