The Bright Star Cast Recording Is Your Go-To Album For Summer 2016

Last updated April 29th, 2016 by Josh Ferri
The Bright Star Cast Recording Is Your Go-To Album For Summ…

It is a good day to be a fan of musical theatre. Sh-K-Boom Records released the cast recording of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's new musical Bright Star; and all that can be said is that if Hamilton was the album that got us through the winter, Bright Star is what you want to be listening to all summer. Scroll on as BroadwayBox reacts in animated GIF to listening to each track for the first time.

1. If You Knew My Story (Carmen Cusack & Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- If You Knew My Story
I will probably say this several times throughout, but Carmen Cusack is a wonder. How lucky we are to have her on Broadway with 'this' score! Perfect match. Also, this song just makes you want to dance in the sun.

2. She's Gone (Stephen Bogardus & A.J. Shively)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- She's Gone
Yeah, this one is a bit of a downer but stick with it because good gosh those harmonies are just stunning (1:50 in).

3. Bright Star (A.J. Shively & Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- AJ Shively
This song needs to be on all your summer playlists. You can’t help but smile and move along.

4. Way Back in the Day (Carmen Cusack & Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Way Back in the Day
This song was immediately added to every playlist I have. It’s so beautiful and just listening to it makes you feel like the sun is beaming down on you. Not to mention, Carmen’s “Come on what are you waiting for.” Please.

5. Whoa, Mama (Carmen Cusack & Paul Alexander Nolan)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Whoa Mama
The combo of Paul Alexander Nolan & Cuscak on this song is almost too much to take. There’s a 90% chance I’m going to make this my alarm on my iPhone so I can wake up with it daily.

6. Firmer Hand/Do Right (Carmen Cusack, Stephen Lee Anderson, Dee Hoty & Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Firmer Hand/Do Right
There’s no way you can stay still during this track. It’s so fun.

7. A Man's Gotta Do (Michael Mulheren & Paul Alexander Nolan)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Man's Gotta Do
Keeping the fanning in check, P.A.N.’s track on this song is so damn good. #DatVoiceDontQuit #NotEvenForASecond

8. Asheville (Hannah Elless)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Asheville
If Hannah Elless ever decides to give up Broadway, she could have a legit country career. This beautiful song could be on the radio today.

9. What Could Be Better (Carmen Cusack & Paul Alexander Nolan)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- What could be better
This song sounds like how first love feels.

10. I Can't Wait (Carmen Cusack & Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- I can't wait- Carmen Cusack
You just want to melt into this song and Cusack’s voice.

11. Please, Don't Take Him (Carmen Cusack, Michael Mulheren, Stephen Lee Anderson, William Youmans & Dee Hoty)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Please dont take him
Someone get this woman a Tony nomination already! What are we waiting for here?!

12. A Man's Gotta Do—Reprise (Michael Mulheren)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Man's Gotta Do Reprise
Tough guy… (Gorgeous strings in the background though)

13. Entr'acte (Orchestra)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Steve Martin- Edie Brickell

14. Sun Is Gonna Shine (Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Suns Gonna Shine
Again, this is the Broadway album of the summer. Play it in the car, on the beach, by the pool, dancing home alone. #Praise

15. Heartbreaker (Paul Alexander Nolan)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Heartbreaker- Paul Alexander Nolan
Listening to those vocals like…

16. Another Round (Emily Padgett, Jeff Blumenkrantz, A.J. Shively & Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Another Round- Emily Padgett
This is the only GIF that kind of scratches the surface of how much I LOVE this song. This is my new getting ready to turn up song #SorryIgnitionRemix, and might be my new Insta bio too. Also, bless Emily Padgett.

17. I Had a Vision (Carmen Cusack & Paul Alexander Nolan)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- I Had a vision
This is going to be one of those songs you’re going to be performing full-out in a matter of weeks.

18. Always Will (A.J. Shively & Hannah Elless)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Always Will
Major aw moment.

19. So Familiar (Carmen Cusack & Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- So Familiar

20. At Long Last (Carmen Cusack & Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- At long last- carmen cusack
[Insert your own comment about how no one can do what Carmen Cusack does]

21. Finale (Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Review- Cast Recording
Selfie, except swaying to the music.

22. Bright Star—Reprise (Company)

Bright Star- Album- GIF- Dancing GIF

23. Sun Is Gonna Shine—Single Version (Carmen Cusack)

Bright Star GIF- Steve Martin- Carmen Cusack- Album
I keep talking about summer but this is a must-own album for any season. There’s no other show that sounds like this and is recorded with this level of talent. Go download and enjoy.

See these songs live in Bright Star at Broadway’s Cort Theatre.