New Version of You (Felicity Theme Song) - JJ Abrams & Andrew
The soundtrack to Felicity's fictional final college year, Senior Year is tinged with many of the same emotions found in real senior years--sadness, love, and a desire to hold on to the present for just a little while more... more ». A talented and diverse crop of singer-songwriters communicates these nuanced feelings through inoffensive, stripped-down rock tracks. Alt-country's Ryan Adams offers a subdued piano-and-acoustic ode to being torn between lovers, chanteuse Chantal Kreviazuk warbles strongly about longing, and country singer Shelby Lynne seduces with a steamy soul number. Other highlights include Andy Stochansky, sounding like Belle and Sebastian fronting Travis; Jude's warm tenor and guitar tones conjuring the best power pop of the 1970s; and Sixpence None the Richer's new track, a beautiful string-laden delicacy. Despite how easy it would be for the sticky topics of desire and love to become sappy, Senior Year largely avoids such pitfalls. Better still, the album rarely sounds bland, coming across instead as a compilation of brainy coffeehouse poetry matched word for word by equally interesting instrumentation. --Annie Zaleski« less
The soundtrack to Felicity's fictional final college year, Senior Year is tinged with many of the same emotions found in real senior years--sadness, love, and a desire to hold on to the present for just a little while more. A talented and diverse crop of singer-songwriters communicates these nuanced feelings through inoffensive, stripped-down rock tracks. Alt-country's Ryan Adams offers a subdued piano-and-acoustic ode to being torn between lovers, chanteuse Chantal Kreviazuk warbles strongly about longing, and country singer Shelby Lynne seduces with a steamy soul number. Other highlights include Andy Stochansky, sounding like Belle and Sebastian fronting Travis; Jude's warm tenor and guitar tones conjuring the best power pop of the 1970s; and Sixpence None the Richer's new track, a beautiful string-laden delicacy. Despite how easy it would be for the sticky topics of desire and love to become sappy, Senior Year largely avoids such pitfalls. Better still, the album rarely sounds bland, coming across instead as a compilation of brainy coffeehouse poetry matched word for word by equally interesting instrumentation. --Annie Zaleski
Captures Felicity atmosphere, but theme song falls short
Tony Ursillo | Norwood, MA USA | 05/26/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Well, I also bought this CD almost exclusively to get the full version of the theme song. I knew the rest of the music would be good. But how disappointing to find out that there is no full-length version of 'New Version of You.' JJ Abrams and Andrew Jarecki blew an opportunity to satisfy fans and sell more discs by not composing a full version. Otherwise, I do like this CD better than the first soundtrack, which was sort of a "downer." This one has a better balance of songs and includes some of the best stuff from bigtime artists - you'll be into it immediately. So, if you're looking at 'Senior Year' for the theme song, just accept that you're only going to get 49 seconds. I still think it's worth buying for the entire collection of music and, hey, where else are you going to find even 49 seconds of the theme?"
Felicity Fans Will Love. Non-Fans Will Be Missing Something.
T. Fournier | London United Kingdom | 05/26/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is like an awesome mix a best friend made for you - full of eclectic artists expressing their own personal takes on friendship & love. Unfortunately for those unfamiliar with the television show, you won't quite connect with it in that way. But it's well worth a few listens to discover the gems you'd be missing out on...As a fan of the television show, I welcomed this CD to my collection. My CD of the Month!!! It's been in constant rotation in my home stereo and my office PC. "Felicity" (the television show) doesn't get airplay here in England, but the music does a supreme job of filling in the gap that the website's episode guide lacks in sentimentality & spirit."Felicity: Senior Year" is extremely pleasant on the ear. Especially if you're into sentimental (though not entirely slow-tempoed), B-side-type tracks. A thoroughly enjoyable set for a rainy afternoon. It should (but won't) do well in the UK : )My favorite track is "Perfect" by Kendall Payne. Unfortunately, the theme song, "New Version of You", is not a full length version. It's about 3:00 minutes shy of becoming a somewhat addictive pop song!"
Just OK
L. Gebhardt | 05/16/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The CD is fine, but not outstanding. I bought the CD because I loved the theme song, "New Version of You," and wanted to hear all of it. What I didn't realize, but should have, is that the theme music is the entire song, not an excerpt from a longer, complete version. I was a little disappointed that (1) there wasn't a longer version and (2) I had spent money for a CD to find that out."
Beautiful
L. Gebhardt | United States | 05/16/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have watched Felicity since the first episode. Although I don't have the first soundtrack for some reason I bought this new one right when it came out. I am very happy I did this because it's a great cd. If you like the songs in the background you'll definently like it. The only thing that I was bummed about: The theme song is less than one minute and plays as long as it does on tv. I would have liked the whole song. (maybe there is no such thing?)"
Felicity Fans Will Love!
megs128 | Omaha, NE USA | 06/09/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this cd because i absolutely love the show and loved the first soundtrack also. i have to admit, the first time i listened to it, i wasn't too impressed. But WAIT! As soon as i listened to it again and again and again, it grew on me and i can't get it out of my cd player now. It's enchanting and reminds me so much of the show. That alone is worth the buy. My favorite track is Ryan Adam's "La Cienega Just Smiled". I definitely recommend this to fans of the show and also those of you who want a refreshing blend of great mellow music."