I don't know why everybody's so critical of this cd. This is one of my favorite soundtrack cds. It captures the essence of the movie with a good mix of upbeat and slower songs while using a variety of musical styles. Some songs are a throwback to the classical sound of Sinatra (Robbie Williams' "Have you met Miss Jones?" comes immediately to mind) while others have a clearly more modern feel (Sheryl Crow's "Kiss the Girl" is a good example). I guess some people are peeved that certain songs from the movie aren't in the soundtrack, but that's always the case. Granted, it would've nice if "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was included. That said, however, the track listing is available BEFORE you buy the cd, so I don't get it when people get upset that a song that ISN'T listed as a track ISN'T on the cd. The cd isn't trying to fool anyone...Anyhow, I guess I think the cd's gotten a bum wrap because of people's own expectations, not because the cd's bad. It's a great cd. It's totally fun. I actually prefer the fast songs to the slow ones, so I like to program the cd player to play tracks 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 11. I can (and do) listen to these songs over and over again. Track 2 is Crow's "Kiss the Girl". This song is consistent with Crow's normal style, so if you like Sheryl Crow, you'd like this. Track 3 is "Love" by Rosie. I don't know anything about Rosie except for this track, but it's kinda funky and has a nice slow and steady beat. Track 4 is Robbie William's "Have you met Miss Jones?" Very Sinatra-esque. It's absolutely fantastic and Robbie has a great voice. Track 8 is "Not of this Earth", also by the talented Mr. Williams. Track 9 is "Out of Reach" by Gabrielle. Again, I'm unfamiliar with this artist. All I know is that this is a soft, slow song, and that Gabrielle has a nice soothing voice. Track 11 is the much-debated Geri Halliwell cover of "It's Raining Men." Alright, fine, Ms. Halliwell probably isn't the most talented person on the planet, but she's fun. I love this song. I'm unfamiliar with the original, so that may be a blessing, but I thought Geri did a fine job. It's completely catchy.
All in all, it's a fun cd that captures the essence of BJD. PLEASE READ THE TRACK LISTING BEFORE YOU BUY THIS CD. Decide whether you can live without "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." If you can't, then don't get this cd and be all upset with it later. If, however, you decide you can live with only the songs that are actually listed on the cd label, then please give this cd a try. I'm fairly certain you'll be pleasantly pleased.
I'm a music person. Not really into movies (though I enjoy them), I do, however, go for the soundtrack album. This US release does lack a few songs from the UK version, and those tracks are - Aretha Franklin "Respect", Pretenders "Don't Get Me Wrong", Andy Williams "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You", Artful Dodger "Woman Trouble", and Aaron Soul "Ring, Ring, Ring". Despite lacking these five powerful songs, this soundtrack can still stand on it's two legs.1.Shelby Lynne - Killin' Kind (4:41) 5 of 5 stars
This is a absolutely lovely song, and appears to be the only US single off this soundtrack. (The UK variation has reaped five.) A beauty of a love tune.
2.Sheryl Crow - Kiss That Girl (3:15) 5 of 5 stars
A strong new one from the great Ms.Crow, a slow rocker, and has grown on me from first listen.
3.Rosey - Love (3:33) 4 of 5 stars
A good song, reminds me of the Lilith Fair wave of the mid-90s. Fiona, Alana, Paula, and so on. More appealing then some of those as mentioned artists.
4.Robbie Williams - Have You Met Miss Jones? (2:33) 2 of 5 stars
Robbie singing a shabby Frank Sinatra kareoke. Awful.
5.Jamie O'Neal - All By Myself (4:49) 3 of 5 stars
A bland Faith Hill sound alike doing a bland cover, of a previously bland song. Hmmm.
6.Tracy Bonham - Just Perfect (4:48) 4 of 5 stars
A bit of a sultry tune, with an enjoyable voice. A good song.
7.Shelby Lynne - Dreamsome (4:12) 5 of 5 stars
Another excellent track by the great Shelby Lynne. Beautiful.
8.Robbie Williams - Not Of This Earth (4:42) 2 of 5 stars
This soundtrack does not showcase Robbie at his best, another dismal song!
9.Gabrielle - Out Of Reach (3:15) 5 of 5 stars
A beautiful R&B song, I feel the longing Gabrielle feels when she sings it.
10.Dina Carroll - Someone Like You (3:22) 4 of 5 stars
Another lovely slice of emotional R&B, a great love ballad.
11.Geri Halliwell - It's Raining Men (4:14) 5 of 5 stars
I know, how can I give five stars? Geri may not have the vocal chops of Martha Wash, but she can whip this song into a frenzy.
12.Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye - Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) (2:52) 5 of 5 stars
This is a classic song, with two amazing voices coming together. What else should I say?
13.Chaka Khan - I'm Every Woman (4:07) 5 of 5 stars
A disco-funk classic, Whitney never did this song justice when she covered it.
14.Alisha's Attic - Pretender Got My Heart (4:06) 5 of 5 stars
This has a bit of mystery to it, and a great chilled out song. The second song by this group I've heard, and liked.
15.Patrick Doyle - It's Only A Diary (4:26) 3 of 5 stars
A lovely instrumental, I'm not really too fond of film scores, so this gets a so-so three.
Many complain about what this soundtrack lacks, but I think this a fine collection, and deserves a good rating. This also contains an enhanced element, which features a bit of story and a Bridget Jones quiz. All the extras, and the wonderful songs actually make me want to see the film, something a good soundtrack should make you do.
