Review
Joey Guerra
Entertainment Editor
Gwyneth Paltrow simply shines as the double-edged heroine in the new film Sliding Doors, and the accompanying soundtrack features an equally sunny sampling of foreign pop ditties and stateside charmers all rolled into one pretty irresistible package.
One of the keys to success for any film soundtrack is diversity, and Sliding Doors certainly fills that slot with 13 totally unique offerings that never let up on the energy. A number of the songs also circle around the film's themes of "What if?" and taking charge of the aspects of your life, love and otherwise.
The kick-off single, "Have Fun, Go Mad," is a soulful party jam from British newcomer Blair that blares across the film's opening credits. It sets a fun mood with its raucous choruses and vibrant horns.
Also timed for single release (and remixed for the dance floor as a promo-only house cut) is Danish Quartet Aqua's irresistible pop ballad, "Turn Back Time." Its wistful lyrics, along with lead vocalist Lene Grawford Nystrom's sweet delivery, showcase a surprisingly heartfelt side of the neon-bright group that brought the world the smash hit, "Barbie Girl."
Dodgy's "Good Enough" is old-school Brit pop at its most appealing, and Dido's somber "Thank You" is reminiscent of the sensual sounds of smooth operator Sade. Dance-floor fave Olive also offers up an affecting moment on "Miracle," which shuffles along a grooved-down beat, and the revamped Brand New Heavies glide along a smooth, jazzy vibe on "More Love."
There are so many rhythms and ideas here, you'd think it would all suffer from an overall sense of disjointedness. Luckily, the producers have shaped this collection well, making poignant, hushed tracks like Aimee Mann's "Amateur" seem right at home back-to-back with smile-inducing numbers like "On My Own," Peach Union's pastel picture-page of a song that deserves some monster airplay. It all just feels and sounds exactly right.
An expectedly groovin' track from Stevie Wonder-kid Jamiroquai ("Use the Force") pops up, as does as a 1972 top-ten hit from Elton John ("Honky Cat"). One of the nicest surprises, though, comes from the usually inert, Jewel-with-a-sleepy-growl wannabe Abra Moore. She comes off refreshingly alert and sexy on "Rainy Day." The Texas girl weaves hazy guitars and appealing vocals on this cut, which stands as an unexpected treasure.
There are simply very few low points on this endlessly enjoyable soundtrack, which also serves as a perfect introduction to new sounds and artists. Even if just a few of the names sound familiar to you, go ahead and pick it up. Who knows what would happen if you didn't?