The original “Hairspray” film was written and directed by John Waters. At face value, “Hairspray” is the story of a pleasantly plump girl who just wants to dance. By gaining a spot on a local dance show, she challenges prejudices and helps lead the way to the integration of 1960’s Baltimore. The film is campy and subversive and fun. The new musical adaptation of “Hairspray” doesn’t stray far from the original, changing a few things here and there and then applying a generous coating of saccharine. The score to the film is perfect, with music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
The real stars of this album are obviously the ones doing the singing, and this soundtrack has plenty of big voices to choose from. You’ve got your choice between A-Listers (John Travolta and Queen Latifah) and a host of extremely talented newcomers (Nikki Blonsky and Elijah Kelly).
As Tracy Turnblad, Blonsky is a powerhouse. When she belts out the opening number “Good Morning Baltimore,” her enthusiasm is almost palpable. Zac Efron puts out a good effort as well. Whether he’s playing the lovesick boyfriend in “It Takes Two” or the cocky heartthrob in “Ladies’ Choice,” Efron is consistently solid.
Amanda Bynes doesn’t have the strongest voice, I will admit. But she is blessed with the best lyrics on the soundtrack, especially on the ensemble piece “Without Love.” Out of all of the newcomers on this soundtrack, no one impresses me more than Elijah Kelly. His version of “Run and Tell That” is even better than the Broadway original.
After playing Matron Mama Morton in “Chicago,” Queen Latifah is back in fine form for her role as Motormouth Maybelle. Her rendition of “Big, Blonde, and Beautiful” is one of the standout songs on this soundtrack. The soulful civil rights anthem “I Know Where I’ve Been” is a close second.
“(The Legend Of) Miss Baltimore Crabs” gives Michelle Pfeiffer the perfect opportunity to vamp it. Her icy vocals paired with the cha-cha beat fit together very well. James Marsden, better known as Cyclops in the “X-Men films,” is a surprisingly good song-and-dance man. “The Nicest Kids in Town” is easily one of my favorite songs.
Another big surprise is John Travolta, who dons drag to play Tracy’s mother Edna. I really had concerns with him singing that part, but he brings such sweetness and sincerity to the role that I have trouble imagining anyone doing it better.
Edna’s duet with her husband Wilbur (Christopher Walken) “(You’re) Timeless to Me” is so sweet that you forget that John Travolta is singing a love song to Christopher Walken. Well, almost.
“You Can’t Stop the Beat” is the big finale, and it is a complete show stopper. Blonsky, Efron, Bynes, and Kelly join up with Travolta and Queen Latifah to make this song truly incredible.
Maybe I’m picky, maybe it’s my ADD, but for some reason I almost never listen to a CD from start to finish. I have listened to this soundtrack, start to finish, for three weeks solid. I need a hobby or something.