‘The Greatest Showman OST’: A Gorgeous Soundtrack Album

‘The Greatest Showman OST’: A Gorgeous Soundtrack Album - The Greatest Showman may be fraught with historical inaccuracies but one thing the film gets right is its gorgeous soundtrack.

The historical musical film, which critics have lambasted for overlooking controversial aspects of its subject’s life, centres on P.T. Barnum, a man of humble beginnings who made his fortune from the circus business.

Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman in the film, was the founder of the legendary Barnum & Bailey Circus.

All the exuberance and vigour of circus life is beautifully captured in The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The Greatest Show and Come Alive are so infectious and energetic, it seems the only appropriate response is to jump to your feet and dance along whenever you hear it.

The foot-stomping This Is Me not only boasts a catchy tune but an inspiring message (a call to embrace one’s individuality), and it deservingly picked up a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Still, its slow numbers made an impression on me the most. Tightrope, which highlights the realities of a relationship between two people who don’t share the same dream, is incredibly well-written.

Never Enough starts out soft and tender until singer Loren Allred shifts gear and carries the song to its explosive chorus. Allred, who voices 19th century opera singer Jenny Lind’s singing parts, delivers both the big notes and the emotions with gusto.

The cast, from A-lister Jackman to actors Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, and lesser-known talents like Keala Settle and Allred, are all immensely gifted, which results in plenty of ear-gasm moments on the soundtrack.

Even if you didn’t see the film, each of the songs features themes that are easily accessible and are melodically strong enough to stand on its own.