Chicago

Catherine Zeta Jones actually started her career on the British boards (she was in The Pajama Game and 42nd Street) so her turn as slinky Velma Kelly isn't that surprising; Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart is more of a leftfield choice but she shows she can handle the singing demands with pizzazz. The real revelation may well be rapper Queen Latifah, who belts out "When You're Good to Mama" with a marvelous affinity for the material.

Okay, so the R&B reprise of "Cell Block Tango/He Had It Coming" by Queen Latifah, Macy Gray, and Lil' Kim fails to convince, while Anastacia's "Love is a Crime" is just bland (rest easy, purists, it's over the end credits). On the other hand, the CD provides two bonuses: "Class," which was cut from the movie, and "I Move On," a great duet written by Kander and Ebb for the final cut. It's really easy to mess up film adaptations of Broadway shows: happily, Chicago proves it can be done right. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Last month i saw 'Chicago' on stage and ever since then i have been eagerly waiting for the new film to come out. I left the theatre with the songs in my head and the film was no different. These infectious songs are so catchy and once you've heard them, you won't be able to stop yourself bursting into song.

'All that Jazz' and 'When you're good to Mama' are personal favourites but really there is not a bad song on this enchanting CD.

When 'Moulin Rouge' came out, everyone raved about the new musical. 'Chicago' beats that, and everything before it. Its fast, witty and powerful.

Catherine Zeta-Jones really shines, with an amazingly strong voice, she really makes you feel the lyrics that she is singing.

This is a flawless CD. Buy It! Now!


STUNNING!   February 21, 2003
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Despite my pre-conceived views of movie adaptations of stage shows being second rate, I was most surprised when I got to see Chicago, but what made the film so good was this stunning sound track!

The entire CD is packed with the movies favourite sounds (plus a few extra) and all the performers, who you'd normally expect to be reviewing for acting roles, give a superb vocal performance, each with their own distinct tone, adding a bit more 'edge' to the recording.

My favourite track has to be 4 - Cell Block Tango. Not only has it unforgettable lyrics, but the musical score together with the surprisingly good vocal talents of the actresses, doubles its appeal.

If you've never seen any version of Chicago (stage or screen), you'll hear this soundtrack as a little abstract, but if you've been lucky enough to experience Chicago, you'll definitely be much more appreciative of the tracks in every sense, and will seem much more of a must-buy sound track.


WOW!!   January 20, 2003
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

I decided to buy the soundtrack before watching the movie, and it was well wort it. All the songs are good in their own right, but there are some that really stand out to be amazing. All That Jazz is so unbelievably raw and sultry, and Catherine Zeta-Jones' voice is a real surprise! When you're good to Mama is another good one, and Queen Latifah's voice is very soulful. But the highlight of the soundtrack, and also the movie was definately the Cell Block Tango, and Gaby Roslin and Michael Greco also agreed. Each of the murderesses tell their tale in incredible ways, and the whole song is fantastic!!

I'll finish by saying stand up. Go to the nearest music shop. Buy this soundtrack. I'll sit here waiting. Go. Now.


Dance-tastic soundtrack!   February 9, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I was given the soundtrack as part of a dance routine. I had not watched the film, but the tunes that stood out the most were "Cell Block Tango" with its catchy chorus, and "Overture/And All That Jazz", with the soulful singing from Catherine Zeta Jones. It compelled me to rent the film, and I was not disappointed - I ended up buying my own copy!Only low point in the soundtrack is possibly track 15, as it is a bit down compared to the rest of the fantastic, catchy, upbeat tunes (or downbeat tunes with "Mister. Cellophane" which had me nearly in tears the first time I heard it!) If you loved the film, or enjoy dancing, maybe for routines, then this is a soundtrack to add to your collection…I loved it!


This just razzles and dazzles   June 17, 2003
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

If you loved the film, you will love this cd. It is packed with all the songs and listening to the soundtrack allows you to relive the story all over again!All the voices sound great on this cd and if you are a fan of musicals, you will know what i mean when i say that you end up singing and dancing your way throught the cd!