This is the ultimate musical for anyone
920763
I keep wondering why no one has done a revival of this musical. I was exposed to the music on our family record player growing up in the 50's. My son, who is in college, was looking for something for a recital piece, so I played the theme song, "Fanny", and it wowed him. That's good music, as appealing now as it was when it was first composed.
3456397
It doesn't get any better than this - the ultimate exercise in melodic invention.
68239
Sorry, I just got the sudden urge to quote one of the show's best songs "Defying Gravity", which really says it all. This is a fantastic musical, with superb songs (mostly) and even better vocals. Joel Grey, Broadway vet and Tony winner (not for this role), has quite a fun solo (Wonderful) which reminds one of the old vaudeville days. Norbert Leo Butz is an excellent Fiyero, and you'll be dancing along with him in, of course, "Dancing Through Life". Now, on to the leading ladies! Kristin Chenowith as Galinda (not a typo, read the book to see) is excellent with her trademark song "Popular", and Idina Menzel as lead role of Elphaba, Oz's more notorious witch, BLOWS YOUR MIND!!! If you think she's good from what you've heard in the clips, you haven't heard anything yet. She won her Tony for this role. One minor reason to back away is the two poorly done songs, "Something Bad" and "Sentimental Man" but those can be skipped. A major reason to get this is that almost all of the Original Cast have left the show, so now you won't be able to hear them anywhere else. GET IT NOW WHILE IT'S STILL IN STOCK!!
4076519
This was the only musical that I saw twice... ever. This is one of the smartest, funniest musicals I've ever seen. I think it might be the greatest modern musical aside from maybe the Producers with the Original Cast. The Finale song gives me the chills every time I hear it. I'm now proud to say I listen to show tunes. I love Stephen Lynch, He's my favorite comedian, and This role was simply made for him.
1682749
In a few words, this soundtrack is one of the prettiest things I have ever heard in my life. The music is magical; I could listen for hours on end. Just as Neverland is a retreat for characters, this soundtrack is a retreat for everyone.

Caution: not reccomended for fans of hard and metal rock.

  Otherwsie, though, this music is destined to be the nicest sound you've ever heard. Everything fits together peacefully: in a few more words, this soundtrack is ice cream with chocolate carmel, and cherries on top. Great for kids, and, of course, adults too.
4251533
Wow!  I am obsessed with this musical.  The will become an American Classic.
1421024
The notion of setting Dr. Suess' wacky and sometimes profound verses to music is about as preposterous as making a musical out of TS Eliot's book of cats, but where there is genius, there is a way.  My kids are totally absorbed by this musical which is a great thing because it isn't easy to get today's kids to listen to any decent music, and I find myself liking it too, it is ingenious in its conception, light hearted, catchy and tuneful, well performed, and above all, FUN!!
768063
I was fortunate enough to see this performed live at New World Stages in NYC before it closed in August 2014.  Phenomenal show, music, and lyrics, brought to life by a phenomenal cast, which of course produced a phenomenal cast recording.  I probably listened to this from start to finish 10-12 times in the first 24 hours of it being in my possession.  I simply cannot express enough how much I adore this show, and this soundtrack.
1382180
Fantastic lyrics, music, performance, sound quality, production, and the story pushes this work to the absolute top! It should be on Broadway or a concert hall near you and hopefully will be in the near future. Rock-n-Roll has a new hero and boy can the world use one right now. I can not recommend this enough, so buy it already!
3349422
I absolutely love Wicked. I got the wonderful chance to see the show twice in LA at the Pantages Theater and I (along with all my friends) immeadiately fell in love with the story of Elphaba and Ga-linda (Galinda with a Ga) Haha.

And the music is just as spectacular. There wasn't one song that I was hoping to end soon. From the witty "Popular" to the catchy "One Short Day" and the breathtaking "Defying Gravity". Honestly, every single song is amazing. I also got to meet Stephen Schwartz in Hollywood at a local Borders and got his autograph on my cd! It was awesome. I told him how thankful I am for his wonderful music.

So I highly recommend you buy this cast recording and if you get a chance, see the show! You will not be dissapointed.
2114632
This show is the longest-running off-broadway musical, and I can't believe I'd never heard of it before. I saw it live at the Edinburgh Festival by the National Student Theater Company and went back twice more. It's funny, clever, and touching without the slighest hint of corn. Love, dating and romance are hardly new topics for musical theatre but the melodies are so memorable and the lyrics so fresh that it will speak to you if you've ever had any kind of experience with love. My favorites are the achingly yearning "I Will Be Loved Tonight," and "We're Married -and We're Gonna Have Sex" which will have you falling out of your seat with laughter. If you love musical theater, get the CD, then get yourself to New York to see this fab, fab show!
221902
I read and loved the novel, and have yet to see the play, but the soundtrack is fabulous on its own. Although it may not have the best vocals you can find in a Broadway performance, and some of the lyrics are a bit awkward at parts, the orchestra completely makes up for it all. Plus, the songs are terribly catchy, and will play in your head for days, maybe weeks, after you listen to the soundtrack a couple of times. And now for the song by song breakdown:

No One Mourns the Wicked - As with all the songs on this CD, the orchestra is amazing. The beginning isn't my favorite, because Chenoweth (Glinda) is singing in the style of Glinda in the movie. You know; high and uninterpretable. It gets much better through the middle though.

