BWW CD Reviews: Rhino Records' JERSEY BOYS (Music From the Motion Picture and Broadway Musical) - A Tuneful Collection of Favorites

JERSEY BOYS is one of Broadway's hottest properties, and even the curmudgeons who really don't care for the jukebox musical typically enjoy this one. Why? Well, who doesn't love the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons? In 2005, the rags to riches story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons took Broadway by storm. Almost a decade later, the Clint Eastwood directed film adaptation was released. As a companion to the film Rhino Records released JERSEY BOYS (Music From the Motion Picture and Broadway Musical), which features original recordings by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Whether you love or loathe JERSEY BOYS on stage or on film, JERSEY BOYS (Music From the Motion Picture and Broadway Musical) stands on its own as a collection of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons' greatest hits. Unlike the 2005 Original Broadway Cast Album, this recording uses some of the original Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons recordings, allowing listeners to hear John Lloyd Young's dazzling high notes side-by-side with Frankie Valli's own cherished vocal instrument.

Each snazzy and snappy track is sure to have listeners snapping their finger, tapping their toes, and even swaying their hips. As is expected, these infectious tried-and-true tunes will lift audiences out of whatever doldrums they are in. Standouts on the album include "A Sunday Kind of Love" which interpolates John Lloyd Young's vocals with those of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Erich Bergen brings stellar life to the embittered "Cry For Me." John Lloyd Young's plaintive and soulful vocals on "My Eyes Adored You" deftly cause listeners to be swept away by the swoon worthy romantic lyrics and sexy saxophone riffs.

Of course the disc is packed with other favorites as well. Hits like "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Who Loves You," and "Rag Doll" are sure to make your ears smile.

JERSEY BOYS (Music From the Motion Picture and Broadway Musical) is a tuneful collection of some of America's most highly prized pop music. Resting on the laurels of being great music, it makes a good addition to any Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons' fan's collection, but it also could serve as a great introduction to these songs for younger music connoisseurs looking to broaden their horizons.

Rhino Records released JERSEY BOYS (Music From the Motion Picture and Broadway Musical) on June 24, 2014. The album can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold.

To see JERSEY BOYS check your local movie theatre listings or head down to the August Wilson Theater, 245 West 52nd Street (between Broadway & 8th Avenue). For tickets and more information about the film please visit http://www.jerseyboysmovie.com. For more information about JERSEY BOYS on stage, please visit http://www.jerseyboysinfo.com.

For information about other theatrical recording releases, click here.

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