Rent (Highlights from the Original 2005 Motion Picture Soundtrack)

I purchased The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and I love it (although, its not OBC) it holds its own on a different scale. If you're looking for a more broadway sound, obviously try the Original Broadway Cast, everyone's the same (except for Mimi - Rosario Dawson and Joanne - Tracie Thoms). If you're more rock and are THAT into showtunes, get the full length CD.
My friend purchased the Highlights after seeing the movie (which she LOVED) and she finds that some of the most moving songs like 'Another Day' aren't on there. SO, I'm just warning potential buyers...the original movie soundtrack may be more expensive, but its worth it. You can capture the FULL magic of it.
I love this musical and this cast, I would hate to see you miss out.

I wish there was something I could use as a comparison for this CD. However, any such comparison would have weaknesses. Some of this music reminds me of "Jesus Christ - Superstar," and "Hair," but the music is different. The topics are more mundane, earthly and sad, and include AIDS and poverty among a group of bohemians in New York's East Village. There are moments when the vocals have a raw edge to them, but emotional power comes through these songs and I enjoy this music.

Friends have been living rent-free for a year in an apartment. Suddenly the landlord asks for a years worth of rent. The song "Seasons of Love" alludes to the one year and to the love that these friends have developed for each other, and perhaps the love they thought their landlord had for them. The entire cast opens this song, which later includes solos by Tracie Thoms as Joanne Jefferson and Jesse L. Martin as Thomas B. "Tom Collins." Tracie manages to competently hit notes that attempt and...Read more

Some may not agree, but this is basically "The Best Of Rent". The biggest "Rent-heads" may want the complete 2-disc version, but casual fans should do fine with the highlights. I have seen the play, and these songs from the film rock just a tad more, yet are mostly the same. The opener "Seasons Of Love" is great, and is the song the cast always sang on TV appearances. The track "Rent" rocks, "One Song Glory" has a nice hook, and "Light My Candle" is sweet and flirty. "Out Tonight" is a full-on rocker, and sung very well by Mimi (Rosario Dawson). Other favorite tracks are "Santa Fe", "Without You", and the catchy and truthful "What You Own". Overall, anyone who even remotely liked the play or movie, or might enjoy the most rocking of show-tunes, should cough up the cash for "Rent".