CD Review

Title: Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture)

Artist: Cast of Hairspray

Released: 2007

Record Label: New Line Records 

4.5 Stars 

Reviewed By: Breanne Cursley 

I love the music on this album; there is no easier way to say it.  It is upbeat, catchy and I find it rather difficult not to dance along while listening.  This soundtrack completely brings home the cheerful and happy vibe that was present in the film Hairspray. J’adore! 

The battle for my favourite song on the album was between ‘Come So Far (Got So Far To Go)’, sung by Queen Latifah, Zac Efron, Nikki Blonsky and Elijah Kelley, and ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ sung by Queen Latifah.  They’re both so different; ‘Come So Far’ being an upbeat dance tune, and ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’, the only slow ballad in the film.  But in the end I would have to pick ‘Come So Far’, because I just love it’s uplifting, catchy lyrics. 

The wonderful vocals cast in Hairspray really make this album more appealing.  Nikki Blonsky, who plays Tracy, (this is her first film) has an energetic and powerful voice, and was the perfect vocalist for the title role.  Zac Efron, of the High School Musical film series, is the male lead in the film, and not someone you would expect, to be such a good singer that he is.  And, of course, Queen Latifah is fantastic as usual.  But there were lots of surprises in the vocal performances as well!  Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and James Marsden all delivered phenomenal performances. 

This soundtrack is something I will keep with me for a long time, because I’ve been listening to the songs for a while now, and I’m still not tired of them.  I love the happy-go-lucky feeling of the movie, which was transferred completely to the soundtrack.  It’s likeable, bubbly, and cheerful – so get up and dance!         

1. "Good Morning Baltimore" (Nikki Blonsky) - 3:54
2. "The Nicest Kids In Town" (James Marsden) - 2:42
3. "It Takes Two" (Zac Efron) - 3:04
4. "(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs" (Michelle Pfeiffer) - 4:08
5. "I Can Hear the Bells" (Nikki Blonsky) - 4:14
6. "Ladies' Choice" (Zac Efron) - 2:28
7. "The New Girl in Town" (Brittany Snow)) - 2:16
8. "Welcome to the 60's" (Nikki Blonsky & John Travolta) - 5:13
9. "Run and Tell That" (Elijah Kelley & Taylor Parks) - 3:51
10. "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" (Queen Latifah) - 2:35
11. "Big, Blonde and Beautiful (Reprise)" (John Travolta & Michelle Pfeiffer) - 1:06
12. "(You're) Timeless to Me" (John Travolta & Christopher Walken) - 4:47
13. "I Know Where I've Been" (Queen Latifah) - 4:13
14. "Without Love" (Zac Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelley, Amanda Bynes) - 3:40
15. "(It's) Hairspray" (James Marsden) - 2:20
16. "You Can't Stop the Beat" (Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Elijah Kelley, John Travolta, & Queen Latifah) - 5:25
17. "Come So Far (Got So Far to Go)" (Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, & Elijah Kelley) - 4:17
18. "Cooties" (Aimee Allen) - 2:42
19. "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" (Marissa Jaret Winokur, Nikki Blonsky, & Ricki Lake) - 3:19
20. "I Can Wait" (Nikki Blonsky) - 3:46