I got the soundtrack today in the mail from Amazon. Here are my thoughts (I have not seen the film yet btw). I was debating whether to listen before seeing the film, but I simply could not wait.
Overall I am very glad I bought it, I was worried that just listening as standalone songs without the film would diminish the performances given the way it was filmed; but the vast majority of the songs I will listen to again and again. And I'm listening again while writing it, each piece is getting better during each listen.
1. Look Down: LOVE the into overture. Full rich, beautiful. And wow, all the chain gang solos are cut. =( In fact most of the song has been cut. This is my least favorite part where Russell Crowe sings. It also feels like his first scene he shot.
2. The Bishop: Also has some wacky cuts (although I am trying to reserve judgement till I see how everything fits together, it is highlights after all). Colm sounds terrific, but miss the powerful music right where the two constables arrive, but that might be in the movie, just not on the disc.
3. Soliloquy: Much quieter than the stage version, but digging the interpretation and changes. Especially love the end of the song. Well done Mr. Jackman.
4. At The End of the Day: Yippie! The intro is there and it's loud and powerful, Huzzah! Anne sounds great, I enjoyed it a lot. Rock it Foreman! He's especially excellent.
5. I Dreamed a Dream: One of the best parts of the disc. I was tearing up, and when it was done, I went back and listened to it again. Anne, you are a Goddess. Gorgeous and raw and everything the song should be.
6. The Confrontation: Not bad. Enjoyed the new orchestrations, looking forward to seeing it with the action etc. But not the best version of this song.
7. Castle on a Cloud: Perfect. =) Isabelle sings like a dirt covered angel. Well done young lady.
8. Master of the House: LOVE it! Sasha is so good, sad he's not getting more attention from this film, because he really sounds loose and natural. I'm probably one of the few people who didn't mind Helena in "Sweeney" and although she doesn't have the strongest voice, she just oozes sexy and sass, and it sounds like such a fun take on Madame T. Can't wait to see their stuff on the big screen. Note: didn't someone mention they hated how there was a couple doing it in the background during the new national tour...well now you can hear it in a recording of the song.
9. Suddenly: Nice. It's not particularly groundbreaking, its a nice song, and will fill a plot gap. But I'll be bummed if this wins an Oscar over Adele's "Skyfall" though...just sayin.
10. Stars: This was a song I was most excited to hear. One of my favorite songs from the show. Meh. I think this version will grow on me, but Crowe just doesn't have the comfort with singing that everyone else has; and he sticks out like a sore thumb (album wise). I will go into the film with an open mind though, I'd like for him to win me over. Wish he could have held that last note just...a little...longer. Oh well.
11. ABC Cafe/Red Black: Mmmm Aaron Tveit and Eddie Redmayne....Sounds great. Little lyric changes here and there. Solid, very good. Interesting that the end of the song which is supposed to be a solo for Enjolras was split up and given to the other students too.
12. In My Life/A Heart Full of Love: I love Eddie's voice, I'll say that now, but I'm sure I'll say it again. Samantha Barks is perfection. I literally cheered when I found out she'd be taking over for Taylor Swift. I also am enjoying Amanda's Cosette, I know lots of people aren't. Yes, she has trouble with that highest note at the end, but I like her. And she looks beautiful and perfect for the role, I can totally see Marius falling for her as so as he sees her.
13. On My Own: You go girl! I'm partial to this character. Can you tell? Samantha makes me proud, I hope she gets tons of work after this. This is also one of the few straight songs sung in the traditional style close to the stage version, without much whispering or talk singing involved. It's terrific.
14. One Day More: I was slightly underwhelmed by the clip that was released, but just listening to it loudly on the disc made me want to cheer. Hope I have the same reaction in the theater.
15. Drink With Me: Firstly how did this song make the highlights cut and "Do you Hear the People Sing" and "Little Fall of Rain" didn't? Whatev. It's good though. Love how Gavroche now sings the "women" part of the song. very nice.
16. Bring Him Home: Hugh's voice is so different from any other Valjean, but I really liked it. Like On My Own, it was sung very traditionally, unlike Soliloquy where so many liberties were (effectively) taken.
17. The Final Battle: I hear Hadley Fraser! Woot! Aside from that, Omg, LOVE the new music, LOVE LOVE. I also loved the old version, but it's like Final Battle Remix. Dig it. Check it out around the 1 min mark.
18. Javert's Suicide: I weirdly was hoping that is would be called "Javert's Soliloquy", you know, spoilers? But I guess if you buy the CD you probably already know what happens. I really wanted him to scream "ON!" at the end, like Drew Sarich did in the revival. YouTube it, you'll thank me (3:52 mark!). Crowe would have benefited from less trying to sing properly and more shout his way through. Anyone else feel that way?
19. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables: Someone else mentioned that this is like the "I Dreamed a Dream" of the 2nd act. I totally agree. For the record, those are the two songs I have listened to the most on this recording. For "And I can hear them now..." Eddie goes up gently into his falsetto and it's GORGEOUS. But then he belts at the end. So gorgeous. Can he please get an Oscar nomination for this film?
20. Epilogue: Love that the Bishop now takes Eponine's place at the end (who would have thought I'd say that), but it really fits better at the end. Great, solid ending.
So to wrap up. It was worth the $10 or so on Amazon. It you're looking to pick up just a couple songs from iTunes, go with "I Dreamed a Dream", "Empty Chairs..", "On My Own" especially.
I also wish Paul Bettany had been cast as Javert. Remember that? A couple websites even announced that he'd been cast. Anyone have any dirt on that?
http://screenrant.com/hugh-jackman-les-miserables-paul-bettany-sandy-119799/
Updated On: 12/21/12 at 09:38 PMOverall I am very glad I bought it, I was worried that just listening as standalone songs without the film would diminish the performances given the way it was filmed; but the vast majority of the songs I will listen to again and again. And I'm listening again while writing it, each piece is getting better during each listen.
1. Look Down: LOVE the into overture. Full rich, beautiful. And wow, all the chain gang solos are cut. =( In fact most of the song has been cut. This is my least favorite part where Russell Crowe sings. It also feels like his first scene he shot.
2. The Bishop: Also has some wacky cuts (although I am trying to reserve judgement till I see how everything fits together, it is highlights after all). Colm sounds terrific, but miss the powerful music right where the two constables arrive, but that might be in the movie, just not on the disc.
3. Soliloquy: Much quieter than the stage version, but digging the interpretation and changes. Especially love the end of the song. Well done Mr. Jackman.
4. At The End of the Day: Yippie! The intro is there and it's loud and powerful, Huzzah! Anne sounds great, I enjoyed it a lot. Rock it Foreman! He's especially excellent.
5. I Dreamed a Dream: One of the best parts of the disc. I was tearing up, and when it was done, I went back and listened to it again. Anne, you are a Goddess. Gorgeous and raw and everything the song should be.
6. The Confrontation: Not bad. Enjoyed the new orchestrations, looking forward to seeing it with the action etc. But not the best version of this song.
7. Castle on a Cloud: Perfect. =) Isabelle sings like a dirt covered angel. Well done young lady.
8. Master of the House: LOVE it! Sasha is so good, sad he's not getting more attention from this film, because he really sounds loose and natural. I'm probably one of the few people who didn't mind Helena in "Sweeney" and although she doesn't have the strongest voice, she just oozes sexy and sass, and it sounds like such a fun take on Madame T. Can't wait to see their stuff on the big screen. Note: didn't someone mention they hated how there was a couple doing it in the background during the new national tour...well now you can hear it in a recording of the song.
9. Suddenly: Nice. It's not particularly groundbreaking, its a nice song, and will fill a plot gap. But I'll be bummed if this wins an Oscar over Adele's "Skyfall" though...just sayin.
10. Stars: This was a song I was most excited to hear. One of my favorite songs from the show. Meh. I think this version will grow on me, but Crowe just doesn't have the comfort with singing that everyone else has; and he sticks out like a sore thumb (album wise). I will go into the film with an open mind though, I'd like for him to win me over. Wish he could have held that last note just...a little...longer. Oh well.
11. ABC Cafe/Red Black: Mmmm Aaron Tveit and Eddie Redmayne....Sounds great. Little lyric changes here and there. Solid, very good. Interesting that the end of the song which is supposed to be a solo for Enjolras was split up and given to the other students too.
12. In My Life/A Heart Full of Love: I love Eddie's voice, I'll say that now, but I'm sure I'll say it again. Samantha Barks is perfection. I literally cheered when I found out she'd be taking over for Taylor Swift. I also am enjoying Amanda's Cosette, I know lots of people aren't. Yes, she has trouble with that highest note at the end, but I like her. And she looks beautiful and perfect for the role, I can totally see Marius falling for her as so as he sees her.
13. On My Own: You go girl! I'm partial to this character. Can you tell? Samantha makes me proud, I hope she gets tons of work after this. This is also one of the few straight songs sung in the traditional style close to the stage version, without much whispering or talk singing involved. It's terrific.
14. One Day More: I was slightly underwhelmed by the clip that was released, but just listening to it loudly on the disc made me want to cheer. Hope I have the same reaction in the theater.
