Album Review: Hair – The New Broadway Cast Recording (2009)
If you’re a fan of groovy, rebellious vibes combined with some serious soul-stirring moments, Hair – The New Broadway Cast Recording is one to check out. Released in 2009 by Ghostlight Records, this reimagining of the iconic '60s rock musical brings fresh energy while staying true to its roots. With Galt MacDermot’s funky tunes and Gerome Ragni and James Rado’s poetic yet raw lyrics, it’s a wild ride through love, war, identity, and freedom.
Let’s talk tracks. First up, “Aquarius.” This song has always been iconic, but this version grabs your attention like never before. It kicks off with an almost hypnotic rhythm that pulls you into its orbit. You can’t help but feel like you’re floating somewhere between the cosmos and the streets of Greenwich Village. The vocals here are electric—like someone bottled up all the hopes and dreams of the '60s counterculture movement and poured them straight into your ears. It’s not just catchy; it feels alive.
Another standout? “Good Morning Starshine.” Yeah, yeah, I know—it sounds cheesy on paper, but trust me, this rendition hits different. There’s something about how simple yet heartfelt the delivery is. It’s like waking up early on a summer morning when everything feels quiet and possible. The harmonies are tight without being overproduced, letting the emotion shine through. By the end, you might find yourself humming along or even tearing up a little—who knew optimism could hit so hard?
The production team deserves props for keeping things authentic. Joel Moss and Kurt Deutsch nailed the balance between honoring the original spirit of Hair and bringing something new to the table. And shoutout to Bill Rosenfield for steering the ship as executive producer. Without him, who knows if we’d have gotten this gem?
What makes this album stick with you isn’t just the music—it’s the vibe. Listening to it feels like stepping back in time but also realizing how relevant these themes still are today. Like, wow, we’ve come far, but haven’t we stayed the same in so many ways?
Final thought: If you ever listen to this album, do it loud. Not just because the music demands it, but because life’s too short to play Hair softly. Plus, who doesn’t need more sunshine in their lives?
