Andrew Lloyd Webber.
There is nothing wrong with his melodies, he knows how to steal from the masters (Puccini, et al.) effectively. But the man has NO understanding of where to place songs, or how to use music to enhance the dramatic effect. He (purposely?) chooses weak lyricists so he can plaster his name -alone- over the show's title. (He's even plastered his name on the incoming SOUND OF MUSIC revival.) He has taken some properties which should have made excellent musicals (SUNSET BLVD, WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND) and turned in sloppy hack work...in the case of the former, recycling dozens of trunk songs that didn't even sound like they belonged in the same score.
His shows have become theme park attractions with about as much substance as carnival candy floss.
And it burns me to read comments from some of the younger members here who think PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and CATS are great musicals.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com