Rent - Original Cast (CD 1996)

I became a Rent fanatic after seeing the show only once (sadly, I've only seen it once.) When I got the opportunity to purchase the CD at a great price (I believe I got it on sale for about $16,) I jumped at the chance. I loved the play (you can check out my review " I Should Tell You - I Love Rent, and wanted a piece of Rent to be with me always.

I have practically worn out my CD because I play it so frequently. It's different from most of your typical Broadway soundtracks in that it's more modern and has a great dance beat. It's a soundtrack that you can play at a party, hanging with friends or when you want to be alone with your thoughts.

The original cast was involved with the recording and each time I listen to the CD, it takes me back to that lovely night in November when I watched the play. You almost become transformed, mesmerized even, when you listen to the soundtrack. From Tune Up #1 to Seasons of Love (featuring Stevie Wonder), this recording has it all.

What I love the most about the play and the soundtrack is that it is not your typical play. It breaks the barriers of what a "typical" Broadway play is supposed to be. I think that's what makes Rent such a great success.

I won't go into too much detail about each track because there are so many, but to touch up on a few, here are some of my favorites:

One Song Glory: Roger wants to leave his mark in society "before the virus takes hold" and hopes to come up with that one song before he dies. "Time flies and then no need to endure anymore, time dies"

Light My Candle: "Would you light my candle? What are you staring at?" Mimi and Roger were my two favorite couples and this is the first time they meet in Roger's apartment. It was love at first sight even if they didn't want to admit it.

Santa Fe: This duet between Angel and Collins is great. They are finally professing their love for each other and how they could start a new life in Santa Fe. If there were ever a song that basically described my life right about now, Santa Fe would be it. "New York City; Uh-huh; Center of the universe; sing it girl; Times are s####y, but I'm pretty sure they can't get worse; I hear ya; It's a comfort to know...that anywhere else after New York would be, a pleasure cruise...Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe...and leave this to the roaches and mice." I'm living in Alaska right now, and every time I hear this song, sometimes I wonder if one of the reasons I decided to move to Alaska was to get way from the craziness and chaos known as New York City. Right now, this is my theme song.

Another Day: "There's only now, there's only this; forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today." I think these words sum up the song and the entire theme of the soundtrack, and I will leave it up to you to make your own interpretations.

Christmas Bells, La Vie Boheme: Both numbers involve the entire cast, and I love both songs to death. The last few minutes of Christmas Bells involve the cast singing different parts of the song, and listening to it at first sounds a little chaotic, but, it works so well, because in a way, it's a representation of New York life. "No room at the Holiday Inn, Oh no. And it's beginning to snow." With La Vie Boheme, I love the piano score in the opening, and the cast s proclamation to accept everyone who they are without any biases.

Instead of me telling you every aspect of the Rent Soundtrack, why don't you take a listen for yourself and let your imagination take you on the adventure of a lifetime.