Aspects Of Love (Original 1989 London Cast)
Fresh off the smash success ofThe Phantom of the Opera, it seemedAndrew Lloyd Webbercould do no wrong in 1989. That is, until he collaborated with lyricists Don Black and Charles Hart onAspects of Love, a decidedly down-to-earth story (based on David Garnett's short novel) involving various love triangles and quadrangles that left audiences cold. That said, however, it does contain some extremely beautiful, intimate music. The opening anthem, "Love Changes Everything," is almost a standard, and the duet "Seeing Is Believing," with its string accompaniment, is almost achingly gorgeous. In this original London cast recording,Michael Ball, coming off his own triumph inLes Misérables, delivers his usual strong-voiced, oh-so-earnest performance, whileAnn Crumb,Kevin Colson, andDiana Morrisoncontribute in the most significant roles of their careers.--David Horiuchi