In some films musical production numbers can look much better onscreen than they sound when listening without the added pictures and choreography. Fortunately, Dreamgirls is a rousing success at transferring the drama and glittering style of the big screen to home speakers and headphones. The star-packed production borrows both from 60's Motown hitmaking and contemporary production values to create one of the best pop/r&b soundtracks in recent memory.
Glamour and Conflict Animate the Music
It would have been easy for most of Dreamgirls to be surface glitz. However, emotionally involving performances from the principals help such songs as "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "Family," and "I Meant You No Harm" to move the story along even without the film in an almost impressionistic fashion. The various professional and romantic conflicts are impossible to miss. This all makes Dreamgirls a grand listening experience. The story line does not drag the songs down. Instead, it animates the music and ties the content of the lyrics to personal experience making the songs imminently memorable.
Jennifer Hudson Delivers the Goods
One of the biggest questions on the minds of fans of the Dreamgirls Broadway show prior to release of the movie was whether former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson could match the power of Jennifer Holliday's original award-winning performance in the role of Effie White. The answer to that question is a resounding yes! After Hudson delivers the showstopper "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," audiences have been known to give standing ovations in the movie theater. The performance translates just as well on record. "Love You I Do," a new song written specifically for the film version of Dreamgirls, is another powerful, if not as showy, performance for Hudson.
Eddie Murphy and Beyonce Deliver Solid Performances
Although they are somewhat overshadowed by the sheer power of Jennifer Hudson's vocal performances, Eddie Murphy and Beyonce both deliver strong, capable vocals that are a pleasure to hear. Most pop music fans are only familiar with Eddie Murphy's singing talent through his ill-fated mid 80's attempt at pop stardom. His performances on Dreamgirls are a revelation. His vocals as James "Thunder" Early resonate with the emotion of a showbiz veteran on the way down.
It would have been easy for Beyonce to deliver performances that either attempt to overshadow others or sink in a bland pop style related to her character in the film. Instead, outside of "When I First Saw You," a rather dull duet with Jamie Foxx, Beyonce exercises restraint and grace in a difficult role.
A Worthy Souvenir of the Dreamgirls Film
It is a frequent occurrence that a soundtrack either pales next to the film it accompanies or it overshadows the film and the music becomes memorable in its own right divorced from the movie it originally accompanied. Dreamgirls is the happy situation where the soundtrack is a fine, equal, accompaniment to the film. If you have not yet seen the movie, the soundtrack will whet your appetite. If you have seen the movie, the soundtrack will be a worthy souvenir.
If you wish to explore the full Dreamgirls story, don't miss Beyonce's stunning solo album from last fall, B'Day. It is a powerful response to Beyonce's experiences portraying Deena Jones. As she has said in interviews, B'Day amounts to everything she wishes her character could have said...and there is much to say.
