The Who proved that rock was more than 3 minute songs when they created the first rock opera, Tommy. The 1970 release of Jesus Christ, Superstar, took rock opera to new heights and bigger themes, and reached a surprisingly large audience. Released as a record before ever being performed on stage, Jesus Christ, Superstar, subsequently received numerous productions and was made into not one but two films. The original record was packaged with a libretto, a tip of the hat to the traditional opera form, which had the happy side effect of ensuring the record's success as a sing-along. The original recording of Jesus Christ, Superstar, has unexpected grit. Performances by Ian Gillan of Deep Purple as Jesus, Murray Head as Judas, and musicians including Chris Spedding, give the original recording an edge not found in subsequent film and stage versions. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice, and an ethos that could emerge only from the New Age '60s, Jesus Christ, Superstar, stands the test of time.
| The Rock Opera Various - Jesus Christ, Superstar |
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