Stephen Schwartz - Godspell Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (13 tracks) +Album Reviews

My recommended version of Godspell

L. Power | San Francisco | 02/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As there are many versions of Godspell it is hard to choose the best version. As you read this review then you may find my guidance helpful.

If you buy Godspell make sure it has these songs: Prepare ye, Day by Day, Save the people, All Good Gifts, Learn your lesson well, Turn back oh man, Bless the Lord, Light of the world, By My side, Beautiful City, and On the willows. The movie has all these.

The movie has two excellent songs Beautiful City, and Light of the World which are not on some other versions.

All Good gifts is my favorite. I prefer the 1993 version because the singer is better than the movie singer whose falsetto on higher notes is not to my taste.

Godspell is based on Matthew's Gospel, and contains various American music styles. Day by Day starts as a Jazzy gospel Waltz changing to straight 8 rock, with harmonies and counter melodies.

All Good Gifts lyrics come from a two hundred years old hymn, with beautiful early Elton John piano style accompaniment. By My side is a great folk style song, with wonderful harmonies.

On the willows is based on Psalm 137. You may know the song 'By the rivers of Babylon.' Perhaps you can imagine the Egyptians taunting the Israeli slaves to sing one of their songs of Zion for their mirth. Light of the world has a funk motown riff. Ragtime, broadway and vaudeville are in other songs.

I got this CD two years ago when we were doing the songs in choir, not liking all the songs. Yet the more you listen the more you tend to like it, as it grows on you. I still listen regularly. [...]"

CLASSIC

R. Penola | NYC, NY United States | 06/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Godspell, that well-worn 70s quasi-religious clown musical, was transformed into a wildly creative movie musical in 1973. This soundtrack streamlines the raw, original cast album into a sleek pop recording that is infinitely listenable. The arrangements are gorgeous, and feature, in most cases, better vocals than the original. The sound is pumped up, and the orchestrations now include lush strings and thick, fat horns and soaring vocal harmonies. Beautiful City, written for the film, is beautiful; the finale, with its seamless transition into Day By Day, is truly moving. For my money, this is the best representation so far of Stephen Schwartz' brilliantly hooky and melodic score. FYI, Jesus is played by the luminous, young Victor Garber, whom most people now know as the architect, in the film Titanic."

God Save the People!

MelloCello | Upland, CA USA | 10/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As others have said, whether one is a religious person or not, this soundtrack makes you feel good. And if you are a follower of Jesus, it should remind you why. It's joyous and uplifting, and there's not a bad track to be heard. The performances are all first rate and are actually superior to the original Broadway cast recording, IMO. If you only know Victor Garber from television or movies, you must listen to this recording! He has a beautiful, mesmerizing tenor voice that is filled with all the emotions that Jesus goes through in the film (Buy that too, if you haven't already!). Particularly good is his first song, "God Save the People" as well as the duet with David Haskell (John/Judas, also in the Broadway original) "All For the Best" and the heart-wrenching finale, where he sings, "Oh, God, I'm dead" as he breathes his last. Sadly, David Haskell is no longer with us, so listening to/watching his performance is a poignant experience. The women are wonderful as well, with Lynne Thigpen shining on "Bless the Lord," Katie Hanley's encouraging "By My Side" and, perhaps the most recognizable, "Day By Day" by Robin Lamont. Every track is wonderful, beautifully sung and gently reverent in its own way.I find myself listening to this CD over and over, whenever I'm in need of an emotional boost. It's cheaper than liquor and much better for you. Fat-free too! ;-)"

Jesus Movement Meets Broadway

Banks Corl | 08/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Godspell has been a favorite of mine since my high school days, when I began to pick out the guitar parts for our band. The recording quality of this Soundtrack CD is excellent, though the original mix is a bit "notched out" or hollow in the drums and bass-typical of many '70's pop recordings. Vocal quality is excellent in the Soundtrack version--infinitely more polished and musical than the Broadway recording, which is, ironically the more popular recording. Ditto the production values and mixing. Just compare "God Save the People." Sort of bombastic and a bit off key in the Broadway version. "Bless the Lord" in this Soundtrack version blazes! But it kind of whimpers in the Broadway recording, except for the bellowing male backup vocals. Even using Real Time player you'll hear the difference. Godspell is as inspiring and uplifting now as then. In fact, the words of several songs are right out of of the hymnal (All Good Gifts) or the Psalms."

Incredible, fine soundtrack

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 07/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD of tracks from the 1970s musical entitled Godspell give us some incredible performances by the likes of Victor Garber, David Haskell, Lynn Thigpen and others. The remastering of the sound showcases these marvelous ballads with their beautiful orchestrations.

The CD track set begins with the uplifting "Prepare Ye (The Way Of The Lord)," which heralds the coming of Jesus onto the scene in biblical times. The blowing of the shofar reminds us that Jesus practiced Judaism during his lifetime; and when David Haskell comes in with the backup chorus this number takes flight! The musical arrangement makes great use of the percussion and the chorus harmonizes to perfection. The guitar infuses this number with an early 1970s flavor to it as well. "Save The People" allows Victor Garber his first song--and he sings this without a superfluous note. Victor sings with all his heart and the chorus enhances "Save The People."

One of the strongest, most inspirational songs on this CD is "Day By Day." "Day By Day" boasts a confident, strong and intimate flavor produced by the combination of Robin Lamont's singing and the stunning musical arrangement. Love that percussion, too!

"Turn Back, O Man" by Joanne Jonas with Victor Garber and company explores the materialism that Christ shunned; and "All For The Best" by David Haskell, Victor Garber and the company shines with its multiple tempo changes and great percussion. Love that piano on "All For The Best," too! Together David and Victor never miss a beat as they perform "All For The Best."

"Alas For You" has Victor as Jesus challenging the values of the Roman government; Victor sings this well despite its demanding jumps through the octaves with minor chords and tempo changes. Victor Garber does a marvelous job with "Alas For You."

"By My Side" sports a 1960s folk rock flavor to it as the disciples of Jesus assure him that they will not desert him even though the ruling government loses patience with Jesus and his beliefs. The company harmonizes flawlessly.

The finale track sports a strong late 1960s/early 1970s rock flavor to it with an incredibly strong guitar introduction. Victor sings the last words of Jesus on the cross with the company acting as a backup chorus. The melody then changes rather drastically to a much more uplifting sound as the company sings the words "Long Live God" and "Prepare Ye (The Way Of The Lord)." The very ending of the finale, with its exceptionally optimistic flavor signals that Jesus did not die in vain and that his teachings will be remembered.

The liner notes contain the song credits and there are some great photos of the actors both in black and white as well as a cover color photo of them dancing on top of the former World Trade Center in Manhattan.

The impact of Godspell remains strong despite the passage of time and the changing, somewhat fickle musical preferences of American culture. The music reflects careful forethought, good judgment and impeccable taste. Get this CD and enjoy the remarkably fine, classic music from Godspell today!

"

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	Stephen Schwartz Godspell: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Genres: Pop, Soundtracks, Broadway & Vocalists Track Listings (13) - Disc #1 Prepare Ye (The Way of the Lord) Save the People Day by Day Turn Back, O Man Bless the Lord All for the Best All Good Gifts Light of the World Alas for You by My Side - Gordon, Peggy Beautiful City On the Willows Finale
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