Next to Normal [Original Broadway Cast Recording]

If you have any question as to why this won the tony for best score this is a great example! The singing is amazing the orchestrations are beautiful! I think this is pretty close to having one of the best scores ever written!

Best original show in years!

Haven't seen the show yet, but this recording makes you feel like you have. Fully deserves it's Tony for Best Score. Was hooked after the first listening.

Absolutely love the music from this show. I got it on iTunes and then loved it so much I bought this cd for my mom. Oddly, when I saw the show I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected. First time I've liked the music better than the show itself!

Living so far away from Broadway, I tend to rely on the Tony Awards to sort of 'preview' the newest hit musicals before finding out more. And wow, I'm sure glad I tuned in for Next to Normal's performance. Absolutely stunning. Especially impressed with the actors' performances; for such a small cast they certainly have a truckful of talent. Music styles vary, thus allowing for a unique sound that displays the range of each cast member while still having a score that's still familiar. The humor is sly and somewhat irreverent, but despite this, the show never deviates from it's true purpose of getting you emotionally attached. Excellent portrayal of a modern family going through struggles. Also interesting in Aaron Tveit's character; despite the somewhat 'fantastic' element of Gabe, his performance makes it totally believable and heartbreaking. Truly a must-listen (and see, if you have the opportunity).

Immediately after receiving this cd, I fell in love with a few songs, and listened to them on repeat. I soon ventured out to other songs, and once again fell in love. The moment I got the cd I knew i HAD to see the show. Luckily I was able to, and saw the OBC (minus Aaron) and it was fantastic. The lyrics are so moving and the story is incredible. One of my favorite shows I've ever seen. The soundtrack is incredible, and i LOVE the lyrics. A definite cd to own, it even won the Tony for best score. The story is touching and after seeing the show, the lyrics are heart wrenching and so relatable.

Lyrics that cut to the heart of the issues, combined with the pounding rythm of rock music, give these songs a fresh take on the modern musical. If you've ever sat on a therapist's couch, "My Psychopharmacologist and I" will ring true. At some time in our lives, we all stand at the edge of the abyss; these songs explore what happens when someone you love has fallen over it.

If you like ORIGINAL musicals, then this is the CD for you. It is so nice to have a show that is not based on a movie or that is nothing more than a glorified revue (i.e. Jersey Boys) with no originality at all. Who says that Broadway is dead!

Sounds just like you are hearing the show in person!

The next best thing to RENT!

I saw the Broadway show; it has been a very long time since I wanted to buy a score from a musical, but this music stayed in my head long after the show was over. I couldn't wait to buy the disc and start playing it; I listen to it every day and love it more and more.

This Tony Award-winning score, featuring the voices of Alice Ripley, J. Robert Spencer, and more is a must-have.