Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Simply The Best!
This recording of Chicago is by far the best of all recordings! I personally have never seen the musical, but was intrigued by the story and so bought this album. I have never heard anything so fantastic in my life! The music is amazing, with the lyrics telling the entire story - very useful if you haven't seen the production! The cast is spectacular: Bebe Neuwrith does a fantastic job of Velma, with excellent perfomances from everyone - however, the best performance is obviously from the amazingly talented Ann Reinking, who shines as Roxie Hart. Ann's intriguing voice tops off the whole album, as always! I DEFINATELY recommend this album to EVERYONE! You will love all the songs, especially I think 'Cell Block Tango', 'All That Jazz', We Both Reached For The Gun' and, above all, thanks to Ann Reinking, 'Roxie'. 5 Stars!!
Rating: - a dynamic recording
For many, this was their introduction to the galvanising score of Kander and Ebb; the delightful cast-recording to the 1997 Broadway revival that would have never been possible without the now-legendary Encores! concert version in 1996.The cast is uniformably excellent; Ann Reinking is a playful powerforce as Roxie Hart, Bebe Neuwirth's dry wit serves her well as the bitchy Velma Kelly, James Naughton is the epitome of suave as crooked lawyer Billy Flynn, Joel Grey is the perfect foil for Roxie as the henpecked Amos Hart, Marcia Lewis' powerful voice brings Matron 'Mama' Morton to life, and D. Sabella's breathtaking operatic chops are put to the test with gender-bending sob sister Mary Sunshine. Rob Fisher's unparalled musical direction enlivens each and every recording that he conducts for, and CHICAGO is no exception. Brassy, well-paced and evocative, his direction is fantastic under the renowned Coffee Club Orchestra. Ann Reinking's vocal style is fine; her singing is quite character-driven, and one can forgive her lack of singing finesse on the fact that she IS Roxie Hart, and danced the role for all its worth. Numbers like "All That Jazz", "Funny Honey", "Cell Block Tango", "When You're Good to Mama", "Mister Cellophane", "Nowadays" and "Roxie" are all show-stoppers. I've said it many times; this score is simply dud-free, and in my opinion only rivals CABARET as Kander and Ebb's greatest score.
Rating:  - Get the MOVIE soundtrack instead
I was introduced to this exceptional musical thanks to the incredible film version currently in theatres... I purchased this to hear the cut songs... which are interesting - but it really isn't worth it. This wreck features the worst vocals i have ever heard on a CAST RECORDING. The chorus is a joke. This stands out on the destroyed "Cell Block Tango" amongst other group numbers. As Velma, Bebe is a cute novelty - she's just okay. As Roxie - Anne Reinking is tragic - she destroys the show, and at the age of at least 90 Joel Grey is a pathetic choice for Roxie's husband. Stay far away from this album (just download the cut songs) and purchase the beautiful Chicago FILM soundtrack!
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