“Hairspray” the movie hits theatres July 20th, but the beat won’t stop there. With a fun, star studded soundtrack backing the musical, the beat rolls on through the summer. Every track tells a story, and not just about the Turnbladt family, or about the Corny Collins Show, but memories from real life. First crushes, coming of age, believing in yourself, love, and for an older generation, the music of “Hairspray” brings back a time of change both in pop culture and the world: the 60’s. From a cast of veterans like John Travolta, Christopher Walken, and Michelle Pfeiffer, the 60’s sound thrives. At the same time it teaches a new generation about rock & roll Elvis style via High School Musical’s Zac Efron, and soul through Queen Latifah and new comer Elijah Kelley.
Songs like “Good Morning Baltimore” and “Welcome To The 60’s” made the Broadway show a classic and now it’s doing the same for the movie. “Hairspray” introduces the world to lead actress/singer Nikki Blonsky and her amazing voice. She shines on “I Can Hear The Bells”, “Without Love”, and “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now”. While Blonsky blows the roof off the soundtrack, Zac Efron charms girls with his crooning ability on songs like “It Takes Two” and the oh so fun, and fitting “Ladies’ Choice”.
Like a ball of fun and energy, Travolta adds a comedic factor to each track he sings on, including “(You’re) Timeless To Me”, a duet with Christopher Walken, which is oddly enough sweet and sentimental in its own hilarious way. Of course Queen Latifah is not to be forgotten. In fact, she empowers this soundtrack and rounds it out, completing the phenomenon it will become. Her amazing vocals on “I Know Where I’ve Been” takes the comedy down and brings meaning to the message of “Hairspray”.
Probably the most exciting track on the entire soundtrack is “You Can’t Stop The Beat”. Lead vocalists are Blonsky, Efron, Amanda Bynes, Elijah Kelley, Travolta and Queen Latifah. The song is energetic fun you just can’t sit still to. Other stars included on the soundtrack are James Marsden, Brittany Snow, and a surprise appearance by the original “Hairspray” lead, Ricki Lake.
The “Hairspray” soundtrack is in stores now, so run and get it before going to the theater on July 20th. You’ll be grateful to be able to sing along with your favorite stars while watching this sure to be a classic movie!