Dreamgirls, Original London Cast Recording | Album Review

Thursday 11 May 2017


Dreamgirls

Original London Cast
Reviewed by Olivia Mitchell
★★

Recorded live at London's Savoy Theatre, backed by a fourteen piece band, this new recording of the well loved musical, Dreamgirls, gives you a wonderful opportunity to hear some of the finest voices on the West End singing one of the most high energy and belt heavy scores. And I Am Telling You that you need to get out and get a copy asap because it's a triumphant recording indeed.

The whole album feels like you're really watching the show and although there are probably far less swarovski crystals in your living room than on the stage of the Savoy, nothing is lost with the transition from stage to cd and with the recorded audience applause you can fully pretend you're in the show as you sing along in the shower! 

'The Dreams' are of course the stars of this show and the impeccable vocals from the three girls are fully shown off in this recording. Amber Riley's effortless belt and riffs are a joy to be heard at full volume through headphones, along with Liisi LaFontaine's beautiful smooth tones and Ibinabo Jack's huge voice and moments of complete hilarity. Overall they really are a Dream Team and it's clear to hear why the show is getting the rapturous praise that it is. Joe Aaron Reid (Curtis Taylor Jr), Tyrone Huntley (C.C. White), Lily Frazer (Michelle Morris)  and Adam J Bernard (Jimmy Early) are equally brilliant and provide fabulously dramatic vocal moments throughout. 

Personal highlights of the recording include 'It's All Over', 'Listen', 'Steppin' To The Bad Side', 'Ain't No Party' and 'Dreamgirls' which all pack a punch and a half. Each song is balanced well and comes across as it would on stage: with vibrance and emotion.

Overall the album provides a wonderful complement to seeing the stage show but is also brilliant in its own right. You can feel the energy and passion through your speakers and it's a really brilliant recording to add to any theatre lovers collection. The entire cast are faultless and the love for performing together really comes across. I will certainly be listening to this recording for more than One Night Only and highly urge you to download it and give it a Listen for yourself. If you haven't seen the show then definitely try and grab yourself a ticket because it's honestly one of the best things I've seen and this recording the best thing I've heard!


The Dreamgirls Original London Cast Recording is released Friday 12 May 2017.


Dreamgirls is currently booking at the Savoy Theatre until 21 October 2017.