Point of No Return

Track Listings

1. Who Is This?

2. This Songs Dedicated

3. Falling Soldiers

4. Raw Deal

5. The Prophet

6. Ready For War

7. Showtime

8. Maryvale (The Anthem)

9. Simple Things

10. Silent Witness

11. Point of No Return

12. Enter My Mental

13. Drift Away

14. Who Was That?

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Ryan "Creeper" Piercey began writing & producing under Devious Music in 1996. Their fist CD was "Devious Ability" (released in 1997). Which did extremely well in the local hip-hop scene. "Point Of No Return" is the second CD (released in 1999).

Product Description
Pure hip-hop with a touch of the streets (reality rap). Creeper sways the listener with quick wits and lyrics over tight beats. The album grabs the listeners ear from beginning to end.

Tracks:

Overture
Think Of Me
Angel Of Music
The Mirror (Angel Of Music)
The Phantom Of The Opera
The Music Of The Night
Prima Donna
All I Ask Of You/Reprise
Entr'acte
Masquerade
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
The Point Of No Return
Down Once More.../Track Down This Murderer

Amazon.com

Highlight versions of cast recordings are by definition a compromise, and this reduction of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera is no exception. Weighing in at 59 minutes, it's over 40 minutes shorter than the two-disc version, excising many musical scenes that convey the flow and impact of the show (which include, admittedly, a lot of patter and screaming). On the other hand, all the hits are here--"Think of Me," "Angel of Music," the title tune, "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Masquerade," and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"--and Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman are still on hand to make their distinctive contributions to the original London cast. So if you're looking for a convenient, inexpensive single disc that will let you enjoy Lloyd Webber's scrumptious melodies without having to immerse yourself in the action, this just might be for you. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Music of the Night????????.......2007-02-28

I really liked the idea of a highlights cd; however, The Music of the Night is not the same one that is on the original two-disc cd. The words aren't even the same. If you enjoy Music of the Night, skip this cd. Otherwise, this cd would be 5 stars.

Great short version!.......2006-12-06

If you only want to hear the songs from this musical, this one is for you. But if you want the full version, get the 4-disc version. I listen to this version in my car when I'm on the road, but I listen to the 4-disc version at home. Both versions are worth the purchase.

A long time favorite.......2006-08-26

This is one of my most treasured CDs. The voices of the cast are incredible! "Think of Me" and "All I Ask of You" are 2 of my favorites. If you enjoy the story behind Phantom, yu will like this soundtrack.

The Best Recording of this Show Available.......2006-04-21

I think that this is the best PHANTOM soundtrack out there:

1)It has the original Broadway cast, the best.
2)It cuts out the more risqu? parts of the show (believe me, there are some), making it "appropriate for the whole family."
3)The entire CD is on one disc, so you can go through the show w/o switching discs.
4)The only song that the movie soundtrack has on it that this doesn't is "Learn to Be Lonely," which appears in the credits, and isn't really a great song anyways.

Great CD.......2006-03-14

I bought this CD as a birthday gift for my boyfriend. We had misplaced the one that we had and needed a new one. This is one of our favorite cd's. Such beautiful music.

Average customer rating:

point of no return
"There Will Be Other Songs To Sing . . . Another Fall, Another Spring . . . But There Will Never Be Another You"
Final Capitol Record
Transporting
Classic Torch Album

Point of No Return
Frank Sinatra
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nice 'n' Easy

ASIN: B00005UMT9
Release Date: 2002-01-08

Tracks:

When The World Was Young
I'll Remember April
September Song
A Million Dreams Ago
I'll See You Again
There Will Never Be Another You
Somewhere Along The Way
It's A Blue World
These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You
As Time Goes By
I'll Be Seeing You
Memories Of You
Day In-Day Out
Don't Make A Beggar Of Me
Lean Baby
I'm Walking Behind You

Amazon.com

Though already in business in 1961 with his own record label, Frank Sinatra was contractually obligated to give Capitol one more record before moving on to Reprise. Sinatra gave them the ironically titled Point of No Return, which is hardly the deal-fulfilling throwaway one might expect. Expertly arranged and conducted by longtime Sinatra ally Alex Stordahl, it's an elegant collection of farewell songs (including "I'll See You Again," "As Time Goes By," "There Will Never Be Another You," and "It's a Blue World"), delivered by Sinatra with a profound sense of sadness and loss. Fans of such downbeat Sinatra concept albums as In the Wee Small Hours and Sings for Only the Lonely would do well to pick up on this oft-overlooked gem. --Dan Epstein

Customer Reviews:

point of no return.......2007-01-30

thank you for dispatching my order so quickly.
As a frank sinatra fan & devotee, I enjoyed this album greatly.
Ifeel the music of the 30's thru to the late 50's were the most romantic & sincere. This album gets me closer to fulfilling all the magic albums Sinatra made in his Capitol years.

