|
 |
It
seems only natural that Destiny's Child has become the
"voice" behind the new "Charlie's Angels" movie.
Not unlike the television series in its later years, Destiny's Child
has become a revolving door for beautiful women . . . and both the
series and the group lost their respective Farrahs just as success
was imminent. |
Both
are back, however, with all-new trios to wow the audiences. This
time, of course, Destiny's Child is singing the praises of being an
"Independent Woman" while Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and
Lucy Liu are (karate) kicking some butt on Charlie's behalf!
At
a glance, the soundtrack appears strong. Where else will you find
new cuts from Destiny's Child, Fatboy Slim and newcomer Caviar mixed
with flashbacks by Heart ("Barracuda"), Spandau Ballet
("True"), and Marvin Gaye? Aerosmith even contributes
"Angel's Eye," their rocking follow-up to their smash No. 1
single from the "Armageddon" soundtrack, "I Don't
Wanna Miss a Thing." Add to that the addition of Sir Mix-A-Lot's
"Baby Got Back" and you have a sure-fire winner. Right?
Wrong.
Aside
from Apollo Four Forty's headache-inspiring rework of the Angel's
theme, found here as "Charlie's Angels 2000," most of the
tracks would individually be crowd-pleasers. Of the 15-track set,
nine are former chart-toppers. Mix into the previously mentioned
group such stand-outs as Deee-Lite's "Groove Is In The
Heart," Looking Glass' "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl),"
Leo Sayer's "You Make Me Feel Like Dancin'" and The
Vapoers' "Turning Japanese," and you have an enviable mix
of hits from the past three decades. However, after a listen, it
becomes evident why there hasn't been a compilation like this
previously.
The
transitions, due to the diverse musical styles, seem jerky,
unnatural. Otherwise likable songs--such as Gaye's "Got to Give
It Up (Part 1)"--do not mix well when followed by Fatboy Slim's
"Ya Mama." This leaves the listener, this one at least,
feeling annoyed. (In fact, "Ya Mama" is a far cry from merry-making
"Praise You," which was ubiquitous at radio just last fall.)
|
When
pairing the words "ubiquitous" and "radio,"
though, one can only be speaking of Destiny's Child. Currently the
hottest property on radio, in any of its incarnation's, the group's
sound has dominated the airwaves and spun off a string of sound-alike
hits (see The Spice Girls' "Holler" and Mya's "Case of
the Ex" as examples).
The
group is in fine form with two new cuts here. "Independent
Woman (Part 1)," with its sistahs-are-doin'-it-for-themselves
lyrics, is blazing up the charts . . . and quickly saturating radio.
Admit it. The song is "instantly likeable" |
Aerosmith
leads the way on the Charlie's Angels Movie Soundtrack |
because
it seems the listener has heard it before. And you have. The
similarities to past tracks such as "Jumpin' Jumpin'" and
"Say My Name," are undeniable--verging on recycled.
Certainly it's satisfying--it IS "the sound" of the
moment--but it's unique that as the group is ever-changing, the song
stays the same.
"Dot,"
the second new track by the group, is also strong--if cookie-cutter.
With sing along chorus and smooth harmonies, which have become the
trademark of the trio (formerly quartet!), "Dot" is likely
to find a warm reception particularly at urban radio.
"Charlie's
Angels" could prove to be a must-see movie for fans of the TV
series, if for no other reason than to point out ways the new Angels
can't compare to the originals. The soundtrack, however, can be
skipped.
Fans
of Aerosmith can buy the single. There'll be no need to go that far
for Destiny's Child fans. The group (and imitators) will be flooding
airwaves long enough to tide over even the most devoted fans until
the trio regroups with a full-length follow-up to the
platinum-selling "The Writing Is On The Wall."
Click
here to purchase this
CD (or
others)
from Amazon.com
Return
to Top
