I enjoy the cast recording. The orchestrations are strong, as are the performances. It's all very slick, big... bright and - in some places - even beautiful.
However, the real skill, of course, is in the writing of the songs. That's where the hard work goes.
Therefore - I do feel, though, some of the song ideas are wasted and don't do a huge amount to move the plot forward. They merely just comment more on what a character wants. I would have liked a much better opening number - that blended in Fiona's need, Farquard's background and Shrek's family rejection. I love WHO I'D BE (albeit, there are some odd lyrical choices in the song: THE SKY WOULD DOT THE I's" Huh?)
It also urks me that a lot is cut from the cast album - and it really shouldn't be. I know that Travel Song is longer (there's a Lion King parody, and other bits of incidental music in the middle) that I'd like on the recording. Also, there's a great Wicked parody in Farquard's song that is not on the recording. The CD is not long, so the fact there's no room on the physical disc (74 minutes) would not be an adequate excuse.
The performances are charming on the recording - but, I do feel they're mimicking the movie voices a bit too much. But, that's what the audience are looking for, then that's fine. Sutton Foster plays Sutton Foster very well, Brian D'arcy-james plays Michael Myers' Shrek very well, Christopher Sieber plays John Lithgow very well (why couldn't Lithgow have played the part on Broadway?) and Daniel Beaker does a spot on Eddie Murphy impression. Tartaglia's vocal talent is not used enough in the recording.
I skip the burp and fart section of I THINK I GOT YOU BEAT (once it gets to the burping and farting). However, I understand the action it provides within the song structure. it is too long winded, though. I feel it could be shortened drastically. Or, at least, they could have made it musical (a la Peter Griffin trying to out-fart Michael Moore in Family Guy to the tune of Dueling Banjos). I feel that would have been a lot more funny if they did that - and much less random.
I find the melodies catchy (after repeat listens), but I feel Jeanine is trying a bit too hard. There is counterpoint where there is no use for it and sometimes the music travels a bit too far away from the simple, fun melodies that would be more appropriate for Shrek.
Just my thoughts :)
Nick Hutson
Co-Presenter/Producer
MusicalTalk - The UK's Musical Theatre Podcast
http://www.musicaltalk.co.uk
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