"There Will Be Other Songs To Sing . . . Another Fall, Another Spring . . . But There Will Never Be Another You".......2006-07-22

Frank Sinatra chose Axel Stordahl to arrange and conduct this collection of sixteen remarkable ballads that he was so well-known for. These songs were recorded in 1961 except for the last four tracks which were recorded in 1953 and were not included in the original vinyl release.

Any song that the legendary singer recorded became his own and he had left his mark of elegance on each song. To me, that is known as the Sinatra Charisma. Any Sinatra recording is a delight to listen to like this CD, "Point of No Return." It's a representation of how excellent he was in interpreting these ballads with superb arrangements by Axel Stordahl, whose works were mainly inspired by the Romantic Era. His arrangements were classically-infused and gentler than the works of other Frank Sinatra arrangers.

One of my personal favorites from this collection includes "These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You."

"... A telephone that rings
But who's to answer
Oh, how the ghost of you clings
These foolish things
Remind me of you."

I also loved his splendid renditions of "I'll Remember April," "As Time Goes By," the quintessential love song and theme from the film "Casablanca." Ditto with "I'll Be Seeing You," and "Memories of You," a gem of a song by Eubie Blake & Andy Razaf.

"... Here and there, everywhere
Scenes that we once knew
And they all just recall
Memories of you
How I wish I could forget
Those happy yesteryears
That have left a rosary of tears..."

And last but not least, my number one favorite from the pens of Mack Gordon and Harry Warren - "There Will Never Be Another You."

"Yes, I may dream a million dreams
But how can they come true
If there will never ever be. . .
Another you."

This is one of the finest Frank Sinatra recordings of all-time. A great addition to your collection of fine music.

Final Capitol Record.......2006-02-12

This was Frank 's last Capitol record that he handed in for the company and its fantastic, he left on a bang, You cant go wrong purchasing this classic gem. There are some classics on this baby. "You gotta love livin baby cuz dying's a pain in the a**" to quote the man. Buy this - you wont regret it

Transporting.......2006-01-29

Frank Sinatra's theme albums/CDs are transporting--they take you to another world far away: sad, compelling, thought provoking. This music creates a bitter sweet longing for things loved and lost in life. These albums are very personal statements of Sinatra's art: In the Wee Small Hours, Only the Lonely, No One Cares, September of My Years--Point of No Return is in this league. I'm very happy with adding this CD to my collection.

Classic Torch Album.......2005-03-18

"Point of No Return" was Sinatra's final Capitol album, and it is one of his very best; an often overlooked, under-appreciated gem that ranks with the best material he recorded for that label between 1953 and 1961. It's a classic Sinatra torch album, but the tone is softer, more reflective, and pairing Frank with Axel Stordahl is a stroke of genius. The lush orchestrations are saturated with Stordahl's preference for strings, and it permits Frank to use the full range of his rich baritone. "September Song" and "As time Goes By" are incredibly sensitive renditions of two classic standards, and there are also four bonus tracks which all work and add to this album's depth and importance. This is an album that should be played late at night when you want The Chairman of the Board to speak to you about love and romance and the sadness that ultimately embraces all of us at some point in our lives. It's one of the pillars in the Sinatra canon and another example of the man's artistry and great sensitivity. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Point Of No Return: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

Point of No Return
Point of No Return
I have to rave. Sorry
Discover Nina Simone
A GREAT SCORE FOR A GREAT MOVIE

Point Of No Return: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Hans Zimmer , and Nina Simone
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002WNX
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Customer Reviews:

Point of No Return.......2007-01-04

If you liked the movie you will enjoy the soundtrack. You can actually
invision the scenes as you listen. I also enjoyed the old songs of Nina Simone.

Point of No Return.......2005-10-24

The songs are great. The incidental music from the soundtrack is a little bland.

I have to rave. Sorry.......2001-11-27

Note: I usually review Selena items, but...well, just read this, okay? You'll understand why I had to recommend this to anyone who looks up this CD on Amazon.com.

I haven't actually bought the soundtrack CD, just downloaded it in the glory days of Napster. However, I'd seen the movie when it was in theatres in 1993 and fell in love with the instrumentals. My favorite is "Happy Birthday Maggie," and it's my favorite instrumental of all time.

I'm about to buy the CD from Amazon.com, because I desperately want a copy for myself. The instrumentals are just so beautiful and haunting that I have to have this entire CD.

Discover Nina Simone.......2001-11-09

This movie soundtrack I fell in love with the first time I had seen the film. I wanted to find out why Maggie was so moved by this woman's voice. It has since turned me onto Nina Simone myself, she is everything from soulful to gospel to blues and more. Discover her yourself, you won't be disppointed! This is one of my favorite soundtracks.

Thanks for reading!
~Pandora

A GREAT SCORE FOR A GREAT MOVIE.......2001-08-03

I must say,this is the best of Hans Zimmer sountrack ever. Don't miss it!!!!

Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Premiere Collection Encore

Average customer rating:

Premier Collection a hit
It is a great CD.
Problem
Okay
Even Better than the Original

Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Premiere Collection Encore
Andrew Lloyd Webber , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Trevor Nunn , Sarah Brightman , Jose Carreras , Michael Ball , Barbra Streisand , Lon Satton , and Ray Shell
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Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Amigos Para Siempre ( Friends For Life) - Jose Carreras, Sarah Brightman
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Memory - Barbara Streisand
I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton, Ray Shell
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
Argentine Melody - San Jose, Rodriguez Argentina
Oh What A Circus - David Essex
Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball, Ann Crumb
The Jellicle Ball - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
Everything's Alright - Sarah Brightman
Close Every Door - Phillip Schofield
The First Man You Remember - Michael Ball, Diana Morrison
Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
Point Of No Return - Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman
Hosanna - Placido Domingo

Customer Reviews:

Premier Collection a hit.......2006-05-10

Loved this c.d.
Streisand's rendition of MEMORY has always been my favorite version of the song outside of the show...Betty Buckley's is my favorite within the show. I am a Streisand afficiando, and this is my FAVORITE Streisand song period..so it must be good...
Michael Ball singing anything is wonderful...It captures the wonderful feeling of being on a cloud when you listen to this album

It is a great CD........2005-10-14

Whenever I listen to this CD, my heart and my soul are deeply touched.

Problem.......2003-11-02

Has no one else noticed that on the version of this CD produced in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada "Past the Point of No Return" from "The Phantom of the Opera" is NOT Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman? The male is obviously Colm Wilkenson (most famous for originating the role of Jean Valjean), apparently the soprano is Rebecca Caine?

Okay.......2003-04-17

If you are an Andrew Lloyd Webber fan, you probably already own some of the versions of songs on this CD. Having them all in one package is nice. I like to listen to this at work, as I know the music so well that it is nice background. I could do without Amigos Para Siempre.

Even Better than the Original.......2001-08-18

This anthology is definately better than the original Premiere recording. Here we get the star who were famous for the part they are performing. On the original collection, Phantom of the Opera was sung by someone I had never heard of and the tone and atmosphere were all wrong. I am pleased to say that here we get performers who are established in the role or are well-known for including the song in shows or other recordings. I love "Amigas para siempre," "Hosanna," and all the others. I find it fascinating that we get two Josephs fot the price of one. Not only can we compare the merits of Donny Osmond and Michael Damian, but two others as well

Average customer rating:

Promising new singer: 3 ½ Stars
The Title Of The Album Speaks Volumes!!!
I had no idea.................
She shows some promise
A Star In The Making

Point of No Return
Shareefa
Manufacturer: DTP / Def Jam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000H7JDYU
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

The Start
Cry No More
U Told Me
Need A Boss
No One Said Prelude (Skit)
No One Said
Butterfly
How Good Luv Feels/Shareefa Interview 1
Phony/Shareefa Interview 2
Assumptions
Hey Babe (Give Me Ya Lovin')
Eye Wonder
Trippin'
Fevah (He Dont Know)
The End

Customer Reviews:

Promising new singer: 3 ½ Stars.......2007-02-14

Shareefa seems to be one of those R&B singers that comes out of nowhere and gets lost in the mix of all the "noticed" new R&B singers and the "vets" in the business. It is unfortunate because Shareefa has some pipes on her that trumps a number of other new R&B singers, though she doesn't receive the recognition (commercial success) that the other singers do. Her fellow DTP labelmate Bobby Valentino managed to get a top ten single with "Slow Down" (I believed it peaked at #8) as well as a top five album (DTP PRESENTS BOBBY VALENTINO debuted at #3 with 180,000 copies) that went on to be gold certified. It is arguable that POINT OF NO RETURN is stronger than Bobby's album, but its subtle #25 bow doesn't exactly speak volumes and it's lone charting single "Need A Boss?" featuring Ludacris wasn't exactly a success. Despite that, the statement "quality over quantity" or in this case "quality over commercial success" still holds to some extent, but for a first album, one only wishes that Shareefa's efforts were truly appreciated and embraced by fans.

The first comparison people make about Shareefa is that she is trying to pattern herself after Mary J. Blige. While this is true, she isn't quite at that level or quite as convincing as the great MJB, but she does show promise, just like Keyshia Cole did two years ago when her platinum certified THE WAY IT IS paved the way for her. "Cry No More" is a more characteristic performance of this MJB influence. It is a great choice for a second single, better than the somewhat clunky, odd "Need A Boss", which features Ludacris. I understand exactly why "Need A Boss" was chosen as a single; it features big name Ludacris (multiplatinum selling rapper) there to "endorse" new and upcoming singer Shareefa. It isn't bad, but it isn't incredibly catchy or memorable, which perhaps hindered sales of POINT OF NO RETURN. So "Need A Boss?" isn't the best track on POINT OF NO RETURN, but there are a number of highlights.

