Grease - John Barrowman

Advantages: Some of the best songs ever written!
Disadvantages: Very bland

...John Barrowman has recently leapt into the spotlight due to a major role in the first series of the BBC's 'Doctor Who' relaunch, but has been known as a star of musicals for quite some time, and has also made various appearances in films and sitcoms. This album was presumably inspired by his recent involvement in two Cole Porter projects - the National Theatre's revival of Anything Goes and the Porter biopic De-Lovely, where he dueted with Kevin Kline on the song 'Night and Day'. Barrowman is one of those implausibly talented people - he's ludicrously handsome, he has a great singing voice, and he's an accomplished singer and dancer. The sort of man that inspires much jealousy, in short. His singing style is open and approachable, no nasal whining here. He has a wide range (he doesn't strain on any of the high notes) and you can make... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A great choice of songs, given wonderful renditions
Disadvantages: A couple of slightly weak tracks

...You may know John Barrowman for his exquisite rendition of 'Night and Day' in the film De-Lovely. Or maybe for revealing almost all in the newest version of Doctor Who. Or perhaps you have childhood memories of him as a presenter of Live and Kicking and the Movie Game on Children's BBC. But he is most at home on the musical stage, whether in cabaret or treading the boards on Broadway or the West End. This CD includes numerous songs which he has sung on stage but not previously recorded, as well as a number of others that he just happens to like. Accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, the songs are given a grand treatment, just as they would do live on stage. The majority of the songs are from 'modern' musicals (from the 1980s and 1990s), but there are a few golden oldies thrown in as well. The CD design is simple... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A timeless soundtrack
Disadvantages: A few odd tracks in the middle of the album

...At times it is hard to believe that Grease is a film made more than twenty years ago. Perhaps then it should be more surprising that the soundtrack still sounds so good, and that so many people still relate to it. Mention the names Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta and people will probably still instantly say “Grease”. The soundtrack has so many things going for it. For a start there are 22 tracks on it – almost unheard of today. The songs are (for the vast majority of the time) superb, and as the film is a musical it is easy to relate the tracks to the film. Full credit also to Newton-John and Travolta for their performances on a vast and varied range of songs. There are a few odd rather than weak points on the album, but they are not bad and they are not the focus of the film or soundtrack in any case. Instead sit back and enjoy... Read review

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