Love Actually - Various Artists

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Completely unoriginal
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Reminds me of the film
Disadvantages:	Quite a few fillers

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Before I saw 'Love Actually', I had already seen a few music videos from various artists which included snippets of the film, so I had a fair idea of the music which would be included on the soundtrack. If I love a film, I tend to love the music from the film too, and the soundtrack becomes an automatic addition to my collection, not always cherished though I might add. I bought my copy from CD-WOW when it was released, and I paid £8.99 at the time.

The opening track is from Girls Aloud, and is their commercially successful cover of the Pointer Sister's hit 'Jump'. It is not my cup of tea, and although the original song was no work of art, it is a classic in it's own way, and one of those songs that should never really be covered, especially when you have the nerve to run a dance beat over the top of it! I quite like Girls Aloud at times, but on this track they screech more than they sing, however my 3 year old loves it, so without doubt there is a market for this kind of thing!

From one girl band to another, but don't confuse the two, because 'Lost In You' from The Sugababes is one of the best songs they have released in my opinion. It is a ballad which I never tire of listening to, and shows just what lovely soulful voices these three girls have (before Mutya was replaced with Amelle). It is a slightly different version from the one they released as a single, and this version is purer with less strings, and a strong competitor for best song on the soundtrack.

The very first American idol Kelly Clarkson gets in on the act, and before you dismiss her, as I did, take a listen to this song, 'The Trouble With Love Is', because it is pretty decent song, and she has a likeable voice. It is a good old fashioned love song, and it is a nice addition to the soundtrack. It actually made me go out and listen to some more of her music, and whilst I wouldn't profess to be a fan, she is not as bad as many reviews have made her out to be.

'Here With Me' by Dido is a track I struggle to remember whereabouts it featured in the film, but it is a good track nonetheless. Note to self: "Must watch film again and take note where this song appears". Again, it is a slow tempo ballad, and fits well with the rest of the songs around it. Whilst many people thought that Bill Nighy aka Billy Mack's cover of The Troggs 'Love Is All Around' was hilarious, it really grinds on me, and whilst I loved his character in the film, I think this song is terrible, especially where the lyrics have been replaced with seasonal Christmas lyrics. Even the novelty joke factor of the song passes me by, and it is very rare that I don't skip past this track.

'Love Actually' is a film all about emotion, and there are many romantic encounters during the film, and I can think of no better song to accompany those moments than 'Turn Me On' by Norah Jones. It is sensual, provocative, and perfect mood setter. The perfect smoochy slow dance song, and that is exactly how it was used in the film to great effect to create a "moment".

If you think that song is great, then you will love 'Songbird' by Eva Cassidy. I agree that her voice is gorgeous, but for some reason I missed out on all of the hype surrounding the initial release of her music after her death, but I absolutely adore this song. It is a song which evokes a lot of emotion in me, and rather than making me think about my husband, I think about my children, and it always sets me off, as the lyrics are beautifully written and sung.

The first time I heard the magnificent (and one of my favourite bands) Maroon 5 was on this soundtrack, and I am ashamed they passed me by initially, but now I think 'Sweetest Goodbye' is one of their best songs. It is a love song, but with more tempo and gusto behind it than a standard ballad. Their lyrics are provocative, and Adam Devine's vocals draw the listener in. Go listen to their albums now……and that's an order!!!

Texas are a band I have a love hate relationship with as I find their music so inconsistent and their jumping from one style to another can really irritate me at times. 'I'll See It Through' reminds me of another song, but I can't for the life of me name it. Sharleen's voice is nice, and the song is a nice ballad, but nothing special, and in the company of the other tracks, it is easily forgotten.

I will openly admit that I really can't see why Joni Mitchell was and still is so popular. 'Both Sides Now' just misses the spot for me. I find her voice too raspy, and the musical accompaniment overly simplified, even verging on bland. It sticks out like a sore thumb, and for me is my least favourite track in the compilation, and one that I think was a mistake to include.

A real Christmas classic song from Otis Redding with 'White Christmas'. I like Otis Redding, but I don't like Otis Redding singing this song, as he changed it too much from the original which was just fine as it was. It is songs like this which really limit the shelf life of the CD, as it would sound very peculiar if you had this playing with your car windows down in the middle of summer!

For me, the soundtrack goes through a very lean patch now, and includes tracks just to pad out the collection when there really is no need. 'Take Me As I Am' by Wyclef Jean is his usual annoying style and not for me at all, whilst Olivia Olson covers the Mariah Carey song 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'. It was bad enough first time round, and every Christmas since, so do we really need to have it inflicted it on us again, and by someone whose vocals are notably weaker than Ms Carey's.

It is as if the makers of the CD know that our attention is waning, so they include an old favourite in 'God Only Knows' from The Beach Boys. A nice addition, and I start to get interested again, and even more so when the soulful voice of Lynden David Hall sings the opening bars of 'All You Need Is Love'. Why is this so far down the track listing? Him singing this is one of the most memorable parts of the film, and it is an excellent version of a truly cherished song. I think he is a British singer who never really managed to hit on the lucky big break which is a shame because he is excellent.

Gabrielle gets her chance to shine with 'Sometimes', which sounds like every other song she has released. It is a nice enough ballad, but just lacks a certain something to make you sit up and really want to listen to it. Enjoy singing along whilst you can though, as the last two track are instrumentals from Craig Armstrong. 'Glasgow Love Theme' and 'PM's Love Theme' sit well within the film, but as standalone pieces of music, they left me feeling a bit cold.

The cover of the album includes small pictures of the main characters from the film, and is made to look as if it is wrapped in a Christmas present style bow, so it is very easy to spot. Would I recommend it? Well, I would because I love soundtracks, and they are always going to be hitty missy in terms of liking all of the songs, and with some songs proving more popular than others. It is certainly more suited to the festive period, so treat yourself at Christmas! You have a while to save up!