In The Heights

AMazing CD! I have yet to see the show but the music is out of this world :)

This is one of the best musical soundtracks I've listened to. The story unfolds through the songs. I know I'll probably not get the opportunity to see it on stage so it's wonderful to understand the story without having to see it. The joy that this playwriter feels comes through in every song and the performers translate it perfectly. I had my doubts about the rap but the Latin beats underneath make it accessible. Additionally, there is no mumbling, the actors annunciate every word. I hope you like this musical as much as I do!

As a Puerto Rican New Yorker who lived in Washington Heights for 5 years (and whose mother came there from the island decades ago), I was honestly expecting this show to be sweet and cute -- and perhaps even clever. But I was HORRIFIED with what I saw and heard. It was full of stereotypes and puerile attempts at humor. The cloying sentimentality and downright DISHONESTY offended me. I sat there, ashamed. This kind of fare sets us BACK! We need a Latino "Passing Strange"!!! And the dreadful music -- which you'd hear on this album -- is utterly forgettable. Goodness, we have a long way to go before we have a sophisticated, intelligent Latino musical. Even Paul Simon's "Capeman" was closer insofar as he collaborated with the likes of Oscar Hernandez (and at least the book of that musical attempted to explore provocative themes). I can't say enough to condemn this dubious work. Like another reviewer, I would give it fewer stars if I could. Do yourself a favor and check out the brilliant "Passing Strange" instead.

This sountrack needs a roadmap. There are some great songs, but WAY too many stories. Don't look for original ways to solve conflict. Most people problems are introduced and resolved before you even have a chance to care about them.

You will want to read the synopsis on this one

Great cast recording. It includes the book so that you can follow along with the rap/Spanish and feel you are in the audience.