"U Told Me" doesn't eclipse the great "CRY NO MORE", but it isn't bad by any means. "No One Said" features exceptional neo-soul production work using a killer sample with Shareefa's alto vocals riding on top of the production. A catchy chorus highly benefits this number. "Butterfly" isn't a bad track either, and is pretty well written. Again, I think the aim to make Shareefa a "soul revivalist" as opposed to a merely contemporary R&B singer is the right notion. The emotion of such songs such as "Butterfly" make this notion correct. The Bobby V./Shareefa duet "Hey Babe (Give Me Ya' Lovin')" is perhaps one of the very strongest tracks on the album, yet it will probably be incredibly underrated, which is sad. Other standouts include the great "How Good Love Feels", "Phony", and "Assumptions".

There is nothing truly bad on POINT OF NO RETURN, but there is sometimes a lack of truly memorable material, which does hold Shareefa from bringing up her talent to the next level. Overall though, Shareefa has great promise that shouldn't be overlooked by any means. 3 ½ Stars.

The Title Of The Album Speaks Volumes!!!.......2007-02-09

Listening to Shareefa's album was certainly an eye-opening experience. From the opening tracks of Point of No Return, you get a sense that Shareefa has had her fair share of bad times. The introduction has her behind bars, swearing that she's gonna right the wrong that has happened. To the casual R&B listener, this is a little bit jarring but certainly doesn't demonstrate her ability as a singer.

So leading right into the first track "Cry No More," you immediately feel compelled to compare her to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. The raw, gritty voice of Shareefa will appeal mostly to those who haven't grown up with old school R&B. She hits most of the notes but misses others completely. This continues on "Need A Boss" featuring Ludacris, a song that also suffers from production is entirely too experimental. Again on "No One Said," her voice struggles to stay in a comfort zone and finds its way into the dangerous territory of "cringing." "Butterfly" is a wonderfully written song that could have been better if Faith Evans or Syleena Johnson were singing it. This same problem occurs on "How Good Luv Feels," a song that has the potential but lacks the polished feel that it certainly needs. There are other songs where the background singers carry the song, namely "Trippin" and "Eye Wonder." But some tracks like the ill-fated "Phony" and "Fevah" shouldn't have seen the light of day. The duet with Bobby Valentino for "Hey Babe" is only okay and does little for the album in general.

Some have argued that Mary J. Blige was raw and street when she first hit the music world. And I would agree 100% with those people. But Mary has since improved drastically from her humble beginnings and amassed a worldwide listening audience that loves and respects everything she puts out. So to totally dismiss Shareefa after one album would be unfair and biased. But one thing is for sure....she's got a lot of work ahead of her if she wants to be the next MJB. And after listening to Point of No Return, that's clearly the person Shareefa's trying to be like. But so is Keyshia Cole, Lil Mo, and others...so you can't really knock her for trying.

I had no idea........................2007-01-30

The only reason I picked up this Cd is because it was 9.99 and I liked that song with her and Ludacris. But after listening to it I absolutely love this CD. My favorites are Cry No More, Need A Boss, No One Said (my fav), How Good Luv Feels, Phony,you know what I love everything about this release. I can't wait for her second CD.

She shows some promise.......2007-01-27

Shareefa - Point of No Return (Def Soul, 2006)

When I first read that Shareefa's Disturbing tha Peace label described her Point of No Return album as a "soul classic", I rolled my eyes and was like, "Yeah, right." Then my wife picked up this album and as I listened to it, I saw that it really wasn't that bad.

The first couple of songs are garbage but then comes "Butterfly", a nice-moving song. After that is "How Good Luv Feels", which is another smooth track. The rest of the album is hit or miss but the last song, "Fevah (He Don't Know)" is pretty exceptional. Shareefa has been described as a poor man's Mary J. Blige (the fact that Chucky Thompson, Blige's old producer, does a few songs here doesn't help matters), but in some songs she reminds me of Keyshia Cole and in "Phony", she sounds like Jaguar Wright. It would help her a lot if her producers make her come a little more original the next time around, if there is one. -EJR

A Star In The Making.......2007-01-27

Shareefa has a great voice. She has a voice that has a great smoky, R&B sound with the perfect amount of rawness to it. With some work on the production she could be top notch.

He first single "Need A Boss" (with Ludacris) is a great, infectious, club banger and clearly the best song on this CD. There are not any other songs included here that come close but, there are some other good songs. "Butterfly" is a good mid-tempo, R&B song with great vocals in it.

Other standout songs include:
"Fevah"
"Cry No More"
"Trippin"

Again, not as great of a CD as I thought it would be judging from the first single alone but she has a great voice which means great potential.

