Writer-director Marc Lawrence's romantic comedy gently satirizes the music industry's past and present via Hugh Grant's Alex Fletcher, a has-been Rock of the '80s icon given another shot at the charts by young pop diva Cora Corman (newcomer Haley Bennett). Grant gives some surprisingly credible--if often gently tongue-in-cheek--performances in his musical debut; indeed, he carries better than half the soundtrack with his earnest vocal charms. The production gets key help from Fountain of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger, who contributes a delicious, loving send-up of Wham! courtesy of "Meaningless Kiss," the emotive piano confessional "Don't Write Me Off," and two versions of "Way Back into Love," the comeback ballad/duet that drives the story line. A playful demo version of the latter pairs Grant with co-star Drew Barrymore (playing the florist who becomes Fletcher's unlikely songwriting foil), while Grant's ultimate duet with young Bennett evokes contemporary pop conceits with a keen, affectionate flair that also graces the young singer's Britney-esque "Buddha's Delight," "Slam," and the more obviously snarky "Entering Bootytown." Rounding out the collection are a pair of complimentary tracks by Swedish pop acts: The Sounds' bouncy "Tony the Beat" and the club-slinky groove of Teddybears' "Different Sound." Highlighted by Grant's sympathetic vocals and a knowing musical sensibility that never quite lapses into mere parody, it's a pop-lover's delight from start to finish. --Jerry McCulley
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Brilliant! Comment: I loved the film and the soundtrack is great too!
If you're a fan - buy it! Customer Rating: Summary: Music & Lyrics Comment: This collection of songs are so romantic and so fun. They are the perfect selections for the movie. Who knew, Hugh Grant can sing and so can Drew Barrymore. All the songs by Haley Bennett are fun and fresh.
All in all very good. Customer Rating: Summary: Bring back the '80s! Comment: The songs on these albums are so contagious that it gets stuck in your head for days! "Pop" is one of my favorite songs in here, and it's very '80s. In fact, all the songs with Hugh Grant in it are such a treat...who knew he could sing? I recommend getting this album because it's one of the original soundtracks out there in the market. Customer Rating: Summary: PoP! Goes My Heart Comment: Affectionately satirizing the pop scene from the '80s to the present, this soundtrack knows its stuff and always strikes the perfect balance between poking fun and producing a legitimately good pop album. Hugh Grant surprises with his unassuming vocals, Drew Barrymore sings with delightfully sweet competence, and Haley Bennett guilelessly captures the contemporary pop diva. Every singer pleases; every track satisfies.
And who knew you could still write a good '80s song in 2007? Customer Rating: Summary: Great Soundtrack - Fun and romantic Comment: It's a shame this movie didn't get more play as I think it's a great little romance with a sprinkle of comedy. The soundtrack is a great mix. I haven't played it all the way through, but everytime a song comes on my iPod shuffle and I say 'wow..this is good...what's this from?'... it invariably comes from here.
Haley Bennet (sic) as the spoiled teen rock idol is very talented and also unfortunately I don't think got a deserved boost from this role.
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