Various Artists

Dreamgirls soundtrack (Sony)

Dreamgirls might feature Beyoncé and American Idol diva Jennifer Hudson, but the rehabilitation of Eddie Murphy's music career is the real story. Infamous for such novelties as "Boogie in Your Butt," as well as a slew of painful stabs at serious R&B, Murphy plays the role of troubled soul singer James "Thunder" Early in this adaptation of the early-'80s musical — and sounds just electric on the manic "Fake Your Way to the Top." Of course, that's not to slight the rest of the collection. Most of the recreations of vintage Motown soul (the film, like the musical, is loosely based on the Supremes' career) are almost a quarter-century old themselves, yet material such as Hudson's showstopping "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" possesses vitality that's sadly foreign to most modern R&B. But if this soundtrack makes Motown sound hip again, everyone benefits.

 
My Voice Nation Help
 

Concert Calendar

  • May
  • Thu
    23
  • Fri
    24
  • Sat
    25
  • Sun
    26
  • Mon
    27
  • Tue
    28
  • Wed
    29
St. Louis Event Tickets
©2013 Riverfront Times, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places St. Louis

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city