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Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast Recording)x$9.94
  (221 reviews)
Best Price: $9.94
Recounting the rich history and reliving the timeless sounds of the phenomenal Frankie Vallie & The 4 Seasons, the new Broadway musical Jersey Boys answers the musical-and philosophical question, "How did four would-be wise guys from Newark, NJ, become one of the greatest chart-topping successes in pop music history?" Jersey Boys celebrates legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi who, as the 4 seasons, wrote their own songs, invented their own identity, and sold 175 million records worldwide-all before they were 30.
Although it squarely falls in the "jukebox musical" category, Jersey Boys doesn¹t try to integrate its songs in an artificial plotline. The show tells the story of the early-1960s group the Four Seasons, and the musical numbers tend to be introduced in context, as when songwriter Bob Gaudio comes up with a tune, or the quartet performs a show. This allows Jersey Boys to flow better than some of ill-fated peers, and the actors can shine without having to bend backward to accommodate an inane book. The show's most (only) daring move is to start with a hip-hop-tinged French-language version of "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," an actual hit in France in 2000. After that it's all VH1-biopic territory, but it's done with so much flair, taste and energy that the ride's a fun one. The Four Seasons had enough hits ("Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," etc.) to easily fill an evening at the theater, so it's left to the cast to do right by them. And it does, particularly John Lloyd Young as the band¹s star lead, Frankie Valli. Young hits all the falsetto notes and brings real freshness to the part. His "Can¹t Take My Eyes Off You," a second-act peak, is signed, sealed and delivered with a star's acumen. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
MPN: 73271 - UPC: 081227327125
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Customer Reviews
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4th Of July Fireworks Explosion Of A Musical!
By A3LKP6WPMP9UKX on 2005-11-16
The August Wilson Theater was filled to the rafters with men and women of a certain age who were definitely of the Frankie Valli Generation. They sat quietly in their conservative dress and spoke quietly as the house lights dimmed. I thought: Well, this is gonna be a dull evening. The first bars of a familiar Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons song played and these old timers (me among them) were on their feet cheering, stomping, clapping, yelling and just dancing in the aisles! And this was how the entire evening went! For one night the cast of 'The Jersey Boys' transformed us back to the 60s and our youth. We were young, perky, full of energy and hope. The world belonged to us.
The show has garnered all of the praise of every newspaper and magazine in NYC. I haven't seen reviews like this in years and years. I thought I knew what to expect before the curtain went up. As fabulous as I assumed singer/actor John Lloyd Young (Frankie Valli) would be, I was not prepared for his incredible voice and talent. It just doesn't get any better than this. This CD is one of the most outstanding Broadway soundtrack ever. And in my 63 years I have purchased more than a few of the classics. This one is an absolute MUST. If you can't fly to NYC to see the show then this is the next best thing.
Each actor/singer was outstanding and worked their butts off. It was an evening of magic that I know I will never see again on Broadway. SEE THIS MUSICAL! And also buy the CD. It's a winner in spades.
Terrific Cast Recording!
By A2Z1DN5JF8AMHF on 2006-03-28
Many people, including myself, are pretty tired of the lackluster "catalog" musicals churned out these days. There are obvioulsy exceptions (I thoroughly enjoyed "Mamma Mia" & "Movin' Out"), but most are dull.
When "Jersey Boys" opened, I didn't give it too much thought, but purchased the cd mostly to hear the show's take on the frankie valli/four seasons catalog. I was totally impressed!
The cast (led by an excellent John Lloyd Young) sounds great, the songs sound great. Seeing the show was simply icing on the cake...oh, what a night!
Best tracks:
Sherry
Big Girls Don't Cry
Walk Like A Man
December 1963 (one of my favorites as a kid)
My Eyes Adored You
Beggin'
Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Who Loves You
Completely deserved the Tonys it received, including Best Musical, Best Actor (John Lloyd Young) & Best Featured Actor (Christian Hoff)!