The Phantom of the Opera (Highlights from the 1989 Original Canadian Cast)

Average customer rating:

Iffy
Rebecca Caine is what made me buy this album.
Very Nice!!!!
NOT AS GOOD AS THE LONDON CAST RECORDING
I liked Colm Wilkinson better in Les Miz

The Phantom of the Opera (Highlights from the 1989 Original Canadian Cast)

Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000072VS
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

Prologue-The Stage Of The Paris Opera House, 1911
Overture
The Dress Rehearsal Of Hannibal
Think Of Me
The Mirror... (Angel Of Music)
The Phantom Of The Opera
The Music Of The Night
Notes/Prima Donna
All I Ask Of You
I Gave You My Music...
Entr'acte
Masquerade
The Graveyard
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
Wandering Child.../Bravo Monsieur...
The Point Of No Return/Down Once More
The Phantom's Lair

Amazon.com

A few years after The Phantom of the Opera debuted in London, Harold Prince unveiled Andrew Lloyd Webber's gothic musical in Canada, in 1989. It was so good that this recording of highlights from the Canadian cast is--dare we say it?--more enjoyable than the equivalent London cast highlights album. No, it doesn't have the authenticity of London principals Sarah Brightman (for whom then-husband Lloyd Webber wrote the role of Christine) and Michael Crawford, but it doesn't have their idiosyncrasies, either, and it does have the richer voices of Colm Wilkinson and Rebecca Caine (who played Jean Valjean and older Cosette, respectively, in the 1985 London cast of Les Misérables). At 69 minutes, the Canadian album is also 10 minutes longer than the London, allowing inclusion of the prologue and dress rehearsal for Hannibal. Of course, Lloyd Webber's melodies--"Angel of Music," "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"--are scrumptious on any continent. --David Horiuchi

Album Description

1990 Polydor release featuring highlights from Andrew Lloyd Webber's epic musical by the Original Canadian Cast, including Colm Wilkinson and Rebecca Caine. Directed by Harold Prince, it features 17 tracks, including 'Think Of Me', 'Notes/ Prima Donna', 'Masquerade' and 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again'.

Album Details

Contains highlights from the Andrew Lloyd Webber brainchild performed in Ottawa, Vancouver, Montreal & Calgary during April, 1991 through September, 1992. Stars Colm Wilkinson & Rebecca Caine in leading roles.

Customer Reviews:

Iffy.......2007-01-22

I've only listened to clips here and online, but I personally would not buy this entire album. Why? Well, I would LOVE to have Rebecca Caine's "Think of Me" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" - she has a beautiful voice, much stronger than either Sarah Brightman or Emmy Rossum, and much better trained. But what I have heard of the Raoul annoys me. He's supposed to be the good guy, not a dork!

And Colm Wilkinson as the Phantom? Whose idea was that??? I really do not like his voice, even as Valjean in Les Miz. I highly doubt he's a strong enough singer to pull of "Music of the Night" the way Michael Crawford or Hugh Panaro (best Phantom EVER) can.

If, however, this was on iTunes, I'd jump at the chance to get Rebecca's songs!

Rebecca Caine is what made me buy this album........2006-12-04

Rebecca Caine is my favorite Christine. I think that she has one of the most amazing voices, and I loved her in the title song.

As for everything else...
Honestly, Colm Wilkinson cannot sing. His voice is just too weak for the role. Like one of the reviewers before me said, he's no Michael Crawford, not even Gerard Butler. Maybe I should hear him sing in Les Miserables to appreciate his voice.
As for Byron Nease, he's okay, but I've easily heard better.

In all, the album's okay, but there are many better recordings.

Very Nice!!!!.......2006-08-25

Although this is a specatcular Disc, I find it very hard to appreciate fully Colm Wilkinson's voice in the role of the Phantom after being so used to Michael Crawford's for that role (and being used to mr. Wilkinson's as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables). Don't get me wrong I very much like Colm wilkinson, but not so much as the phantom.
Apart from that Rebecca Caine is a stunning Christine!!!! And at times seems to me to be...dare I say.... better than (my personal favourite singer) sarah brightman, Ms. Caine's "Think Of Me" blew me away, it was very inspiring....

Overall the rest of the cast is very good as well and if you are a true "phan" this is a must have CD very much worth its price!!!!

NOT AS GOOD AS THE LONDON CAST RECORDING.......2006-07-02

Today, after Phantom of the opera became the longest running musical in history of Broadway, and being one of the most produced of Andrew Lloyd Webber's work around the world, we can only agree with the statement of "The Times" reviewer which appeared on October 10, 1986, a day after the premiere in London, who wrote: "One thing is clear: Gaston Leroux's famous story is God's gift to the musical theatre. It wraps up the legends of Faust, Svengali, and Beauty and the Beast into a grand final death rattle of the romantic agony. It turns a theatre--the Paris Opera--into a replica of the universe, from the Statue of Apollo above the city's rooftops down to the infernal regions with their furnaces and stygian lake. And, musically, not only does it unfold to an accompaniment of the operatic repertoire, but also features a protagonist who is himself a great composer."

Phantom, with its operatic and lush melodies, intensive story and grandiose staging, remains one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time.

