Review and Giveaway: "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom" Soundtrack

If you saw Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom over the weekend—and the chances are very good that many of you did, judging by its strong weekend box office—you were probably dancing in your seats to the energetic soundtrack. Here is very good news for fans of Noah, Ricky, Alex and Chance and their laugh out loud big screen, big wedding adventure: The original motion picture soundtrack is just as enjoyable as the film.

There are some major extras with the Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The packaging is superb. The CD cover includes fantastic original photography by the ridiculously talented photographer Duane Cramer. There is also an inside jacket that frames a spectacular cast photo. The disc tray is framed by a beautiful photo of Darryl Stephens. The back cover shows much more skin with Jensen Atwood, Darryl Stephens and Christian Vincent posing in underwear.

Most impressive, in addition to the eclectic musical selection, is the presence of liner notes. The real kind that many of us remember from LPs. The notes are written by director Patrik-Ian Polk, who is also the soundtrack executive producer and pulls triple duty as a vocalist on several tracks. The booklet photos and liner notes make this soundtrack a collector's album.

Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is an eclectic and infectious collection. The two lead tracks that get the most attention are, of course, Michelle Williams "We Break the Dawn" and Solange's "Sandcastle Disco." Those anchor the collection with an uptempo vibe but it doesn't stop there. Several tracks lend a retro aesthetic—maybe a tribute to late 80s, early 90s dance music—such as the anthemic"World, Hold On", which was used for that fabulous montage of Noah, Chance and Ricky voguing. There is much more of that vibe in tracks such as "Cable TV" and the Janet Jackson-inspired "Spies." These two are the best tracks of the collection and define the movie.

After the jump, more on the soundtrack and your chance to win a copy.

Patrik-Ian Polk co-writes several original songs of this collection and lends his voice to three. Polk's voice is surprisingly decent. These are mostly synthesizer tracks and he is heavily produced, but, the Noah's Arc director sounds surprisingly decent. Part Haddaway, part Alexander O'Neal. Plus, the songwriting is a nice way to guarantee some royalties, so congrats on his business acumen. director

The legendary Phoebe Snow appears on the soundtrack and in the movie with the tender and evocative "Something Real." Once she agreed to write the song, Patrik-Ian explains in the notes, "I gathered enough courage to ask her to record this as Noah and Wade's wedding song and perform it in the movie. She said yes and the rest is just history. The lyrics are simply beautiful and I hope to hear this song at a lot of gay weddings in the future."

Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is most enjoyable. Like the movie, the music makes me smile, makes me dance, and, think of being in love. Tommy Boy Records is giving away limited copies only to Rod 2.0 readers. Explain what scene you loved in the film and/or what music you enjoyed. We'll give away four copies and announce the winners later this week.

Did You Read ...
"Noah's Arc" Cast Urges "No" on Proposition 8
Blige, Etheridge Raise $3.9M for No on Prop 8
Doug Spearman in "The Advocate" 
Darryl Stephens Talks Coming Out to "Instinct"
Rodney Chester of "Noah's Arc": I'm Still Not Gay!
Behind the Scenes Video from Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom
Noah's Arc Has Sailed
Deal or No Deal?
Rodney Chester: I'm STILL NOT Gay!"
Beyond the Sassy Sidekicks? [After Elton]
What Does the Future Hold for Noah's Arc?
TV's Most Influential Gay Sex Scenes
Patrik-Ian Polk in "Genre"
Hamilton Cobb: Big Deal Playing Gay
Uno Dos TREY
"Honey, I'm Home!"
DVD Review: "Noah's Arc"
Patrik-Ian Polk in "Genre" 

Comments

[Nathan James]

I saw the film on Saturday at Clearview Chelsea Theatre. I loved it! The cast looked great on the silver screen, and it was a fine extension to the television series. The movie was at times hysterically funny, at times touching. I thought the storyline of Noah and Wade's wedding was a parable for our times, given the debate over gay marriage today. The backstories and subplots were good expositions of some of the issues facing the LGBT community of color in our society.

Brandon's coming-out and subsequent rejection by his parents, Chance's turbulent marriage, and Ricky's unrequited feelings for Noah were all fascinating subthreads which Patrik and compant portrayed with delicacy and sobriety. For me, however, the most touching moment in the film was the arrival of Noah's and Wade's mothers. It was uplifting to see Wade's mother put aside her homophobia and accept her son and his dreams. It's perhaps a bit rare to see this in real life, but that's "suspension of disbelief". I cried real tears when Wade's mother told her son it was all right, even in spite of his father's rejection of him and his sexuality.

The absence of fathers at the wedding silently reminds us of another issue the SGL community faces every day. A friend once remarked to me that the greatest enemies of black gay America were the church and the family. I wonder sometimes, if he isn't exactly correct about this, and Patrik certainly speaks to this through Wade, Noah, and Brandon's characters.

