Best Of Randy Newman, The (Lonely At The Top) [Remastered] - Randy Newman

Advantages: Thoughtful accessible songs
Disadvantages: You like him or you don't I guess

...Sail Away is a triumphant music masterpiece by the very talented man of satire. Apparently best known as the man behind the Toy Story song "You Got A Friend'" Newman has been composing music for decades. Besides his countless soundtracks, he has contributed many songs made popular by others; "Simon Smith And The Amazing Dancing Bear" and "You Can Leave Your Hat On" appear here. In the linear notes to this expanded edition, Newman says he was going for something, which would combine orchestration, piano, and a rock/band element. He succeeded with Sail Away in varying degrees. All the songs work on the most basic of levels, but are extremely cohesive and the variety of arrangements make for repeated listening. The title song is one of Newman's most striking without sounding too overblown. The way the strings come in is emotive... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: All the things you love from the film you get to re-live in the sountrack!
Disadvantages: None

...I'll try not to be too biased when writing this review but i love toy story to bits so i may not be able to help that. The Toy Story original soundtrack written and performed by Randy Newman features 16 songs, 12 of which are instrumentals. They are: 1. You've Got a Friend in Me 2. Strange things 3. I Will Go Sailing No More These along with the end track which is another version of You've Got a Friend in Me done as a duet, are the only non instrumental songs. The remaining other songs are: 4. Andy's Birthday 5. Soldier's Mission 6. Presents 7. Buzz 8. Sid 9. Woody and Buzz 10. Mutants 11. Woody's Gone 12. The Big One 13. Hang Together 14. On the Move 15. Infinity and Beyond 16. You've Got a Friend in Me (Duet) If your a fan of Toy Story i highly recommend you get this album, it has loads of instantly recognisable songs from the film... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: You might enjoy it
Disadvantages: Ok then buy that Steve Brookstein single!

...of transport 13.Davy the fat boy Tells of how a fat boys parents leave him in the good hands of his friend after they pass on. He promptly puts him in a Circus! Funny and sad at the same time and again probably non-PC now. 14.Lonely at the top A tongue in cheek song to end with as Randy takes the mickey out of himself and his approach to fame. Overall a great album if you are a fan and a good starting point if you are not. Randy has also has had some success writing Film Scores (Toy Story, Maverick, Monsters Inc, The Three Amigos) to name but a few. He cracked me up at the Academy Awards when on finally winning at the 9th time of being nominated, for the song "If I didn't have you" from Monsters Inc, he started his speech with.. "I want to thank first of all the music branch for giving me so many chances to be humiliated over the years... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful