Sweet Home Alabama

Jewel kicks off the cd with a suprisingly awesome version of the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd megahit "Sweet Home Alabama". This song has been redone in the past, but I have to say that this version is the best I've heard yet. Where most would trash the quality, Jewel adds her own special touch and the result is rockin!

Country group SHeDaisy have one of the strongest performances of the album with "Mine All Mine". Written by Kristyn Osborn, one third of the sister act, "Mine All Mine" reflects the struggle of the movie's character, who is torn between the man of her future and the man of her past. The harmony's of the Osborn sisters quite takes your breath away. Simply stunning.

The biggest surprise of the album, in my opinion, is Avril Lavigne's "Falling Down". What you expect is the punk rock riffs that have made her popular. What you get is a mature, well written, beautifully delivered song about "falling back down to Earth". It's definantely one of the highlights of the soundtrack.

One of the most enjoyable performances on the album comes from veteran rocker Sheryl Crow, who lends her voice to the legendary Hank Williams' "Long Gone Lonesome Blues". Gone is the rock queen we've all grown accustomed to hearing and in comes the laid-back, guitar-picking country diva from within. It's amazing to listen to Sheryl sing this song and you're almost transported back to the golden days of country and the Grand Ole Opry. It has all of the makings of a big radio hit if the powers that be are smart enough to release it.

A few of my favorite tracks include: Ryan Adams' and Uncle Kracker's southern-rock flavored "Gonna Make You Love Me" and "To Think I Used To Love You (DJ Homicide Remix), the sweet-voiced country/bluegrass legend Dolly Parton's "Marry Me", Jason Chain's "You Got Me", and Shannon Mcnally's "Now That I Know".

The only song that I really had a problem with was The Calling's remake of "Keep Your Hands to Yourself". Yes, their version still rocks and keeps to the original lines of The Georgia Satellites , but it almost sounds like they're trying too hard. Now don't get me wrong, it's not a bad song. I just wish that The Calling would've added their own little touch to it instead of trying to immitate the original.

If you're looking for an eclectic mix of great music, then the "Sweet Home Alabama" soundtrack is just for you. This is one soundtrack that should be played with the speakers cranked up! One of the best soundtracks I've ever heard.

Gennie Bailey-Rogers


Great Electic Mix   October 2, 2002
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Loved this CD. Bought it after I saw the movie. The movie wasn't great, but it was sweet and you left feeling good, what more could you want. The music was even better. Especially loved "Bring on the Day" by Charlotte Martin, "You Got Me", but Jason Chain, and really loved Shannon McNally's "Now that I know". They should be playing these on the radio. Great mixture of different styles of music so it wasn't boring. And, I actually liked Jewel's version of Sweet Home Alabama after I listened to it a few more times. Buy it.


A great soundtrack!   April 11, 2003
F. Mercer (Phoenix, NY United States)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Unlike a lot of reviewers, I love the Jewel cover of the title song--it's mellow and cool. This is a fun soundtrack with a great variety of songs. I particularly love the Dolly Parton track. I highly recommend it for all you "rock-a-billies" out there!


I Know What I Like....   October 30, 2002
BeachReader (Delaware)
10 out of 13 found this review helpful

...and I liked this soundtrack. I am not very discerning about music, nor do I know much about it, but I loved this great mixture of different types of music.

Best of all, I like that while listening to it, I am reminded of scenes from the movie, which I loved.

Makes me want to sing along...and to see the movie again!


Great Soundtrack for a Great Movie   September 29, 2002
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is a terrific CD and the music fits the movie beautifully! Lots of unreleased cuts, recorded just for the movie. Some classics (like Dolly Parton's "Marry Me" and the title track) and some I was unfamiliar with but love!