SIMPLY WONDERFUL
By AQRODCIYD7PYX on 2005-11-08
I am simply astounded by this incredible CD. Pitch perfect renditions of 4 Seasons hits such as "Sherry' 'Walk Like a Man' 'Big Girls Don't Cry' 'My Eyes Adored You' 'Rag Doll' and more and the 4 Seasons led by the incredible falsetto of John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli is simply wonderful. It re-creates an era when teens, quarters in hand, played these songs on jukeboxes all across the country. Those teens have now grown and moved on but this joyful album brings back fond memories of a group whose only aim was to entertain and lift the spirits.
Oh what a night!
By A3LT27OB3OSATY on 2005-11-02
Anyone who is looking to add a little joy to their life should definitely own this cd. Not only is it music that we've all come to love, it's sung by the most talented group of people to hit broadway. John Lloyd Young's falsetto effortlessly soars. Daniel Reichard is simply wonderful. The rest of the cast is brilliant as well. If you like musiical theatre and/or great music from the 50's and 60's then this is the cast recording for you.
Amazing Show; Terrific Score
By A1NOUWW8UTENGP on 2006-05-31
Jersey Boys was one of the best shows I've ever seen on Broadway. The music is more from my parents' older siblings time, but they are classics that nearly everyone is familiar with.
Unlike other "jukebox musicals", this one has a fantastic story that ties the Four Seasons hits into a coherent, emotional tale.
After a few preliminary numbers, "the whole world exploded" when the cast plays a succession of "Sherry", "Big Girls" and "Walk Like a Man". I've never seen an audience react to a showstopper like that before.
The CD is fantastic. John Lloyd Young really captures Frankie Valli's sound. If you can't see the show, get this CD. If you do see the show, you will listen to this CD a hundred times to recapture the magic.
- A Joyous Season
By A3OH7TGTW9GWFF on 2005-11-05
Being a 4 Seasons fan from day one, I could not wait for the release of this CD, and I certainly was not disappointed! The Jersey Boys musical brings to life the story and music of four poor guys from New Jersey who became a rock and roll phenomena. You'll be immediately drawn into the past, and you'll love it. Listen to John Lloyd Young's beautiful falsetto countered by J. Robert Spencer's bass. All of the classics are there: Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, Rag Doll, and many more. The audio is crystal clear. Close your eyes and you'll believe you are actually at this hit Broadway musical. Don't miss getting this CD.
- Jersey Boys - Best Musical on Broadway
By A15ODKW7ZLRELB on 2005-12-27
The story of The Four Seasons, one of the best rock and roll groups in the history of rock and roll. This CD gives you the story lines in addition to the musical performances, which will be helpful for those unable to get to Broadway to see the show. If you can see the show, I recommend seeing it first before listening to the CD, or else you'll know some of the background which will tell you some stuff you may not have known, or wanted to have known, prior to seeing the show. A fabulous performance by one and all.
For more information, see my review of the Broadway show at:
http://TheOpEdPage.blogspot.com
- Wow!!!!
By A2TOL48IAPEPFP on 2005-12-07
Got to see the Broadway show week before opening and thought one of the most entertaining musicals I had seen.
This album gives new life to some of the pleasures of the show. John Loyd Young is great as Frankie and all 4 do a great job recreating the music of the Four Seasons.
Loved the show and now the album.
- You will not be able to sit still...with this CD playing!
By ATPF2CQ0IQLAL on 2006-06-08
Frankie Valli or John Lloyd Young...which is it? It is hard to tell, they are both so talented. You will not be sorry about buying this CD. It is just amazing...the music is the music we have all grown up with (even us young ones) and this cast of Jersey Boys is the one that will live on in infamy! I bet this CD will even one day be a collector's item.
If you have been to the Broadway Musical this CD is a must! If you haven't been to the Musical...SHAME ON YOU! Get out there and see it. The scenery is simple yet highly effective. The cast incredible feel like you are living their triumphs and their hard times with the characters. The music has you dancing in your seat, singing out loud and at times tearing up.
