I think by this point in time, The Book of Mormon stage musical is a thing of legend. The show is written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park fame with music from the world famous composer Robert Lopez. This man, you'll probably know him for creating the music for the insufferable Disney film, Frozen. Together, they've created (in my opinion) the funniest and catchiest music in the history of the art.



Okay, so The Book of Mormon isn't going to be considered high art like The Phantom of the Opera and its legendary soundtrack. But what it does is take filthy humour, clever nods to other films etc and mix it up with a vast array of music. Not only do you get the stereotypical stage music but there's also the Disney like balladry, a bit of rock and even a smidgen of African folk. In my opinion, it's a lot more clever than some would give it credit for and not only does it make for a very strange first time but it creates a great listening experience. The album is more than diverse enough that it'd leave anyone guessing as to what is happening next.



Of course, the humour is of an acquired taste. I won't get into the details of the story but to sum it up, two Latter-Day missionaries find themselves in Uganda and they're tasked with converting the desolate beat up village that they're residing in. The jokes are not for the ultra sensitive. It could be considered extremely offensive to some. But the sheer shock of it all will make it worthwhile for others and of course, South Park fans will lap it all up. I personally found it hysterical, to the point of tears. Everything from the quick quips, to the sudden shock value to the overall straight faced performances make it one of the funniest albums I have ever heard.



The original cast features an incredible amount of talent. Their ability to sing and perform this material is quite impressive. Andrew Rannelis as Elder Price has an incredible voice and the not so vocally talented but utterly hilarious Josh Gad as Elder Cunningham (also known as the plucky snow man, Olaf!) balances it off perfectly. Michael Potts as Mafala Hatimbi steals the show with the song, Hasa Diga Eebowai (no, I'm not translating it). My favourite from the entire album. It's so silly, offensive and yet to brilliantly catchy that it's got to be one of my favourite songs of the decade. As an audio performance, their ability to sing and perform this material is quite impressive.



In terms of production. There isn't really that much to talk about. Each song has been very well captured and certainly appears to have the spirit behind the original stage show. Every instrument sound clear, every voice sounds strong and it's all produced and engineered very well. The ONLY gripe I think I have with this album is that a few moments, you can tell that the vocalists were too close to their microphone. You have hear the air from their mouth brush up against the microphone but that is something you'll only hear if you're looking for it.



As an album of cheerful, pleasant and funny music, I highly recommend it. I have been dying to see the show for a long time now. I've have had to pass up a few times in London due to family issues and have to resort to bootleg camera recordings. So, to have this official soundtrack to even things up is amazing. I love every second of it and clearly a lot of people do too. I'm finally seeing the show in my home town as it does its first UK tour and I couldn't be more excited. But without seeing the show, The Book of Mormon Original Broadway Cast Recording still has plenty of enjoy.



It's certainly something to stay clear of if you're very easily offended. If however, you're like me and enjoy filth humour as well as the South Park television show. Well then, put that baby down, grab a frog, make sweet love and enjoy the music!