Jeff Wayne - The War Of The Worlds (CD 1986)

Hi there,

If you are reading this review you might be thinking of buying this c.d. and I can tell you that it is money well spent. You not only get great music, but you also get a great story narrated along with it. It's just the thing for listening in the car and as there is nothing in it that children shouldn't hear, it dosen't matter who may over hear it.

I don't want to give my age away, but I bought this album when it was first relased and as I have now updated it to my c.d. collection I think I can safely say it has stood the test of time as my own children, aged 19 and 13, also listen to the c.d.

I hope this is of some help to you in your decission in buying this c.d.

Best wishes

Captain.kirky

No one would have believed, in the last years of the nineteenth century, that auctions would be watched from the vast world of the web. Few men had even considered the possibility of music on CD, and yet on the pages of Ebay, sellers immesurably cheaper than my local shop, regarded my paypal account with envious eyes, and quickly and definitely, I was sold this top double CD.
(which I already had on tape, but it really is a classic).

Retro-style futurism, with a great storyline and varied music. Look out for the double remix CD too; some duds on there, but Todd Terry, for example, does a great job.

Had this on LP many years ago and decided to get the CD version and am really glad I did. put it into my modern hifi plugged in my headphones and away I went. Could hear sounds and instruments that I missed first time around. If you are going to listen to this through headphones make sure they are reasonable quality and you wont be dissapointed. This double CD is fantastic.

The idea of the Martians taking over in Victorian England. Richard Burton's unparalled voice, an iconic piece of Science Fiction history. Listen and experience.

This cd never ages,it tells the story of War of the Worlds in the time it was set in by HG Wells. The music is very stirring and if anything is more chilling and frightening than any dvd based on this story as you imagine it.Justin Haywood sings very hauntingly on it,and many famous people perform on this cd you have the distintive voice of Richard burton telling the story.
David Essex is the young artillary man.My sons were bought up with this cd and it still stirs them to this day,especially the sound of the cylinder unscrewing!!to reveal the monsters from Mars!The music is very futuristic for the time it was made.I can really recommend this to anyone of any age,and the dvd of the show as well!

I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THIS MUSIC,SINCE I SAW THE FILM SOME YEARS AGO, I PLAY MY WAR OF THE WORLDS CD WHEN I DECORATE...I WOULD RECOMEND THIS LOVELY CD TO EVERYONE WHO GETS STRESSED WHILE PAINTING OR WALL PAPERING, YOU WILL BE SURPRISED HOW QUICKLY YOU GET THE WORK DONE, AND WHILE SINGING ALONG TO THIS LOVELY CD, THE STORY IS FANTASTIC, I HAVE LISTENED TO MINE FOR MANY YEARS AND NEVER GET BORED WITH THE LOVELY MUSIC OR STORY

fabulous cd, brilliantly put together, the music ISwar of the worlds. having seen both versions of the film, the tom cruise version is far better than the original, but, where was the music, you just cant watch war of the worlds without the music.

The Chances Of Anything Coming From Mars, Are A Million To One, He Said...
The Chances Of Anything Coming From Mars, Are A Million To One....
But Still...They Come........

I first heard this round my mates house a few years ago. He dug out his dads lp, and we sat there, listening. Atmospheric, beautiful and haunting all at the same time, War of the Worlds is a must. The late, great Richard Burton brings an air to it unheard of. A perfect choice for the voice of the narrator. I couldnt imagine anyone else doing this. it wouldn't be the same.

Jeff Wayne has thought up some of the most excellent choices of music types for this. From Rock guitar to a quiet, chilling harp, he sets the mood brilliantly. And when you hear the heat ray....sends chills down the spine. It doesn't sound like a guitar at all. Really excellent. David Essex as the artilleryman is just...well....another brilliant choice.

I only just managed to buy the digi-pack double cd of the full edition and it doesn't disappoint, especially in crystal clear audio. This format was made for this album. You get the full intensity of the martian's 'UUUULLLAAAA' cry blaring through your stereo or tv speakers.

If you get the chance, buy the live dvd too. an absolute must as a visual companion to the cd. Words cant describe it.
Four words for you....

GO......BUY......IT......NOW!!!!!