I swear to you the audience get so excited when these 4 guys start singing songs like "Sherry" you would think you were at an actual Frankie Valli concert! You will too when you hear this CD :)
- I loved the music on this CD
By AE31M52VLKOG6 on 2006-06-11
I really enjoyed listening to this cast recording of Jersey Boys. The first track is entitled Ces Soirees la. This is a very fun upbeat opening track. The Early Years medley track is also very good. I love John Lloyd Young's falsetto vocals on tracks like Sherry and Big Girls Don't Cry. He is perfectly cast as music legend Frankie Valli. Walk Like A Man and Rag Doll are two highlights on this CD too. I also enjoyed the track Oh What a Night. I think J. Robert Spencer provides excellent vocals on this track. He is perfectly cast as bass singer Nick Massi. Another highlight on this CD for me is the track My Eyes Adored You. I also enjoyed the song Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You. These songs are very romantic and sweet. I hope to have the opportunity to see Jersey Boys on Broadway someday.
- More Complex Than Typical Jukebox Musical
By A3AYPL4XVN6RRD on 2006-06-14
I'm not a huge fan of "jukebox" musicals, but some have been quite enjoyable. "Jersey Boys" has a much better storyline and was marvelous to watch. This cd shares the same energy as the show and showcases four great talents as the Four Seasons. My husband fell asleep in "The Drowsey Chaperone", but couldn't keep his feet still in this show...and the cd hasn't left the player since we purchased it.
- Profanity Ruined This CD For Me
By AXMKAXC0TR9AW on 2006-04-22
The Four Seasons are far and away my favorite music group from the 1960's. I have their albums, CD's and videos. My elementary music class loves singing their songs and I wanted to give copies of this CD to my students. They are to the '60s what ABBA is to the '70s. That said, I was disappointed with The Jersey Boys which I hoped would be equal to the Mamma Mia CD. My main complaint is two uses of the "F" word on The Jersey Boys. If you don't mind this on your CD I suppose you will like it, but I think others should be made aware of its inclusion. However, this sure ruined the CD as far as I'm concerned. I'll stick to listening to the CD of the authentic Four Seasons.
- Disappointed
By A2P0T6S5GQI578 on 2006-11-06
After hearing some of the music from "Jersey Boys" while watching the Tony Awards, I was looking forward to the CD. What a disappointment! I thought I would be hearing great covers of the the Four Seasons. Instead, the CD consisted primarily of too much talk and shortened versions of the songs. I'm buying the CD to listen to the music, not listen to someone pitching dialog from the musical. I thought I was hearing a Vegas act! Finally, it would have been nice to hear the full version of Ces Soirees-La.
The Four Seasons are one of my favorite groups from the 60's. Fans are better served buying Rhino Records 2-Volume, Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons - Greatest Hits, that has 30 of their top hits and singles by Frankie Valli.
- A Great Deal of Fun
By ASCQPZ3NI0U3S on 2005-11-10
I saw the play last weekend and it is great. This album is very faithful to the way the dialogue and songs are presented in the play. You listen to this CD and it is like seeing the play again in your mind. It is a real "blast-from-the-past" for baby boomers who can remember the Fifties and Sixties. For those of us born later, it is a fascinating journey into a past we never experienced. The songs are terrific, of course. I would advise anyone to get The Four Seasons Anthology first and listen to the real thing. Then you can have fun comparing it to this modern rendering.
Bob Gaudio, the songwriting genius behind the success of the Seasons, came back to produce this CD. He achieved a nice, clear sound. He also allowed the songs to be done a little bit differently, because it would have been futile to try and recreate the magic of the original songs.
- So So
By A3M7J3BFEUDZTL on 2007-03-08
I was disappointed by all of the talking on the CD. Just wanted to listen to their music. My fault for ordering the wrong one.
- Returned
By A1PYJO5OUVZ23C on 2007-03-18
Didn't realize there would be so much dialogue on the CD. I only wanted the music so will return the CD and get the original music of Frankie Valli instead.
- This is 10 stars, not 5!!
By A131U2GBNH2Q1H on 2005-11-19
What a fabulous Broadway show!! We saw it at the La Jolla Playhouse last year, and knew then that it had "BROADWAY" written all over it! What a magnificent work of art! And to see it again on Broadway still makes me smile with an ear-to-ear grin -- it grabs your heart and pulls you in.
This play and its music moved my 15-year old son as much as it moved my husband and me, proving that you don't have to be a boomer to enjoy it. The story is real and raw and gritty and funny and uplifting and inspiring and the list could go on and on -- and every time I play the CD I am back in the theatre and Frankie Valli is before me once more, and all is right with the world.
