Search - Smith, Zdunich :: Repo! the Genetic Opera

Original Cast: Good But Short

Alexander Jhin | 02/25/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This digital album is nearly identical to the out-of-print original cast recording, except the first and fifth songs are swapped. Like the CD, this is not the entire soundtrack. For example, "The Tao of Mag," "Zytrate Anatomy," and "Geneco Commercial" are all noticeably absent. In spite of its shortcomings (pun intended) it's long enough for a few good listens. The songs are catchy, upbeat rock musical songs with clear dialogue which decently explains the backstory to Repo! The Genetic Opera. If you hate spoilers, don't listen to this album. Each track is unique and the personalities of the characters shine through in every song. Here's a break down of the tracks:



Night Surgeon. Curt Wilson portrays the Repo Man with a sadistic flair but this song is still kind of weak. I look forward to hearing Anthony Stewart Head's version.



...But This is Opera. Lateefah Devoe sings as Blind Mag with the ensemble. It's a humorous song poking fun of opera. She's got a strong voice, but it's a bit difficult to imagine her as the opera super star she's supposed to be. Again, looking forward to Sarah Brightman's portrayal in the upcoming movie.



21st Century Cure. Terrance Zdunich sings as the Grave Robber with Stephanie Kane singing as Shilo. It's a seductive song... a perfect portrayal of a skeezy drug dealer who innocent Shilo just can't help listening to. This song has the worst rhyme ever: Shilo, "N.O.S?" Grave Robber, after a pause, " Yes!"





Come Up and Try My New Parts. Penny Wei plays the high kicking Heather Sweet. I'm NOT looking forward to Paris Hilton's portrayal.



Legal Assasin. Curt Wilson singing again as the Repo Man in the catchiest song on the album. Mr. Wilson's voice is a little bit weak and the instrumentation seems to drown him out. Good thing the instrumentation and chorus are strong and catchy.



Chase the Morning. Lateefah Devoe sings with Stephanie Kane in the song that is most like an average musical's song. The instrumentation is mainly piano with some percussion. Again, Devoe comes across as strong, but at the same time seems to be struggling with getting the meanining behind her voice. Kane sounds kind of nasal.



Choice. Blind Mag, Repo Man and Ensemble. This is the song from the movie trailer. The instrumentation is a bit more overpowering than the trailer's. Also, the actors don't exaggerate their eccentric accents quite as much, which makes it a bit boring comparatively.



Overall, it's something different, a fun listen and a good preview of the upcoming movie. I suspect the movie soundtrack will be more complete and will have better sound engineering."