PITCH PERFECT - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2012)

We call it the “Glee effect” – songs that you may not have known otherwise are made trendy by popular TV shows and movies. You know what we mean. Did you know about “Don’t Stop Believin’” before Glee came along? We rest our case. Here, we have this Jason Moore directed musical comedy film which will introduce songs to today’s uninformed youngsters.

The 30 minute soundtrack album kicks off the rhythm of things with Adam Devine leading The Treblemakers (one of the a cappella groups in the film) to perform Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music”. Not too bad for an all guys performance, we say. “Let it Whip” follows, and the contemporary rendition of this 1982 hit single by Dazz Band (hands up, those who have heard of this American funk band?) is catchy enough for listeners to want more.

The movie’s female lead, Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick, first appears with “Cups”, and leaves an impression. Things get exciting with “Riff Off: Ladies of the ‘80s/ Songs About Sex”, a fun medley of more familiar tunes like “Mickey”, “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”, “I’ll Make Love to You” and “Feels Like the First Time”. The boys versus girls medley will have you humming along to the melodies.

The rest of the album is easy on the ears, as The Barden Bellas (if you thought The Treblemakers isn’t cheesy enough a name, here’s what the filmmakers came up with for the girls) perform “Bellas Regionals”, a medley of songs like “The Sign”, “Eternal Flame” and “Turn The Beat Around”. You’d be a scrooge if you detested the pleasant “Pool Mashup”, a lovely medley of “Just the Way You Are” and “Just a Dream”.

Call it a guilty pleasure, but when we heard “Bellas Finals”, all we wanted to do was to tap our feet and sing along to “Price Tag”, “Give Me Everything” and “Party in the U.S.A.”.

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (11) Bellas Finals

Review by John Li