I know I talked about this musical last Friday, I even shared the Youtube video with y’all, but I wanted to share the soundtrack with y’all today. I’ve had it on repeat since he dropped it and I already have a few favorites. The entire album is like a mix between the ‘Wizard of Oz’ and his lifestory, and the fact that he was able to combine the two speaks to his genius. He not only starred in the production, but he wrote, produced and directed it. Talk about wearing multiple hats! He brought some friends along too, the usual gang (Chester, Vonzell, JP), Amber Riley, Pentatonix, Wayne Brady, Shanice Williams and Nicole Scherzinger just to name a few. In fact, he had Wayne Brady and Amber Riley portray his parents in the production. The soundtrack is full of hits, but there are a few tracks that I play more than others.
No Place Like Home – The haunting key that this track is in was enough to draw me in. That coupled with the lyrics that are the perfect mix of fairytale and real life are just perfect.
Over the Rainbow – I actually cried when I first heard this song. I’ve heard many coming out stories, a lot even like his, but the way he told his story was what reached me.
Color – This is the standard pop song, but Todrick and Jay’s have the best harmonies together.
If I Had a Heart – This honestly sounds like something that could be on the radio now. If I didn’t know that it was from a musical about the Wizard of Oz I’d think that it was a recent R&B track.
Papi – I haven’t heard Nicole’s voice in a very long time and I honestly forgot she could sing like this. She shut it down and I love it!
Water Guns – Another track that made me cry the first time I heard it. Between this track, the finale of OITNB and all that’s going on with the BLM movement it just hit home. Plus Jordan Sparks can do no wrong vocally.
Please check it out on Youtube or on iTunes; believe me it’s worth it.
**Edit to add that the album is now available on Spotify**