Rent [Original Soundtrack] (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Wayne Wilcox, Tracie Thoms, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Rosario Dawson, Tim Davis, Wayne Wilcox (vocals); Greg Curtis, Gregory Curtis (organ); Paul Bushnell (bass guitar); Aaron Lohr (vocals); Tim Pierce, Greg Suran (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Suzie Katayama (cello, accordion); Jamie Muhoberac (piano, organ, keyboards); Tim Weil (piano); Dorian Crozier (drums, percussion, programming).

Audio Mixers: Doug McKean; Andrew Scheps.

Liner Note Author: Chris Columbus.

Recording information: Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA; El Dorado Studios; Ocean Way Recording; Right Track Recording; Skywalker Sound; Track record.

Arrangers: Rob Cavallo; Tim Weil.

By the time director Chris Columbus adapted Jonathan Larson's rock opera RENT to the big screen in 2005, the play had been running on Broadway for nine years (making it one of the longest-running and successful shows in Broadway history). Chronicling the lives of a group of struggling artists in New York City's East Village, RENT deals with issues of poverty, artistic ambition, illness, AIDS, and human connection in a musical storyline that encompasses rock, R&B, dance, and Latin elements.

Dedicated fans of the original Broadway cast recording may quibble about the merits of the movie soundtrack, but the score boasts powerful performances by original cast members Taye Diggs, Jermaine Heredia, and Anthony Rapp. Rosario Dawson, who was not a member of the original cast, turns in a passionate performance as Mimi Marquez. Rock producer Rob Cavallo, who has helped craft the sound of mainstream heavyweights like Green Day and Alanis Morissette, helms the project, and gives the whole soundtrack a sharp, edgy sheen. minimize