15. Drink With Me: Firstly how did this song make the highlights cut and "Do you Hear the People Sing" and "Little Fall of Rain" didn't? Whatev. It's good though. Love how Gavroche now sings the "women" part of the song. very nice.
16. Bring Him Home: Hugh's voice is so different from any other Valjean, but I really liked it. Like On My Own, it was sung very traditionally, unlike Soliloquy where so many liberties were (effectively) taken.
17. The Final Battle: I hear Hadley Fraser! Woot! Aside from that, Omg, LOVE the new music, LOVE LOVE. I also loved the old version, but it's like Final Battle Remix. Dig it. Check it out around the 1 min mark.
18. Javert's Suicide: I weirdly was hoping that is would be called "Javert's Soliloquy", you know, spoilers? But I guess if you buy the CD you probably already know what happens. I really wanted him to scream "ON!" at the end, like Drew Sarich did in the revival. YouTube it, you'll thank me (3:52 mark!). Crowe would have benefited from less trying to sing properly and more shout his way through. Anyone else feel that way?
19. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables: Someone else mentioned that this is like the "I Dreamed a Dream" of the 2nd act. I totally agree. For the record, those are the two songs I have listened to the most on this recording. For "And I can hear them now..." Eddie goes up gently into his falsetto and it's GORGEOUS. But then he belts at the end. So gorgeous. Can he please get an Oscar nomination for this film?
20. Epilogue: Love that the Bishop now takes Eponine's place at the end (who would have thought I'd say that), but it really fits better at the end. Great, solid ending.
So to wrap up. It was worth the $10 or so on Amazon. It you're looking to pick up just a couple songs from iTunes, go with "I Dreamed a Dream", "Empty Chairs..", "On My Own" especially.
I also wish Paul Bettany had been cast as Javert. Remember that? A couple websites even announced that he'd been cast. Anyone have any dirt on that?
http://screenrant.com/hugh-jackman-les-miserables-paul-bettany-sandy-119799/
Great review, Eponine! :) I saw a screening of the film earlier this week (I tried to avoid all clips and snippets throughout the past few months) and it was simply breathtaking. I really wanted to own a copy of this soundtrack, whether or not the album was "highlights" because they sounded great, IMO.
I had to get comfortable with the unexpected key change in "Master of the House", and I did while watching the film because Sacha and Helena really do a great job, IMO. They are the source of comic relief and what you see onscreen during this scene just makes you enjoy every minute of the musical number!
I was able to notice the album's cuts, and I really wish they had left Fantine's Cosette verse in "At The End of The Day", same with the beginning of "On My Own" ('And now I'm all alone again...') but come to think of it I don't remember that even being in the film, but I'll take what I can get until we get a complete soundtrack, which we better!!!
Releasing the soundtrack before the film was released was my only concern because a lot of the vocal aspects make more sense when you've seen the actual performance on screen... if that makes any sense?
And they did try to get this album released quickly (they finished the final product of the film a few weeks ago, or so I'm told) so I hope they take the time between now and summer to fix how things sound and stuff when we should get the home video release and (hopefully) that deluxe complete soundtrack!
I had to get comfortable with the unexpected key change in "Master of the House", and I did while watching the film because Sacha and Helena really do a great job, IMO. They are the source of comic relief and what you see onscreen during this scene just makes you enjoy every minute of the musical number!
I was able to notice the album's cuts, and I really wish they had left Fantine's Cosette verse in "At The End of The Day", same with the beginning of "On My Own" ('And now I'm all alone again...') but come to think of it I don't remember that even being in the film, but I'll take what I can get until we get a complete soundtrack, which we better!!!
Releasing the soundtrack before the film was released was my only concern because a lot of the vocal aspects make more sense when you've seen the actual performance on screen... if that makes any sense?
And they did try to get this album released quickly (they finished the final product of the film a few weeks ago, or so I'm told) so I hope they take the time between now and summer to fix how things sound and stuff when we should get the home video release and (hopefully) that deluxe complete soundtrack!
"Releasing the soundtrack before the film was released was my only concern because a lot of the vocal aspects make more sense when you've seen the actual performance on screen... if that makes any sense?"
That makes perfect sense, exactly why I was worried to listen to anything beforehand, I didn't want to be too judgmental with stuff out of context. But I just couldn't keep my paws off every little tidbit I could find
That makes perfect sense, exactly why I was worried to listen to anything beforehand, I didn't want to be too judgmental with stuff out of context. But I just couldn't keep my paws off every little tidbit I could find
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Posted: 12/21/12 at 12:31pm