Lyle Lovett - Smile ~ Songs from the Movies

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Music reviews of Smile ~ Songs from the Movies

Music Review: An enjoyable listen!
Rating: 4 Stars

Even the die-hard fan isn't likely to own all the soundtracks from which "Smile"'s songs are culled; so getting this disc is an ideal way to complete your Lovett collection. But "Smile" is more than a completionist's must-have; it is also a concept album. And its concept is Lovett's passion for the movies. This concept makes the set hang together as a musical (and theatrical) whole.

Though there is nothing on "Smile" that feels like filler, a couple of standout tracks merit particular mention. Lovett's rendition of "Mack the Knife" from Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera" rivals (even surpasses) the well-respected Bobby Darin version. Though a far cry from Weill's original arrangement, the rich orchestration heard here somehow works with Lovett's restrained but plangent vocal.

Another highlight of the disc is Lovett's remaking of Ray Charles's "What'd I Say." True to the spirit of the original, this track proves that Lovett can sing soul music soulfully.

Perhaps the best-known song on the disc is Lovett's duet with Randy Newman--"You've Got a Friend in Me" from Disney's "Toy Story." In the context of this set, this song takes on new meaning and Lovett's admiration for Mr. Newman's music suddenly becomes more pertinent than the saga between Buzz Lightyear and Woody.

"Smile" may not break new ground the way that Lovett's last set of standards ("Step Inside This House") did, but it must be the most essential collection of previously released non-originals in the history of popular music. And like most of Lovett's records, it is just plain fun to listen to.

Description of Smile ~ Songs from the Movies

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