Review by Izzy Tierney
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When the Shaftesbury Theatre took down its pink, glittery exterior almost two years ago, I thought I would never find another show I loved as much as & Juliet, but it now shares a joint first place in my favourites along with Why Am I So Single?, the musical masterpiece from the creators of SIX. Anyone who knows me knows how much I miss this playing at the Garrick Theatre and that I've been excitedly waiting for the cast album to be released, and now it’s finally here, I can happily say it's just as spectacular as I'd hoped it would be!
One of my biggest pet peeves with musical theatre recordings is when they cut lots of dialogue from the songs as I feel you lose a lot of the story and what’s happening on stage, but I needn't worry as that is absolutely not the case with this album. As someone who has seen the show a few times (massive understatement) I can picture the scenes in front of me as I listen to the songs, but there's also so much detail included in both the lyrics and dialogue that I imagine you could feel like you're there even if you haven't actually seen it, meaning it's perfect for fans whether they were able to see it live or not. I also love that little bits are included that don't impact the plot but are fun, a personal favourite being Jamel Matthias’ premature houseplant “ooohh” in the title track that wasn't on the demo version but has been added for the official recording. Small moments like that and Noah Thomas’ “no sh*t” in I Got Off The Plane really make me smile as they allow you to feel the tone of the show instead of just listening to its songs.
The book, music and lyrics are written entirely by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, who after the worldwide success of SIX have proved once again that they're musical geniuses. The soundtrack is phenomenal with so much thought being put into its creation that you could listen to it over and over again (something I highly suggest doing) and still discover things you've missed. A great example is the bridge of Just In Case, a song about waiting for a phone call, being the tune of a slowed down Nokia ringtone (thank you Leesa's TikTok for sharing this) which is so subtle but such clever craftsmanship. Similarly, Future Cut have spoken about the intricate makeup of the tracks in a behind the scenes look at production, revealing phone noises were sampled to turn notifications into chords and swipes into claps for the dating nightmare Meet Market, and samples of various different rubbish trucks were used for Men R Trash.
The dedication to making something so unique where every detail is used to enhance the storytelling is outstanding, as are the ingenious lyrics. Inventive, hilarious and heartbreaking at times, there is no weak link in the soundtrack, with every song deserving of its place. Lines like “we are well read, good at giving... advice” from Why Am I So Single? would get a big laugh at every show and translates brilliantly onto the album, with references like “make his bed like Tracey Emin” in 8 Dates and “if he doesn't spark any joy go throw him out like you're Marie Kondo” in C U Never now being easier to pick up on and appreciate.
The stand out track, especially lyrically, is undoubtedly Disco Ball, a song I believe is one of the best musical theatre songs I've ever heard, and watching Jo Foster perform it with their entire heart and soul on display is easily one of the best things I've ever seen live. It's extraordinarily powerful, and the emotional gut punch is not lost in this fantastic recording. Oliver's pain and hysteria is conveyed magnificently, still giving me goosebumps like it did live.
C U Never is another great example of theatre working well in album form, with Artie (Noah Thomas) first tapping the table before starting an ensemble tap number to represent typing which sounds incredible in the recording. Interlude In B Minor is a ridiculous song that I absolutely love, but also very cleverly incorporates every song of act one and gives us the iconic “buuuzz”. Clubs Glorious Clubs is massively underrated, using each half of the song to hilariously represent a different perception of a shared memory. No Question starts so sweetly, yet ends with Oliver's imagined future of being lonely and eaten by their cat - it will never not have me giggling.
Though the musical is fun and silly, it also packs a great deal of emotional depth. Songs like Shhh!!!! are funny but like Disco Ball, show the struggles of being your authentic queer self; Meet Market does not shy away from the gross things men say on dating apps; Better Off Love Story is a gorgeous tribute to the importance of friendship and Lost may be one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful songs out there, always making me cry as Nancy (Leesa Tulley) sings of the lifelong grief of losing a parent through the metaphor of a lost jumper.
In Why Am I Still Reprising? you can actually hear Jo and Leesa's smiles, the perfect representation of an entire album where you can feel the love and passion for the show in every song from every cast member and every creative. Leesa's vocals throughout are breathtaking; soft and tender in songs like Lost and impressively powerful in songs like Just In Case, matched exquisitely with Jo's sensational voice, blending together beautifully. Alongside Noah Thomas, all are exceptional at storytelling through singing, with sarcasm, amusement and tears all so clearly felt through the words.
A fun addition to this album is none other than Broadway legend Patti LuPone, who features on the extended version of Men R Trash in what is both a delight for fans of the show and its creators, who take every opportunity to reference Oliver! possible. Her introduction is funny; the tongue in cheek line “welcome to the stage, as we do every show”, and it's also great to hear the rest of Men R Trash because, as Patti herself says, “it's a smash”. The other bonus track is an alternate version of Just In Case, sung by the alternate Nancy and Oliver, Collette Guitart and Jordan Cambridge-Taylor. It's an Oliver inspired song that was not part of the show and not what I was expecting, but it's a lovely surprise and gives Collette and Jordan a great chance to show off their stunning voices that go wonderfully together.
I truly hope Why Am I So Single? has a bright future as its message of friendship is such an important one and the representation of queer, trans and non-binary people is vital in the current political climate. No matter the show’s future though, it will definitely live on with this recording, performed by the most ridiculously talented leads and ensemble members. While an album can never quite capture the magic of live theatre, this does a fabulous job at preserving and expanding the beauty of Why Am I So Single? for fans and new audiences alike.
Why Am I So Single? (Original London Cast Recording) is now available for digital download and streaming, including on Spotify and Apple Music
Photos by Danny Kaan, from the West End run at the Garrick Theatre