A lot of the fun of the comic misfire Sliding Doors can be found in this sunny soundtrack. The Gwyneth Paltrow film has the distinction of being released the same year the Yankee won an Oscar in another English flick (Shak... more »speare in Love). The song collection has the retro '90s feel with such club bands as Space Monkeys and Jamiroquai. The songs could be used in an effective dance-party tape. The opening number, "Have Fun, Go Mad," by Blair has a British funk beat that sets up the breezy nature of the film. Aimee Mann's "Amateur" and the Patti LaBelle-Michael McDonald hit "On My Own" covered by Peach Union are highlights. As with all '90s Brit comedies there is the obligatory Elton John oldie ("Honky Cat") thrown in for good measure. --Doug Thomas« less
A lot of the fun of the comic misfire Sliding Doors can be found in this sunny soundtrack. The Gwyneth Paltrow film has the distinction of being released the same year the Yankee won an Oscar in another English flick (Shakspeare in Love). The song collection has the retro '90s feel with such club bands as Space Monkeys and Jamiroquai. The songs could be used in an effective dance-party tape. The opening number, "Have Fun, Go Mad," by Blair has a British funk beat that sets up the breezy nature of the film. Aimee Mann's "Amateur" and the Patti LaBelle-Michael McDonald hit "On My Own" covered by Peach Union are highlights. As with all '90s Brit comedies there is the obligatory Elton John oldie ("Honky Cat") thrown in for good measure. --Doug Thomas
Peggy H. from JACKSONVILLE, FL Reviewed on 8/7/2006...
Nice variety of artists.
CD Reviews
Anglophiles will LOVE this!
cinemagirl | Los Angeles, CA | 05/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After seeing the movie, I became quite infatuated with it; and, of course, I went out immediately to buy this incredible soundtrack. This is possibly one of the best soundtracks ever to capture the essence of a movie. Every track on this soundtrack puts you back into the movie. Great to wake up to! Here's my review of my most favourite tracks:1.) Have Fun, Go Mad (Blair): This is the opening song to the movie, and I think it is the perfect choice, as it truly sets the pace for the movie. It is upbeat, funky, and fun. Blair sounds a lot like Jamiroquai. 3.) Turn Back Time (Aqua): Aqua definitely proves that songwriting is their strong point with this hit track. This song is slow with a very good beat and melody. Lené Nystøm's voice is absolutely gorgeous.5.) Thank You (Dido): A soothing song with a steady beat! 6.) Use the Force (Jamiroquai): Wow! This song will get you up and dancing! Appropriately, this song was used in the scene of the grand opening of Clive's Restaurant. One of the strongest tracks on the album.7.) Miracle (Olive): When I first heard this song in the movie -- in the scene where Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow) re-enters the restaurant after talking with her ex-boyfriend -- I was enchanted by the airy and whimsical quality of this electronica song. I did not notice this song was on this soundtrack until recently! Joy is listening to this song.8.) On My Own (Peach Union): What can I say about this song, which prompted me to buy Peach Union's CD and the single for this song? This song definitely puts you back into the movie, and it's very motivational and upbeat. I would buy this CD just for this song.9.) Amateur (Aimee Mann): Used in the bar scene, this is a soft song made strong by Mann's lovely vocals. 11.) Don't Feel Like Cryin' (Abra Moore): What a voice! Another motivational and upbeat song that will make you hit repeat on your discman."
Depends on Your Taste in Music
cinemagirl | 08/31/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"You probably will like this CD if you like:a) British Top 40 b) Pop Rock (Top 40 US) c) Light rock There are some upbeat, jumpy numbers and some sedate, mellow grooves. The biggest disappointment you may find is that the song "Tenderness On The Block," performed by Patty Larkin, is missing from this soundtrack (the song at the end of the movie when Helen boards the elevator of destiny and love). However, for those of you who really love the song itself, Shawn Colvin covers it on her "Fat City" CD. It is a more mellow cover of the tune, but it isn't a bad rendition. It was originally sung by Warren Zevon and can be found on his "Excitable Boy" CD. I have not heard his version of this song, though. Overall, I think this is a good CD, which has some good songs to listen to while on the road. All of the songs on the CD are in the movie, but all songs from the movie are not on the CD--so buyer beware! A good idea would be to watch the movie again before making your decision and ask yourself if it is truly the music you like or is it the movie itself. After all, you can buy the movie for $10 and listen to the songs that way, or even better get it on DVD, then you have both (I think that will work). Good Luck!"
One of the more perfect soundtracks ever
ad_crumenam | Texas, USA | 03/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At every turn, the soundtrack fit the mood of the film. Bouncy and optimistic in some places (Have Fun Go Mad, Don't Feel Like Cryin'), downright tragic in others (Amateur), and sophisticated and dramatic in yet others (Use The Force, Miracle). It features some of the better undiscovered British bands, some of whom hit it big after (but not due to) the soundtrack, including Olive, Aqua, Space Monkeys, and last but not least, Dido. Her track "Thank You" appeared on this soundtrack several years before "No Angel" was ever released, and it fit perfectly."
You must buy this CD
Michael Erisman | Seattle, WA | 05/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A good movie and a great soundtrack. This is one of those rare compilations with no weak spots. All the music is excellent, from Dido's "Thank You" to Elton John's "Honkey Cat", it flows, and grooves all the way through.The music captures the spirit of the film, and takes you even further. From the starting bite of "Have fun, go mad" and on through the disc, it will move you - literally. You will not be disapointed!"
Great, but missing 2 key songs!
L. L. Tritton | Frisco, TX | 08/13/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I love this cd, I really do... but every time I listen to it I'm disappointed that it's missing both Patty Larkin songs-- Coming Up for Air, which is beautiful and tender, and Tenderness on the Block (which in my opinion is superior to Shawn Colvin's version and especially superior to Zevon/Browne's original versions).
To get Coming Up for Air, you have to buy one of Patty Larkin's albums, which isn't that big of a deal.
But Tenderness on the Block? Can't be found! I've searched high and low, and I can't find the recording of it anywhere. :(
These songs help "make" the movie, and without them, the soundtrack is incomplete.
Otherwise it's fantastic, including the best Jamiroquai song, Use the Force."