ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED movies of the year, “Dreamgirls,” brings one of the most anticipated soundtracks just in time for the holidays.

Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy, Anika Noni Rose and the rest of the cast give excellent performances befitting the film’s stage predecessor from 25 years ago.

Hudson leads the girls on “Move” and shines in the spotlight. One wonders what Beyoncé makes of being in the background for the first time in her career, even for a film role.

Next up, “Fake Your Way To The Top” should knock your socks off as Murphy reminds the world that he can, in fact, sing.

Hudson sends chills again on “Love You I Do,” her first of four solos on the soundtrack. You might assume the soundtrack is a star vehicle for Beyoncé, but Hudson is the focal point. The “American Idol” alum recently signed to J Records with Clive Davis and plans to release a solo album in mid-2007.

THE SOUNDTRACK STARTS AS a triumphant introduction of the Dreams (the name of the girl band) to the public, but the celebration is short-lived, because the shit hits the fan backstage on “It’s All Over.” A jealous Effie confronts Deena, and a vocal catfight between Hudson and Beyoncé ensues.

Effie rages against the machine in “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” long known as the “Dreamgirls” showstopper. Everyone is curious to hear how Hudson stacks up against vocal powerhouse Jennifer Holliday, who originated the role.

Thankfully, Hudson does not try to imitate Holliday (probably impossible given Holliday’s vocal prowess), but Hudson makes an indelible mark on the song, singing with an emotional ferocity and vulnerability that is terrifying, heartbreaking and beautiful all at once.

Foxx lays the emotion on thick on “When I First Saw You,” one of the most romantic songs on the soundtrack. Foxx and Beyoncé also contribute a duet version of the song at the end of the CD.

Another “Dreamgirls” favorite is “I Am Changing,” and it’s a showcase for Hudson’s clear, strong vocals.

HUDSON ALSO SINGS THE FIRST version of “One Night Only,” a ballad with plenty of emotion. Next up is the Dreams’ disco version of the same track, which acts as a campy perversion of the original ballad.

Already featured as a bonus track on Beyoncé’s album “B-Day” earlier this fall, “Listen” was written especially for the movie. The song just got a Golden Globe nod as Best Original Song in a Movie. Of course, Ms. Knowles knocks it out of the park. The number fits right in with the rest of the soundtrack and adds something to the story. It’s also Beyoncé’s only solo on the soundtrack.

“Hard To Say Goodbye” is taken from the Dreams’ farewell concert, and the story wraps up with “Dreamgirls (Finale),” this time with Hudson belting out the song in a reunion with the rest of the girls.

The deluxe edition of the soundtrack has 16 additional tracks, including the mournful “I Miss You Old Friend” performed by Loretta Devine, who played Lorrell in the original Broadway production. In addition to extra songs from the film, the deluxe edition also features two dance remixes courtesy of Richie Jones (“One Night Only” and “And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going”).

“Dreamgirls” is an amazing CD, not only as a motion picture soundtrack, but as a collection of powerful songs. These renditions were lovingly produced, from the slight rearrangements to the new material to the flawless vocal execution.

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