This CD has been in my collection longer than I care to mention - it was "borrowed" by one of my daughters when she was fourteen and seven years later she still has it! We have other versions but I still like coming back to this one - it makes regular guest appearances in my car and on my i-pod!

From 'The Eve of War' where we hear that "The Chances of Anything Coming From Mars are a million to one, they said"; the haunting melodies of lost love in 'Forever Autumn'; the dramatic sea battle of 'Thunder Child'; the hopeful chorus of 'The Spirit of Man', to the soldier's dream of a 'Brave New World' and the haunting visions created by the final Epilogue - these all go to create an enjoyable and very memorable musical experience.

I highly recommend this album to everyone!

I always listened to this Album about 15 years ago,when I lost my cd I was gutted,listening to the story and also the mix of music if you close your eye's you can imagine the whole thing really happening after all who really knows who is watching us,I would highly recommend anyone to buy this cd and find out what the absolute rave is,the music is fantastic.
The whole thing will keep you on the edge of your seat as the music sends a chill down your spine.

I first heard this at school, well only the beginning - but it made me tingle just listening to Richard Burton's voice.

I bought it some time later and then let someone borrow it....never to be seen or heard again.

Now I have it once more, it is wonderful, I love the music, the story, everything.

I first heard this music when my nephew began playing the game.The music was so haunting I could not get it out of my head neither could he.When we discoved that it was possible to buy the cd well we just had to have it now we are going to sit back and enjoy listening to some of the best music around.

War of the worlds is one of them classic albums that everyone should have in there collection. Richard Burtons voice is fantastic and is just topped with Justin Haywards Forever Autumn. I can't say anymore except Classic.

EXCELLENT ALBUM - THEY DONT MAKE THEM LIKE THIS ANYMORE! SO ENTHRALLING TO LISTEN TO (RICHARD BURTON'S NARRATIVE IS COMPELLING) AND WITH AMAZING MUSIC AND CLASSIC SONGS

Music has stood the test of time and is worth listening to, even without seeing the film.
Worth buying just to play whenever you need to feel proud to be a human being.
Seen the film, then you know the context of the music and how wellit works with the visual images and plot line. Read the original book and the music is eerily accurst!

The reason for my purchase of this CD is that this particular album is no longer available.
Yes they have brought out a new edition with bonus track but this has spiolt what was a good album.

I purchased this CD to complement my Vynle copy and to make sure that I can continue to listen to it once 'Record Players' are no more. I also completes my collection of both films + a copy of the original Orson Wells Radio program - I know - I'm Sad....

It is a great story, beautifully narrated by Richard Burton and the music is fabulous.

I had this on vinyl when it first came out and now to be able to buy it on CD is brilliant. There is not another CD to match it. The narration by Richard Burton is spot on and I could think of no other person to match him. His voice is hauntingly great and sets you up for the rest of this double CD. I watched abit of the recent film but Im sorry it comes no where close to the music on this CD. Highly recommended to all who enjoy decent music from excellent artists and narration from a great Actor!!!!!

Saw the movie recently and it reminded me of the original musical I used to listen to as a child. It is wonderful to hear it as it should be rather than the 'new' approach the film made.
I play it to my children now so that they can learn about real music and talent.

Had it as a vinyl, replaced with cassette now updated to CD. This should show how much I like it. May have to move to MP3 one day but that can wait till I catch up with time and buy a player to play it on

One of the best CDs made - evocative and enjoyable - makes your imagination work overtime. Richard Burton is the perfect narrator. No need to see a film with music like this - it tells its' own story.

Jeff Waynes 'War of the Worlds' is a classic masterpiece. It tells a story of alien invasion in the late nineteenth century and is superbly narrated by the great Richard Burton. The diction is clear and there is no moments of 'what did he say...?' The music that accompanies the story is well thought out, with great classics like 'Forever Autumn' and great singers like David Essex. A thoroughly enjoyable CD. This has been a firm favourite since I was a child, and hearing it now, 25 years later, it hasn't lost any of its originality.

Richard Burton has a voice like no other. Together with the music and the classic story of the War of the Worlds by H G Wells the whole CD enters a magical world of Martians and men and fantasy. Fantastic music, great story, great epic, what more could you want. This CD cannot be compared to others as it has a unique blend of music and words. What more can I say, just listen to it!