Not only was I excited when I found out I would be reviewing the new Rock of Ages Soundtrack from the 5 time Tony Award nominated New York Broadway musical, Rock of Ages, but my husband was more than interested. The musical is based on an 1980′s love story, starring American Idol finalist, Constantine Maroulis, with a great assortment of the fabulous 80′s Hair Band songs from bands like Journey, Bon Jovi and Foreigner. We frequently take a step back in time at our house and have a “Jam Session” with our two boys when they request “Rock N’ Roll” music from their Daddy. Yes, they are 5 and 3-years-old. My husbands love of good music is certainly being handed down to the boys.
The songs on the CD are great selections of some of the top 80′s songs…a definite flashback to my Junior High and High School days of awful clothes with vests and rolled blue jean cuffs paired with the big permed hair and bangs. Oh dear. I am certain that had I known my curly-headed husband in the 80′s he had the mullet, although he got off easy never having to perm the back of his hair. (Why did boys DO that?) A few of my favorite songs on the album…
Just Like Paradise
Sister Christian
We Built This City / Too Much Time On My Hands
I Wanna Rock
We’re Not Gonna Take It
Wanted Dead Or Alive
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Oh Sherrie
The album started off strong for us and reminescing on the great days that once were was a blast…all the funny memories! It’s amazing how the music can take you back so quickly to a certain place in time. However, I will admit that as the songs wore on, we started skipping to the next and the next as, having not seen the musical yet, the songs started sounding somewhat like kareoke. It is hard to top the original artists is such legendary bands as Twisted Sister, Poison and, of course Bon Jovi.
The musical itself sounds like it would be a blast…possibly the present day ABBA with people dancing in their seats and waving lighters over their heads. If hearing the music in the presence of the stage show, I am certain it would be a fabulous time. The love story that goes along with the songs would certainly keep your attention in the midst of the musical. However, if you are looking to take home the great songs of the 80′s, why not just get the original songs with the original talent on iTunes?
With that said, I would love to see Rock of Ages in person and watch the 80′s Rock love story unfold. The accompaning music would only add interest to the story. Listening to the soundtrack was definitely a blast from the past and provided fun entertainment for everyone in my family. If you would like to grab a copy for yourself, click here!