The musical is based on the Gaston Leroux's novel of the same title. It is set in the second part of the 19th century Paris and its famous opera house. The young soprano, Christine, is discovered as a talented young opera singer in the opera house. She is noticed by an old childhood friend, Raoul, and they fall in love. However, we find out that a third person, the mysterious Phantom, hiding behind a mask, is a musical genius who had been giving Christine singing lessons and who has developed a mad passion for his young pupil. He hides in the catacombs of the opera house, lurking on the outside world. He is determined to keep Christine for himself and the story evolves from here.

Apart from this interesting plot, the audiences were swept away by Lloyd Webber's tremendous score, which probably remains his best work. It combines the beautiful love songs and sweeping operetta-like arias, with numerous orchestral leads and crescendos. You can't help but being charmed by this beautiful and haunting score. The large numbers, especially, the last one, will probably move you deeply. The most popular numbers are "The phantom of the opera", a vibrating duet between Christine and the Phantom; "All I ask of you", a lovely love duet between Christine and Raul; Phantom's mesmerizing voice will hold you till the end in "The music of the night", Christine in "Wishing you are somehow here again" will evoke sadness, and many more.

One of the main reasons for the early success of this show and this recording was its original London cast. All of the three principals: Sarah Brightman as Christine, Michael Crawford as The Phantom and Steve Barton as Raoul gave the performances of their lives. Michael Crawford's take on the role of The Phantom became stuff legends are made of, due to his amazing vocalisation and the powerful, almost hypnotic attraction in his voice and performance, exactly how the Phantom is supposed to sound.

The lyrics by Richard Stilgoe and Christopher Hampton are the weakest link here, but they manage to convey the basic story.

After the show's success in London and on Broadway, the Canadian production was mounted and it premiered in Toronto's Pantages Theatre in September 1989. This CD captures the highlights of that production. All the important musical numbers are here, however, the problem is the cast, that is, some of them. Colm Wilkinson is a great singer, his interpretation of Jean Valjean being the best example. Unfortunately, he doesn't have what it takes to play the Phantom. His interpretation lacks the depth of Michael Crawford and he struggles to stretch his voice, especially on the high notes. Overall, he sings too deep for the role, sounding as if he is still in Les Miserables. Still, he is much better than the mediocre performance Gerard Butler gave in the 2004 movie version. Rebecca Caine is a fine Christine, her soprano has no problem of getting into the character. Byron Nease, who plays Raoul, also fails to deliver, sounding too old and squeaky. The unwritten rule of the musical theatre, that the miscasting can affect the best of materials, is regrettably evident here. There is also a minor problem with the orchestrations, since some parts have a faster tempo than in the original. The aficionados will notice small lyrical changes in comparison with the original cast recording.

The CD comes with a synopsis (a rear treat in the Andrew Lloyd Webber's cast recordings), the lyrics and production photos.

This recording works best as an addition to the existing Phantom collection. For the first time listeners, I highly recommend the 2-disc 1986 London Cast Recording. Not only does it feature almost the entire musical, but also the cast is much, much better, as well as the orchestrations, which have a more classical touch.

I liked Colm Wilkinson better in Les Miz.......2006-05-12

Not to say that he doesn't do a good job in this role as well, but often times it just sounds like Jean Valjean singing the Phantom. He does have some great moments but I think the Christine is the best thing about this recording. I don't know why, but I find her voice incredibly sexy. It's easy to see why the Phantom would want to seduce her and foster her talent. Raoul's line (and vocal) delivery is a little too "Dudley Do Right" for my tastes. It sounds almost comical at times. I dunno, maybe that's what he was going for. The London Cast recording is probably still the gold standard simply because the actors have become so synonymous with the roles they played, but you should pick this one up if you want a more up-to-date version of the orchestrations and, subsequently, the libretto.

Average customer rating:

Broadway POTO
Not exactly under thirteen, but lacking time to create a new account...
A great budget release (key word: BUDGET)!
It's OK.
OH MY GOD!!!! IT'S SO BAD

Phantom of the Opera

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007PAMLA
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

Overture
Think of Me
Angel of Music
Mirror (Angel of Music)
Phantom of the Opera
Music of the Night
Prima Donna
All I Ask of You
Masquerade
Point of No Return

Customer Reviews:

Broadway POTO.......2007-07-20

A pleasant array of broadway's vocalists singing songs from the musical production "Phantom of the Opera."

Not exactly under thirteen, but lacking time to create a new account..........2006-02-26

I stumbled across this CD at Ross for 3.99. Being a complete POTO phan, I obviously bought it.

The biggest thing that bugs me about this recording is... who is the cast????? I would love to learn a name of two about the people that were in this.

As for the songs themselves... In my humble opinion, the overture is simply dreadful. No BOOM, no feeling, no speed, no passion. Although it does provide a gorgeous image of a delapitated chandelier slowly rising above an audience with many rugged pauses along the way. Christine's voice is odd. At times, I love her interpretation, but at others I receive little shudders of "WT-?" through my body.

