CD Review "Les Misérables: Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack"

“Les Misérables”
Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack
Release Date: December 21, 2012
Label: Universal
Total Length: 1:05:22

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Here is the issue with album is right in the title: “Les Misérables: Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack”. Highlights is main issue here.  It is really missing just way to much from this film. I actually really liked this film and literally it is 2 hours and 40 minutes of non-stop music performances. This album delivers a very abridged version of it just running over an hour. I feel like we are loosing way too much in this very trimmed version. I mean there are 49 musical numbers in the film and only 20 tracks are available here.  I am sure this album with be a hit like the film itself nonetheless just getting a chance to own “some” of the music but for me…it is just not enough. If are a die-hard fan of the Original Broadway Cast Recording, then be warned this is quite different.  You are either going to love it completely or hate it.

Right from the start with “Look Down”, it is such an epic and amazing track in the film that is cut down to barely even a proper song.  It starts and ends so abrupt that it almost hurts to hear. I have to say though, the best part of this entire soundtrack is Russell Crowe.  That’s right Russell Crowe.  He is the saving factor for this entire soundtrack if not the entire movie.  Anne Hathaway is quite amazing and her version of “I Dreamed a Dream” (with no camera cuts in the film) is nothing short of heart-breaking and stunning.  I love Hugh Jackman and I have seen him on Broadway a few times, so we now the guy can sing.  I know that the director Tom Hopper wanted to make this raw and real but Jackman’s tracks don’t sit right with me.  Maybe his voice isn’t strong enough to hit some notes on these songs.  I feel that he aims to talk his way through some of the lyrics – some not all “Valjean’s Soliloquy” is a great track.

If you are a fan of this film, you will enjoy hearing a few tracks.  Me personally, like I said I have about six songs in a playlist and have been revisiting those over and over.  Since I figure that there are tons are track already missing…so what is the difference.  Most importantly, I want to throw in where the hell is “Do You Hear the People Sing”. How can that song be left out? Wow! Probably the biggest let down of this whole release. No joke, this album only received 3 out of 5 stars due to the fact that Russell Crowe kicks major ass!! You listen to his version of “Stars” and “Javert’s Suicide” and tell me that his voice doesn’t rule.  It is fierce and strong.  I wish the rest of the album turned out like that. I will hold my breath for the complete soundtrack being released.

Track Listing:
1. Look Down – Hugh Jackman
2. The Bishop – Colm Wilkinson
3. Valjean’s Soliloquy – Hugh Jackman
4. At The End Of The Day – Hugh Jackman
5. I Dreamed A Dream – Anne Hathaway
6. The Confrontation – Hugh Jackman
7. Castle On A Cloud – Isabelle Allen
8. Master Of The House – Sacha Baron Cohen
9. Suddenly – Hugh Jackman
10. Stars – Russell Crowe
11. ABC Cafe / Red And Black – Eddie Redmayne
12. In My Life / A Heart Full Of Love – Amanda Seyfried
13. On My Own – Samantha Barks
14. One Day More – Les Misérables Cast
15. Drink With Me – Eddie Redmayne
16. Bring Him Home – Hugh Jackman
17. The Final Battle – Les Misérables Cast
18. Javert’s Suicide – Russell Crowe
19. Empty Chairs At Empty Tables – Eddie Redmayne
20. Epilogue – Les Misérables Cast