My main gripes have to do with my wish for an actual cast recording. While I knew that this wasn't going to be anything near a cast recording, I still hoped it wouldn't come across too "pop-ish". So, if you're like me and prefer pure Cast Recordings, you might want to wait until the cast recording is actually released. But if you're curious about the material in this coming-soon-to-Broadway stage show, then buy this CD. Great performances abound, that's for sure.


For What It's Worth   March 24, 2000
Mark S. (Chicago, Illinois)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I've seen Aida in its try-out period in Chicago, twice. I love the show and had to have the music. However, this concept CD is nothing like the music heard in the show. I enjoy the CD because it is the only way I can hear the music, but I can't wait for the cast soundtrack to come out. If I hadn't seen the show I probably would like the CD better than I do.


What show were you watching Alan?   March 20, 2000
Mark (New York)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

I hope to not turn this into a dueling reviews page, but I too saw the March 16 preview of AIDA on Broadway and cannot fathom Alan's response, particularly in light of the overwhelming audience response to the passion and power of the performers. The music for the stage version is significantly stronger than this album, but I feel that comparing live theater and a concept album is a ridiculous endeavor. If this brings more people to the theater and gets more people interested in Aida, more power to it! I have never witnessed the cheering and ovation I saw during this performance. The cast album is expected in June. I would wait for that to get a true feel for the power of Heather Hedley, Adam Pascal and Cherie Rene Scott.


A Decent Recording   March 11, 2000
Susan B. Antonia (New York, NY USA)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

First of all, in regard to the message below mine, the Aida cast recording is set to be released in June. Aida is produced by Disney, and if you think back to when The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast opened on Broadway, you might remember that the cds were released on the day that the two shows opened. Aida will not be following this same trend, but will be released soon after the Broadway opening. I also don't know where "Evka" got her information. Aida hasn't yet officially opened on Broadway and the cast recording is NOT available now, so don't waste your time looking for it...just for the record. Anyway, I thought that the concept recording of Aida had its ups and downs, but was overall, a fairly decent preview of what is sure to be the next long-running Broadway show. After a point on the CD (track 9), the songs all sounded pretty much the same to me; one long ballad. If you want a taste of the music as it will appear in the musical, you might as well make the purchase, but rest assured that the "official" cast recording will be released soon enough, so I'd hold out if I were you.


Living Elaborate Lives...   November 2, 2002
k. lane (Florida, USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Aida was Elton John and Tim Rice's baby, providing a concept soundtrack album before even setting the stage on fire, the tracks are generally sweeping show ballads.
Elton teams up with several lovely and talented ladies, in LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, and Lulu. "Written In The Stars" could be a vocal gladiator battle, the way LeAnn and Elton sing it. Janet and Lulu prove themselves as more mellow duet partners.
Kelly Price makes "The Gods Love Nubia" her own, the song is tied up in soul with her voice being smooth as silk. The far too short "Amneris' Letter" shows off Shania Twain's voice to perfection also. Pop culture phenomenon the Spice Girls turn "My Strongest Suit" into the most obvious pop stomper of this set. Another strong point is Heather Headley's solo "Elaborate Lives". A rich ballad, Headley recently embarked on an R&B singing career with the track "He Is". The legendary Tina Turner provides a fiery perfomance, her track being the powerful "Easy As Life" with Angelique Kidjo.
Duds are also present, Sting and Dru Hill's tracks are admitted stinkers. James Taylor, Boyz II Men, Sherie Scott, and Lenny Kravitz also deliver perfomances on the album. This album is well put together, with strong tunes and a short-list of superstars presenting them. A fun buy.