However, this album deserves four stars if not for the phantom(s?)'s voice itself. I have had the honour of seeing Howard MG, Matt Cammelle, Jon Ian Bourg, and Brad Little perform, in addition to hearing most recordings out in existence. The talented phantom in this CD is most definately ranked in the top five. Emotion. Squee.

For the price that it is offered, I suggest that everyone should try this CD... if not to simply try something new.

A great budget release (key word: BUDGET)!.......2006-02-24

I actually thought this was a very good budget release: having already seen the Broadway play in NYC, bought the DVD, the special edition two-pack soundtrack from the movie, and full original cast recording, I still wanted more: this CD is an entertaining re-record of the popular hits...sure, the cast is unknown, but I enjoyed this CD, especially at the super-cheap price: worth checking out if you are a big Phantom fan!

It's OK........2005-12-05

I just purchased this cd today at Kmart. As a diehard Phantom Phan, I love everything that has to do with it. This cd contains ten highlights from the show. Although the people singing don't have amazing vocal ranges, they're still able to sing the songs.

Some of the songs ie: Think of Me and Angel of Music have different lyrics, which surprised me. I have never heard them before, so it was strange.

I spent five dollars on this. Even though it isn't amazing, it's still Phantom. I give it one star.

OH MY GOD!!!! IT'S SO BAD.......2005-09-13

I purchased this CD because it was so cheap and I'm a HUGE fan of The Phantom of the Opera, not just the Lloyd Webber version. There is a reason this is so cheap, it SUCKS! The cast jumps around: the Phantom is sung by THREE different people throughout the CD and none of them can hold the notes the part requires. Angel of Music is repeated one right after the other for some reason and is then followed by The Mirror piece. Possibly the worst track on the CD is The Point of No Return, which is my favortie song from this musical. The Phantom's part is sung completely off key. Doesn't even deserve the 1 star I gave it. DO NOT waste your money, not even for die hard fans!

The Essential Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Average customer rating:

The Essential Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Manufacturer: Metro Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000B9G6O4
Release Date: 2005-10-03

Tracks:

Phantom of the Opera/All I Ask of You
By Jeeves/Half a Moment
Beautiful Game/All the Love I Have
Jesus Christ Superstar/I Don't Know How to Love Him
Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
Aspects of Love/The First Man You Remember
Starlight Express B'way/Starlight Express
Starlight Express/Only You
Tell Me on a Sunday/Unexpected Song
Aspects of Love/Seeing Is Believing
Beautiful Game/Our Kind of Love
Tell Me on a Sunday/The Last Man in My Life
Phantom of the Opera/Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
Sunset Boulevard/Too Much in Love to Care
Tell Me on a Sunday/Tell Me on a Sunday
Aspects of Love/There Is More to Love
Evita/Don't Cry for Me Argentina
Aspects of Love/Love Changes Everything

Tracks:

Sunset Boulevard/With One Look
Evita/Another Suitcase in Another Hall
Cats/Memory
Jesus Christ Superstar/Could We Start Again Please?
Requiem/Pie Jesu
Phantom of the Opera/Angel of Music
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)/Close Every Door
Jesus Christ Superstar/Gethsemane
Whistle Down the Wind/Whistle Down the Wind
Sunset Boulevard/As If We Had Never Said Goodbye
Starlight Express/U-N-C-O-U-P-L-E-D
Phantom of the Opera/The Point of No Return
Aspects of Love/Anything But Lonely
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat/Any Dream Will Do
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat/There's Me
Jesus Christ Superstar/Pilate's Dream
Evita/High Flying Adored
Phantom of the Opera/Music of the Night

Tracks:

Cats/Macavity
Jesus Christ Superstar/Heaven on Their Minds
Evita/Rainbow High
Starlight Express/Rolling Stock
Phantom of the Opera/The Phantom of the Opera
Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna
Evita/Oh What a Circus
Phantom of the Opera/Masquarade
Starlight Express/Starlight Express
Jesus Christ Superstar/King Herod's Song
Evita/Buenos Aires
Cats/Jellicle Cats
Sunset Boulevard/Sunset Boulevard
Jesus Christ Superstar/Everything's Alright
Cats/Mr. Mistoffelees
Phantom of the Opera/Prima Donna
Cats/The Jellicle Ball
Jesus Christ Superstar/Jesus Christ Superstar

Album Details

Lovesongs, Ballads and Show Stoppers. 54 Tracks, Including Some Brand New Titles Released Here for the First Time.