Dear Old Shiz - Short and sweet. Not a huge hit when compared with the other tracks, but the vocals are nice, and the story it tells is important.

The Wizard and I - Menzel (Elphaba) is wonderful in this song, although I dislike all of Shelley's (Madame Morrible)parts. Again, the story is important.

What is this Feeling? - Hilarious! The orchestra, again, is fantastic. The lyrics are funny, and the vocals are perfect for the song. I believe there is one spot where the harmony is off by a little bit, but this song will be stuck in your head for forever. This is one of my favorites.

Something Bad - Youmans (Doctor Dillamond) has a nice voice, if you will pardon the goat sounds. Again, Menzel shines in this song.

Dancing Through Life - First off, a bit of extra opinion here, but Butz (Fiyero) has an incredibly sexy voice. Apart from that, the vocals are fantastic, the lyrics are funny and slightly philosophical, and the music changes are great. I love this song.

Popular - One word: Fantastic. Popular is incredibly catchy, and very well done on Chenoweth's part.

I'm Not That Girl - Sweet and sad. The orchestra, however, is the saving grace of this song.

One Short Day - Very catchy, and of course, important to the story.

A Sentimental Man - Grey's (The Wizard) vocals are alright. But this isn't one of the best songs on the album.

Defying Gravity - Probably one of my all-time favorites of this album. If you know the story, you know how sad it is. The music is incredible, the vocals wonderful, lyrics are incredible and memorable, and the story is heart breaking. My favorite part: "So if you care to find me, look to the western sky".

Thank Goodness - If Shelley hadn't had a part in the middle of this song, I would really like it. I always fast forward past that part. The rest of the song is really good. At the end you'll be thinking 'Poor Glinda'.

Wonderful - The best of Grey's songs.

I'm Not That Girl (Reprise) - Better with Chenoweth singing it. The music is superb.

As Long As You're Mine - So incredibly sweet. The vocals are fabulous, the music better. This song deserves being set on repeat.

No Good Deed - My favorite track on the entire album. Menzel pulls off the bitterness and longing perfectly. It's a tragic song and gives you an insight into Elphaba's mind. The music, especially the bass beats at the end, is spectacular.

March of the Witch Hunters - An okay song. The background singers are best.

For Good - Very sad. Pretty good. I've heard it's better live. Personally, I think it's too hard to follow up As Long As You're Mine and No Good Deed.

Finale - Good music of course. Not incredibly important, but still very good.

My advice: Buy this album. You definitely won't regret it. The songs are moving, funny, beautiful, and they all tell such a wonderful story. And I think the music is some of the best on Broadway that I've heard.
1345900
This one of the best stage productions to come along in a long time. It is everything a musical should be. It's funny and romantic, the music is wonderful, the lyrics are beautiful and the book is just fantastic. The music is just glorious.  Sutton Foster has a voice to die for and she is an unbelievable dancing talent. Harriet Harris really came into her own, not like she needed a role such as this to show us her talents. Her performance on Frasier is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her ability. Sheryl Lee Ralph truly shines and I expect big, if not bigger things, from her in the near future. All in all, this is a phenomenal casting job, Foster is the spitting image of the film star Mary Tyler Moore, topped of with wondeful performances of truly outstanding music. If you can't see it, take my word for it and BUY THIS CD, then go see it... like me. The only thing I find disappointing is the absense of the Entr'acte.  It's no big deal, it doesn't detract from the show at all, but I like to see those on recording.  Broadway at it's best!!! This receives my highest recommendation.
2009761
This is a must musical for everyone in the United States  - even if you never heard of it.  James Cagney's performance is overwhelming.
2255024
I would just like to say that this CD is fresh and very energetic, using styles that range from gospel, to techno and dance. It is certainly different than the other recordings I have. The players have incredible voices and great versatility. This musical always envokes such a spiritual response, to hear the music in new settings and new arrangements just sets my spirit free. The booklet also has some great informaiton about the musical itself, from a synopsis to the history of the show itself. I could literally listen to this for hours on end. This is a definate must for any Godspell fan. One of my personal goals in life is to be in this show someday, wish me luck!
3465590
I was stunned that this Tony nominated musical did not win any awards.  First of all, this play has sex, booze, fabulous actors, and lovely music.  Second of all; it was probably one of the most original musicals of this  year. The score is wonderful.  If you love music from the twenties, then  you would absolutely die for The Wild Party.  The music is very original,  and it sounds like actual music from the decade, not just words.  Just  listening to this cd gives you the goosebumps.  I would definatly recommend  this cd to any theater lover, and even to people that aren't.
1939218
I bought the music and then had the oportunity to go to NYC and see the musical.  It is wonderful in every way.  The lyrics and music are top notch.  One of those CDs that end up in the car because you keep humming the words to yourself when its not on. Recommend it highly.  Some of the topics and lyrics are not appropriate for young children.