WALKING ON SUNSHINE - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2014)

Oh no, this reviewer is certified middle-aged. He found himself mouthing the lyrics and tapping his feet to all 14 tracks on this soundtrack album to the Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini directed musical movie. The romantic comedy features covers of hit songs from the 1980s. And this can only mean one thing – anyone who can sing along to all the songs on this CD is, must we say it again: middle-aged.

Kicking off the 49 minute album is Hannah Arterton’s (the fresh faced female lead from the movie) rendition of Madonna’s “Holiday”. This sets the fun mood for things to come, before Annanel Scholey belts out Bananarama’s “Venus” in the sultriest mode you can imagine. We love how the ensemble cast brings Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Power of Love” to life, but are slightly unimpressed with Greg Wise’s jarring vocals in The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me”. Guess not everyone’s born a singer, right?

The always uplifting “Walking on Sunshine” (originally performed by Katrina and the Waves) is a welcome tune anytime, while The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame” is a reason for Arterton to turn emotional. You’ll hear her sing her heart out with covers of Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” and Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time”. Elsewhere, fun comes in the form of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” (Cyndi Lauper), “The Wild Boys” (Duran Duran) and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (Wham!).  

While Arterton does a decent job, standout vocals come from Scholey, Leona Lewis (expect nothing less from the British singer songwriter who won the third series of The X Factor in 2006) and Danny Kirrane (the chubby dude in the movie). The movie’s leading man Giulio Berruti may be eye candy, but when it comes to singing, there is much room for improvement.

This soundtrack is a jukebox of nostalgic tunes which will please anyone who grew up in the 1980s. It will make you want to organise a KTV outing with your kakis to relive those good ol’ days. And yes, this would probably mean you are middle-aged like this writer. 

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (14) Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

Review by John Li