- A Wonderful Show
By AKFBDKSRAMEX7 on 2005-11-19
I saw the show both in San Diego and then again in New York. Loved it on both coasts and am thrilled with the CD. You really must see the musical. The entire cast is outstanding and the music electrifies the crowd. So much fun you don't want it to end. One of the best times I've had... This new CD lets you relive the fun.
- LET'S HEAR IT FOR JOHN LLOYD YOUNG AND PLATTSBURGH, NY!!!
By AMMQ22ZKUXS7R on 2006-04-03
There are already enough reviews written about this high-voltage, always entertaining Original Cast Recording. My two cents' worth: Great re-incarnations of the original Four Seasons' hits. EVERYONE in the cast is marvelous, especially John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli. I'm sure everyone here in Plattsburgh, NY -- a friendly town of 18 thousand plus on Lake Champlain 61 miles south of Montreal -- is very proud of Mr. Young, the Plattsburgh High School grad. His proud mom is a member of Temple Beth Israel and has to pay for her tickets -- just like everyone else -- when she wants to see him on Broadway.
- 'Oh, What A Night'
By AR1FT9Y84PH01 on 2006-11-11
For the musical theatre experience of your life, you must see the spectacular 'Jersey Boys'. The terrific ensemble cast is led by four outstanding young actors and singers. . .John Lloyd Young (Frankie Valli), Christian Hoff (Tommy DeVito), Daniel Reichard (Bob Gaudio), and J. Robert Spencer (Nick Massi). I closed my eyes (out of sheer joy at actually seeing the show on Broadway) and I 'heard' the original Four Seasons. . .surreal, but a testament and validation of why this wonderful show won 2006 Tonys for Best Musical, Best Lead Actor in a musical (JLY) and Best Featured Actor in a musical (CH). The exchange of energy between the cast and audience was almost tangible, each fullfilling the joy of the other. I am looking forward so much to seeing this show again and again! If you love the Four Seasons, you will adore this show. Buy the CD! The superb singers make you believe you are listening to the original Four Seasons singing all the songs you loved. Then, enjoy the show when it goes on tour if you can't make it to New York.
- Excellent -- Except for the Explicit Lyrics!
By A1K5F67Z6QGC2I on 2007-03-23
This is one of those CDs you never tire of hearing. However, the wrapper should have an explicit lyrics label for the two f-bombs that the producers felt were necessary to include. Good thing I listened to it before sharing it with my young grandson! Apparently, the authors of the musical wanted us to know that the Four Seasons were rough kids from a rough neighborhood, so they sprinkled the Broadway musical with about 50 "bad" words so that we would "get it". Hey, writers, we get it. That's what a good story and actors are for.
- Jersey Boys rocks
By A2C9PD6ZCU4V7L on 2005-11-21
This is the best show on b'way. The voices are excellent and the songs are wonderful. These kids have the talent and energy that make the show an unforgettable experience.
Don't miss it. The CD is a treasure.
- The Best of 2006
By A1E294XZ12PQOK on 2006-11-17
This is a CD that you will never tire of listening to. If you loved Frankie Valli and the original Four Seasons, you will be blown away by the talent of this cast and the wide selection of hits.
- Awesome!
By A3FY3H6F4249E0 on 2007-05-14
Just saw the musical "The Jersey Boys" in Manhattan and came back with the CD. Matter of fact, I played it and sang it on the way home on the interstate. Loud, too! As you can see from the Amazon list of songs, it has many of the very popular Franki Valli songs on it.
The musical is the story of Franki Valli and the 4 Seasons and this CD is most of the songs from that musical. It sounds very close to the 4 Season's original recordings in arrangement and vocal. The CD is great, well sung, and great quality. If you get a chance to see the musical, that's outstanding too. I bounced in my seat ALL THROUGH the musical. (I do so love good music!)
When they started playing "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "Walk Like A Man," Oh, God! Wow! Of course, you remember "December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)" (In the musical it was when one of the group got "lucky"). Songs like "My Eyes Adored You," "Dawn," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" and "Working My Way Back To You"--AWESOME! "Fallen Angel" in the musical, was sung when Valli's 22 year old daughter died. So sad.