After the movie, I attended a movie mixer party which included a very lively discussion of the picture. It was wonderful to be among the SGL community, talking about this groundbreaking film, and its meaning to us. Noah's Arc, on the silver screen as it was on television, continues to make a tremendous impact on us. Perhaps in the future, we'll see more of the Noah gang, and more TV shows and films like this.

Noah's Arc stands as a fine example of how far we've come in the last several decades, and a gentle reminder of how far we've yet to go. Thank you, Patrik, Darryl, Jensen, and all the Noah's Arc family, for your theatrical gift. I wish you all every success!

[Derrick from Philly]

Thanks, NATHAN JAMES. I was hoping for success for Mr Polk and all of his film-making associates. Polk's ability to bring projects to completion is a plus for black gay folks in the arts, and anybody who doesn't realize that is a ....oh, well.

In the above phote, Ricky has the sexiest feet...I like width as well as length. Oh, I'm talking about feet, y'all. Really.

[NoNameJames]

Yeah Nathan, thank you from those of us who haven't seen the movie yet...

[AVERY H]

ROD I am just speechless. I cannot believe you liked this "film."

I saw the made for tv movie Friday night in Chicago. Packed theater with all those South Side queens and dykes. My favorite scene were THE CLOSING TITLES. The END.

There. Do I get a soundtrack??

[Torsten]

Nathan, thank you very much for your coments. Yours too Derrick. Avery not everyone loves everything.

[Grambling State]

I drive all the way to Atlanta with three friends. I am so glad i was able to see that film. i wish i could marry a hot sexy man like Wade one day. I am femme like Noah and his character speaks to me.

[Noah Fan 4 Lyfe]

Rod this really is a beautiful review. I'm very very surprised/. I know many of us "Noah Fans" have accused you of not liking the film, but it is clear you do. In your own way.

Unfortunately I am in Cleveland and must wait to see the movie. I may be going to Chicago. But the movie is clearly an inspiration.

[Harry A]

Noah Fan, so you live in Cleveland? That explains why you enjoy this movie so much. It's really for the flyovers and the young/femme queens in the big cities.

[Timothy B]

HARRY A, if you do not like the Noah's Arc posts leave them for those who does. And your comment is very bitchy and you are calling the fans QUEENS. That is a joke.

Rod, I really enjoyed the film and loved that song where they where VOGUING and also when Noah and Alex were COOKING. So ROMANTIC.

[S. Flemming]

We had a lot of here in DC at the movie ... I really enjoyed it. Kudos to all involved.

[S. Flemming]

A lot of fun I mean ...

[Jaysin]

Nathan that is such a sweet comment. I loved this film and was pleasantly surprised by the music.

[Avery H]

Okay ROD I am listening to the sampled of "MR" PATRICK POLK'S so called SINGING.

Calling it HEAVILY PRODUCED is quite kind.

And once again, why is ROD 2.0 reviewing this SOUNDTRACK. Logo and PATRICK didn't even give you interviews, they went to tired Clay Cane and the d list. Let this soundtrack STAY ON THE D LIST.

[CARLOS CS]

I haven't seen the movie yet but would like to.

I also was pleasantly surprised to see the soundtrack review and giveaway. Of course it is not like the black gay hip hop/music bloggers are reviewing this CD. But we had this conversation last week in re Mary J Blige. This is why they are not relevant

[Brandon]

Wow, my name is Brandon and the new student chracter is also named Brandon. What a revelation, I was sooooooo pleased to see our images on the big screen. This is a milestone.

What is the name of the sushi song? That was sooo hot I have heard it before. Thanks Rod and thanks NOAHS ARC and PATRIK IAN POLK!

[Brandon]

DUH! I meant "character"

[Curry]

I haven't seen the movie but cant wait until it comes to my town or is on DVD. The boys in their underwear look scrumptious.

[bboywerx]

The film was quite good. I was expecting less and was taken aback to see the growth the entire project has displayed from TV's first episode to the films final scence. The film is packed with familiar moments that I can recall in my own life. My most favorite bit in the fim was the scence at Wade's bachelor party when he has heart to heart with the young 19yo and comes clean about his own journey from straight to coming out. I think the film leaves a lot of room to explore topics like this more deeply so I'll begin my own script and see what happens.

[Kenley]

The 'Eat Sushi' song is by a fierce drag queen named PAM JONES. I'm surprised Rod didn't mention her. Maybe an interview in the near future? :)

[Collins]

Pam Jones is a fabulous black trans artist. Eat Sushi is a club banger. Rod, really, we know you are a busy man but please mention this artist.

[Ten in My Timz]

meh. too femme. i will wait for the dvd they are already taking preorders

[Noah Fan 4 Lyfe]

Harry that comment was totally inappropriate, what did Noahs Arc do to you?

[freeleo]

Saw it in Hollywood on Friday. My whole crew had a great time. Go support the movie even if it's just to see Baby Gat's butt.

[Travis]

Why should we support this film?

[Elton]

Rod, this is a great review. I would love to get the soundtrack, I am in Oklahoma and cannot see the movie.