ANNIE - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2014)

Optimism is oozing from every single track on this soundtrack album, you’d be a Scrooge if you don’t smile listening to the songs. While critics didn’t warm up to the contemporary adaptation of the 1977 Broadway musical, the songs on this 40 minute CD would cheer you up on the gloomiest day.

The mood is set with “Overture”, a cue incorporating familiar and favourite melodies from the well-loved musical. The orphans begin singing “Maybe”, imaging what life would be like if their parents returned, before crooning the infectious “It’s the Hard Knock Life”, a tune which will get your feet thumping.

The movie’s star Quvenzhane Wallis takes on several songs and extends her on screen likeability to the air waves. In “Tomorrow”, she sings about how life will never be down if you look forward to a new day ahead. She then jumps around with co stars Rose Bryne and Stephanie Kurtzura in the jolly “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here”, before charming us with a touching performance in “Opportunity”.

Having impressed movie goers with his vocals in Dreamgirls (2006) and Rio (2011), Jamie Foxx effortlessly sings “The City’s Yours”, “Who Am I?” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You”. The Academy Award winner has released a few studio albums and singles, which means recording the songs were probably a breeze. His co stars Cameron Diaz also lends her coarse vocals to the less likable “Little Girls” and “Easy Street”, a duet with Bobby Cannavale.

Australian singer songwriter takes on “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” and “Opportunity”. There’s also the rather hilarious “MoonquakeLake” with American multi instrumentalist Beck. If you have watched the Will Gluck directed feature, this is the song written for the movie within the movie.

Fans of the original Broadway production may find this refreshed version significantly different from what they remember. The hip hop flavour is strong in this soundtrack, and the updated compositions will appeal to today’s listeners. It is easy to enjoy this CD, and that’s what we are urging you to do – enjoy the upbeat songs to make life a little cheerier. More information about the soundtrack can be found here: http://smarturl.it/AnnieSoundtrack

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (3) It's The Hard-Knock Life

Review by John Li

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