Rent by Original Cast (CD, Aug-1996, 2 Discs, Dreamworks SKG)

This is about the Original Cast Recording of RENT, not the soundtrack to the new movie - a fine CD to add to your collection, and a lot of fun to play while cruising down the highway.

The RENT OCR is very eclectic in musical style. The first major song you hear (and I don't count the first few tracks as "songs," but scenes) is the title song "Rent." This song is very loud, very rock. Great song to work out to.

"One Song Glory" is a haunting song sung by sexy songster Adam Pascal. It's one of those songs that just sends shivers down my spine when I hear it. All the ladies love it.

"Light My Candle" is - well - unique. I can't assign a musical style to it. But you can't possibly go wrong with lyrics like "I didn't recognize you without the handcuffs." It's your basic boy meets girl, girl has boy light her candle, boy finds out girl is an S&M dancing drug addict story.

"Today 4 U" is - hmm - I know it's not techno, but it's got a club/dance beat to it. This is another great song to work out to. This song's got attitude.

Then there's "Tango: Maureen." Now honestly, how many CDs do you own that include a tango number? Not many, I'm sure. You'll find yourself singing along with one or both parts, that of Mark - Maureen's ex-boyfriend, or that of Joanne - Maureen's new girlfriend. It doesn't get any better than this, folks.

"Life Support" is a touching little number about an AIDS support group meeting. It leads into the next song...

"Out Tonight" is bold and sassy. (Did I just say the word sassy?) Mimi (the S&M dancing drug addict) won't take no for an answer from Roger in thissong that you ladies will lover to howl along with whenever you're getting ready for a night out on the town.

"Another Day" is one of my personal favorites, the struggle between Roger and Mimi as he fights her every step of the way as she tries to seduce him. This song is good for stress relief. It's got a great beat and some emotionally charged lyrics.

"Santa Fe" is a nice s-l-o-w midwestern song. (Think "Rawhide.") Tom Collins is backed up by a chorus of homeless people as he describes his dream up packing up everything and moving to Santa Fe to open a restaurant. Good song if you want to mellow out.

"I'll Cover You" is a great love song. It's far from traditional. Collins and Angel profess their love to each other in this heart-melting song. I want someone to sing those words to me.

"Over the Moon" is one of the most bizarre songs you'll ever hear. It's a piece of performance art based on the nursery rhyme "Hey Diddle Diddle." If you don't get scared by the moo-ing, all will be well.

"La Vie Boheme" is a very fun, upbeat, energetic song. In the middle somewhere is interjected "I Should Tell You," a cheesy '80s-like rock ballad that still manages to be sweet.

Next CD.

The second CD starts out with "Seasons of Love," the song most commonly played on the radio as a promotion. It's a catchy little gospel number that you'll probably clap along with.

"Take Me or Leave Me" is one fabulous song between Maureen and Joanne. Two women screaming their lungs out over each other - it's a beautiful piece of work. If you like chick music, you'll love this one.

"Without You" is beautiful and sad. It is a very pretty song, and one of the few from the CD that could really stand on its own as a single to be played on the radio. I would classify it as mainstream soft rock.

I prefer this CD exponentially compared to the movie soundtrack. You may, too!