Average customer rating:

Symphony 9: Introduction to Dvorak
Dvorak
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000069HGK
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Average customer rating:

Obscure and Excellent
Obscure and Excellent
"Memories of You"........need I say more?
Underappreciated, but a personal favourite
Not the best, but worth returning to

Point of No Return
Frank Sinatra
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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No One Cares
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In the Wee Small Hours
No One Cares
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ASIN: B000002UDN
Release Date: 1991-07-30

Tracks:

When The World Was Young
I'll Remember April
September Song
A Million Dreams Ago
I'll See You Again
There Will Never Be Another You
Somewhere Along The Way
It's A Blue World
These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You
As Time Goes By
I'll Be Seeing You
Memories Of You
Day In-Day Out
Don't Make A Beggar Of Me
Lean Baby
I'm Walking Behind You

Amazon.com

Though already in business in 1961 with his own record label, Sinatra was contractually obligated to give Capitol one more record before moving on to Reprise. Sinatra gave them the ironically titled Point of No Return, which is hardly the deal-fulfilling throwaway one might expect. Expertly arranged and conducted by longtime Sinatra ally Alex Stordahl, it's an elegant collection of farewell songs (including "I'll See You Again," "As Time Goes By," "There Will Never Be Another You," and "It's a Blue World"), delivered by Sinatra with a profound sense of sadness and loss. Fans of such downbeat Sinatra concept albums as In the Wee Small Hours and Sings for Only the Lonely would do well to pick up on this oft-overlooked gem. --Dan Epstein

Customer Reviews:

Obscure and Excellent.......2001-07-21

Next to In the Wee Small Hours and Only the Lonely, Point of No Return is obscure. Taken on its own merits, it is an excellent album with some standout tracks. Stordahl favors strings, perfect for an album characterised by reflection. From "Memories of You" to "I'll Remember April" and "A Million Dreams Ago", the theme is the past and what might have been.

According to all sources, Sinatra wanted to record this and move on to the next act of his career, with his new label, Reprise. Perhaps because of his old friend Axel Stordahl, or perhaps because he was incapable of turning in a bad performance, this album emerged as something of a pleasant surprise. The only (barely) audible glitch -- and one that was not obvious to me until it was pointed out to me -- is a tape splice at the end of "These Foolish Things Remind Me of You", reportedly because Sinatra was in a hurry and refused to record a second take. The engineers spliced the tape before "YOU" and the rest is history.

Because it is overshadowed by legendary concept albums such as Come Fly With Me and Songs for Swingin' Lovers, Point of No Return is often more difficult to find. It is an excellent album, however. It is remarkable that what could be considered a "second-string" Sinatra album still puts modern vocalists to shame.

Obscure and Excellent.......2001-07-21

"Memories of You"........need I say more?.......1999-09-06

This over-looked album is beautiful in many ways, on many levels. First of all, know that Sinatra was already recording for his own label(Reprise)when he had to fulfill his Capitol obligations with one more album. A lesser artist would have made any quick album and would not have cared; not wanting to make more money for a label that was now his rival. But Sinatra called in his old arranger and dear friend from his Columbia days, Axel Stordahl, to make this final musical statement for Capitol. Axel Stordahl had scored many hits for Frank in the early years and Frank adored him as a friend and as an arranger; he wanted one more chance to work with his friend. Frank knew that Axel was dying at the time and this would be his swan-song with Frank. So the title means alot of things...it was Frank starting a new chapter in his life professionally by leaving Capitol, and it was Frank sadly saying goodbye to his friend. With this realization, listen to "Memories of You", "I'll Be Seeing You","There Will Never be Another You" etc., and try not to get a little choked up. This adds to the tender beauty of the songs, and I have to say that "Memories of You" is staggering. A beautiful album.

Underappreciated, but a personal favourite.......1999-06-09

Point of No Return contains some wonderful performances from the end of the Capitol years. The songs are well chosen, Sinatra is singing in registers and at tempi well-suited to his voice of the early 1960s. "I'll Remember April" is one of his finest, while "I'll Be Seeing You" and "A Million Dreams Ago" are treasurable.

Strongly recommended as evening listening, although a 20-bit re-release might improve the sound quality (which is good but not spectacular.)

Not the best, but worth returning to.......1999-06-07

Very good, but not the best Sinatra album, and if you compare this album to his other loneliness themed Capitol albums, it comes up short. Stordahl is no Gordon Jenkins, and his arrangements are merely adequate. Also, despite the great song selection, there are better versions of some of these songs elsewhere. "Memories of You" is available on "The Capitol Years" as an unreleased outtake from "Songs For Swingin' Lovers". "September Song" better version is on "September Of My Years". "My Lean Baby" is great but doesn't belong on this cd. I think this was a contractual fulfillment for Frank, and his heart does not seem to be as fully into this album as it was on Only The Lonely or Where Are You. However, this is still a pleasurable cd to listen to, with very worthwhile songs and good singing as usual. Indeed, it is a great one to hear on a rainy, stormy day, and I can see how easily it could find a special place in a listener's heart. If you compare this album to today's crappy music (or Frank's 70's stuff), it rates 100 stars; if compared to Frank's ouvre, it ranks only 3, mostly due to better versions elsewhere and Stordahl's mediocre orchestration.

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