Kinky Boots (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

Adopted from the movie of the same name in 2005, musical Kinky Boots was first showed up in broadway in April 2013. Story is about Price, the son of an old shoe factory owner which is under bankruptcy, inherits his family industry with reluctant after his father's death. However, he went back to carry on it with the partnership of a drag dancer, Lola. Although there were some arguments between them, they realized they are same in some way and worked together to produce the most fashion boots, kinky boots. 

Initially, Kinky Boots was not expected to be a great demand because it was the first debut for most of its cast, including the actor and even the composer, Cyndi Lauper. Though struggling of less well from critics and box office for few months, it still get the nominations of Tony Award as a underdog. To our surprise, Kinky Boots with its fancy performance, joyous atmosphere, and profound meaning, beat the highly anticipated musical, Matilda, and won 6 Tony wins as best musical, leading actor, choreography, and original score, etc, which was much beyond audience expectations.

To discover the magic of Kinky Boots, the cast recording would be a good and easy way to get started. And with the guarantees of award, there are also a lot of songs to mention and highlight. 

1. As the beginning, Price and Son Theme/The Most Beautiful Thing in the World illustrates the the confrontation between Charlie and his father whether he was going to take over the factory or not, in his childhood. 

2. Much worried about it, Charlie still went on his journey to London, where he met Lola and fascinated by her high heel boots. Land of Lola is opening theme for Lola's appearance, showing her confidence and character of drag dancers' leader. 

3. Later, Charlie decided to produce the high heel boots and discussed with Lola. Lola showed her idea and explained it with Sex is in the Heel, and the design gradually made into practice.

4. However, Lola is not welcome to workers in factory, which made her very depressed. Charlie tried to comfort her, but discover that Lola is actually a man named Simon and had the similar perspective to their father individually. Not My Father's Son deeply describes the anxiety of the son cannot satisfy father's demands and anticipations. 

5. Soon, the first kinky boots were completed and held a celebration. Everybody Say Yeah, the most joyful one in whole musical with jazz, funk and pop elements.

6. The foreman of workers still opposed Lola's idea and challenged him. Lola needed to prove that his idea is What a Woman Wants. 

7. As the the progress of producing kinky boots, Charlie became more impatient since the products did not satisfy him. Yet, all people left including workers and his best friend Lola after he asked to remake the product again and again. Being alone in the factory, Charlie was stuck between wish of his father and the relationship with his workers and friends. Soul of a Man with most genuine and sincere, Charlie cried for the helpless situation.

8. After leaving Charlie, Lola went back to his hometown and nursed his dying father. Hold Me in Your Heart tells about his love to father though Lola was treated critically when he was young.

9. At the presentation day of kinky boots, Charlie was forced to wear them they didn't hire models. Lola and his drag dancers came to his rescue and finally came to the end with Raise You Up/Just Be.

Among these, Raise You Up/Just Be cannot be missed out. 

As the lyric goes, "We would like to leave you with Price and Simon secret to success…I want you to know that we can do in 6, and it goes like this: 

One: Pursue the truth.

Two: Learn something new.

Three: Accept yourself and you'll accept others, too.

Four: Let love shine.

Five: Let pride be your guide.

Six: You change the world when you change your mind.

Just be. Who you wanna be. Never let em tell you who you ought to be.

Just be. With dignity. Celebrate your life triumphantly."

The happy songs with inspiring lyric can't be more suitable for a brilliant musical ending.

Album Information:

1.	"Price and Son Theme / The Most Beautiful Thing in the World"
2.	"Take What You Got"
3.	"Land of Lola"
4.	"Charlie's Soliloquy"
5.	"Step One"
6.	"Sex Is In The Heel"
7.	"The History of Wrong Guys"
8.	"Not My Father's Son"
9.	"Everybody Say Yeah"
10.	"What A Woman Wants"
11.	"In This Corner"
12.	"Charlie's Soliloquy Reprise"
13.	"Soul of a Man"
14.	"Hold Me in Your Heart"
15.	"Raise You Up / Just Be"

Ref:

High Spirits, Higher Heels - New York Times

CD Review (Kinky Boots) - There Ought to be Crown

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