The guy who does Valli has such a unique voice and the other 3 and him sound, like I said, so much like the real 4 Seasons. This CD is a treat to the ears. It's like an ear massage! :-)
Note: June 2007--I understand this musical will start appearing around. If so and if you loved Franki Valli and the 4 Seasons, catch it when you can. It was great!
Update: Sept 2007--Am in San Diego. Just saw an article in a magazine that the show is coming here. Catch it if you can. It's great!
- Oh, What A CD!!!
By A32GCOTGFJ9XC3 on 2007-08-08
The JERSEY BOYS (2005 OBC)CD is fantastic! I haven't seen the musical nor am I a big Four Seasons fan, but I can't stop listening to it.
After seeing the commercial for the musical and catching a glimpse of the performance of "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" (a song I truly love), I decided to buy JERSEY BOYS. And I'm glad I did.
Either from other artists remaking the songs or from distant childhood memories, I was amazed that I knew a lot of the material. Mostly all of the tracks were familiar.
The cd has some dialogue in it that explains the situations the group or individuals were/are in, before the songs start, so if you haven't seen the musical it helps tell the story.
Now the real gem in the JERSEY BOYS cd is John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli. The rest of the cast is good, but oh baby...this guy is all that! Just listen to Young's voice on "Sherry" as he goes up and down the scale. He sings like an angel.
My two favorite tracks: "My Eyes Adored You" and of course "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."
Anyway, if you're wondering about whether or not you should buy this cd because you aren't a big Four Seasons' fan or haven't seen the musical, don't worry...buy it. The music is familiar, it tells a story, the songs are great, and John Lloyd Young is the cherry on top!
- Not Quite Enough
By A2M15GPD2OJEFW on 2007-09-05
I bought this album before I went to see the show, but I did not receive it in the mail until after. I'm glad I didn't listen to it before the show. If I had listened to this, without seeing the show I think I could not enjoy it as much as I do. I would probably be irritated with all the talking, without the context and memory of seeing the show.
I originally bought this instead of seeing the musical. As it turned out I went to the San Francisco show (second touring cast). The quality of singing, and sound production in general, is better that what I saw live. It's also a very nice way to remember the show in general. However, many of the tracks (like in the musical) have voiceovers of characters. For me this is distracting, even though it is authentic, because then I can't listen to the singing, but there's not enough context or dialog for me to appreciate the voiceovers.
Something else you may want to know: This is not a substitute for a Frankie Valli/Four Seasons greatest hits album. If that's what you want buy that, not a soundtrack to a musical. Many of the songs were not originally four seasons, are not complete, and as mentioned above, have characters talking over the song.
- Jersey Boys
By A1XSMC69SB56U8 on 2006-03-15
The harmoney is absolutely wonderful. I just wish the entire CD was singing. There is a lot of talking in this CD as well as the singing. I would not buy this one again. Had I known this I would have bought the CD with singing only.
- YES YES YES!!!
By A2S6DTHVOFGNEM on 2006-03-25
Absolutely brilliant! All the songs are catchy and I literally bounce in my car to them all. My favorite songs: Sherrie, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like a Man, Who Loves You.
If you love broadway, you NEED to buy this CD, it is worth every penny!!
- Simply electric!
By A2LACQ75D8Y4Q9 on 2006-06-23
Ditto. I agree with everyone's comments on just how great this show is. I just want to add the it's about time The Four Seasons (and their music) got the recognition and respect they deserve. Most theater goers are surprised at remembering (and hearing) just how many hits this group had. Not to mention the other great songs that did not make it into the play, like Let's Hang On, The Proud One, Ronnie, Marlena, etc. Any other rock'n'roll group should be envious of having such a surplus of material to choose from. It was a Tony Award well earned.
- Wonderful
By A2WQC8LEAUS9KR on 2006-11-09
I bought the CD about one month before we went to see the show. My husband didn't understand why I would do that but after the first time he heard it, he was raving about it. The show on Broadway is fantastic and I listen to the soundtrack quite often. Anybody who grew up with this music will enjoy it. Can't wait to see the show again.
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